Combined Cadet Force - CCF

CCF is popular with pupils in Year 10 and 11, for whom it is compulsory.  Many opt to continue in the CCF in the Sixth Form, where they can be promoted up the ranks.  The CCF at Mount St Mary's College has 2 Sections, Army and RAF. Each section takes part in Shooting and Safety Tests before they can fire the rifle, drill and turnout. Then each section follows their individual syllabus.

Some of our most committed CCF pupils enjoy considerable success through their involvement.  In 2007-8, pupils won scholarships for flying, and one pupil won a £2000 RAF bursary.   

The Army Section

Advanced Skill at Arms

Field craft

Range Firing

First Aid Map & compass

Camp craft

Rifle ranges

Assault courses

Military knowledge/ Command Tasks

Full bore rifle shooting

Navigation Map and Compass

0.22 rifle shooting

RAF Section

Air Experience

Flying at RAF Church Fenton Aircraft recognition

Principles of Flight Aircraft Propulsion

GlidingNavigation

Map and CompassFirst Aid

Leadership/initiative exercises

0.22 rifle shooting

The role of the RAF 

Adventurous training is something that is unique to both sections and on-going throughout the year. Activities include a wide range, from hill walking, orienteering, canoeing, abseiling, sub-aqua in the Red Sea and skiing in Canada and the USA. Also, this year clay pigeon shooting, archery and go-karting were included.

CCF is a popular aspect of College life with a large number of pupils in the sixth form remaining involved and becoming NCOs.

CCF Camp

The Army section of the CCF spent an enjoyable and fruitful week at Wathgill, North Yorkshire in Summer 2008.  The cadets experienced a Royal Signals package using different radios, and pitted their wits against a series of command challenges.  "Operation Mount Strike" saw the cadets on a 24 hour exercise, building "bashers" and surviving on ration packs.  There was also time for adventure training exercises including rock-climbing and canoeing, orienteering and an obstacle course race.