Maria Miller MP visited the Vyne Community School to meet with members of the school’s Combined Cadet Force, one of only a few dozen Cadet Forces run from a state school in the country. During their meeting, the Cadets took the chance to share some of their thoughts with Maria about how they have benefited from taking part in the scheme:
“Being a member of the Cadets has helped with my personal development, my confidence has grown alongside my social skills and friendships. It’s also rewarding to have a feeling of responsibility.”
“It is just something completely different; there are so many opportunities on offer- from abseiling to field craft. We’ve got to take part in exciting weekends away to practise the skills we’ve learnt, and every year there’s a summer camp.”
“I’ve even got a qualification out of being a member of the Cadets, we’ve been trained in First Aid.”
Maria spoke to a member of the Vyne Community School’s Combined Cadet Force who has been so motivated by her experience in the scheme that she aspires to join the Army, and is currently looking at military scholarships for University.
Maria said: “It’s great to see these young people so passionate and excited about being part of the Combined Cadet Force.
The skills that they are learning now will be invaluable to them when starting their journeys in higher education and in the work place, displaying a strong example of their commitment and discipline, alongside a high standard of personal presentation and confidence.
I would like to congratulate the Vyne School for offering this unique experience to their students, something that is only available in a select number of state schools across the country.”
The Vyne Community School are also embarking on an exciting Duke of Edinburgh programme, starting with the Bronze Award which will be partially integrated with the Combined Cadet Force.