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CCF: Distinguished Guests Visit Rydal Penrhos as Cadet Achievements Recognised

May 24, 2024

Thursday 23 May 2024 proved an outstanding showcase for our Combined Cadet Force, as Rydal Penrhos enjoyed a day of ceremonies, promotions, and leadership activities.

At Rydal Penrhos, we offer numerous opportunities beyond the classroom, exemplified by our highly commended Combined Cadet Force (CCF) program.

The CCF nurtures leadership, teamwork, and self-discipline, providing skills that last well beyond school years. As a school, we are honoured to have the 1st Queen’s Dragoon Guards, The Welsh Cavalry, as our sponsored regiment, allowing us to display their emblem on our regiment uniforms.

On 23 May 2024, we celebrated our CCF with guests from the Queen’s Dragoon Guards and other distinguished visitors. The day began with a special assembly attended by parents and notable guests, including Brigadier Colonel Richmond and Colonel LT Williams.

During the assembly, our cadets participated in the Beret and Badge Ceremony, marking their dedication and hard work. Prominent promotions included Cadets Attilio Nguyen, Vlad Pustea, Tom Sinfield, William Waterson, and Evan Lewis-Stone, as well as Mrs Healy and Mr Wilkinson, who was promoted to Staff Sergeant Instructor.

Brigadier Colonel Richmond then addressed the assembly, sharing his army experiences and the CCF’s impact on young lives, highlighting the program’s life skills, camaraderie, and growth opportunities.

Following the ceremony, the Sports Hall played host to Command and Leadership activities for pupils in Years 6 to 8, led by the Regimental Engagement Team and Mr Wilkinson. These activities promoted trust, teamwork, and leadership, and also helped prepare our younger Year 6 pupils for Key Stage 3.

Year 11 Cadets, who have balanced CCF responsibilities with their GCSE preparations throughout the year, were honoured with berets, badges, and promotions during the morning break, following their early 9am exams. This was a proud moment for all involved; for many of these pupils, CCF has been a fixture of their time at Rydal Penrhos.

Brigadier Colonel Richmond said: “My thanks to Tom Hutchinson for the wonderful hospitality at Rydal Penrhos and my congratulations to all involved in the running of the CCF, which I feel is in very good health. I applaud the leadership shown by the Principal in enabling the CCF to thrive and of the Officers/Adult Instructors/SSI who have done a great job.”

We would like to thank Brigadier Colonel Richmond, and all those who contributed to the success of this CCF day. We look forward to the Rydal Penrhos CCF program continuing to flourish, fostering leadership and positive values.