Leadership

The Combined Cadet Force, or CCF, conducts military-style training each week with the support of the Regular Army. Boys and girls aged 13 (Year 9) upwards can join the CCF, and many continue until they leave at the end of the Sixth Form. Cadets have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities including shooting, adventurous training and tactical exercises. Senior cadets are trained in leadership and given responsibility for younger cadets. There is a Field Weekend each term as well as a week-long Summer Camp, and there are many other voluntary camps and courses throughout the year.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme takes St Benedict’s pupils out of their comfort zone and into the wilds. Bronze, Silver and Gold awards provide valuable experience of teamwork and perseverance as well as survival skills and navigation. They consist of different challenges: Skills, Physical, Volunteering, Expedition and, for the Gold award, a Residential activity. D of E is highly regarded by universities and employers, who recognise the level of personal development the awards represent. Gold is a particularly impressive achievement, and the awards are formally presented at St James’ Palace.