Field Weekend Activities
St Edward’s Field Weekend this year included a variety of activities in which pupils learned new skills, explored military history, and strengthened their teamworking abilities. Pupils from each CCF section, RAF, Army, Navy, as well as Life Skills, review their activities.
RAF Section
Fourth Former, Harry Cantwell, writes:
In front of the iconic Lancaster
The RAF section had an amazing Field Weekend, with fascinating visits to both RAF Brize Norton and the RAF Museum at Hendon. On Sunday we had an early start – meeting for parade at 08.30am in front of the Lodge before setting off for Hendon. Split into our half-flights, we were given a questionnaire to fill out on our way and then let loose across the sprawling complex of hangars. We were thrilled to see so many of the aircraft that we had learnt about up close and personal, as well as discovering some that we’d never even heard of before. One aircraft we were particularly amazed by was the imposing Avro Vulcan with its Blue Steel missile, a British nuclear bomber from the Cold War. We were given an amazing insight into the history of the RAF, from the days of canvas biplanes right up to the present day with the cutting-edge F-35 Lightnings.
On Monday the Fourth Form were lucky enough to be invited to RAF Brize Norton for the day for a truly special look into the RAF’s largest airbase. We started our tour with an interesting presentation about life at Brize Norton and in the RAF as a whole. After this, we moved on to the highlight of the day, our visit to an A-400M of 30 Squadron. The crew gave us a very engaging tour of the aircraft, showing us the exterior, the enormous cargo bay and the flight deck. It was great to get up close with this equipment, poking our heads into the landing gear wells and taking turns sitting in the cockpit. A particularly interesting moment came when the loadmaster (the crewmember in charge of handling cargo) demonstrated to us how to operate the huge rear ramp, opening it with some of us stood on the end. We then moved on to the airbase’s fire section where the team there gave us some demonstrations of the specialised tools and equipment that they use for their unique and vital role. The crew gave us a tour of their Striker fire rescue vehicle and even turned on the powerful fire hose fed by the massive 11,000 litre water tank.
RAF Brize Norton
Finally, we were taken up to the airbase’s air traffic control tower to see the nerve centre of operations at Brize Norton. We watched as one of the Voyager aircraft landed, and the team there showed us how aircraft are tracked, directed, and the airspace around the base is managed. In all, it was a great weekend out and we got to go and learn hands-on with new and exciting equipment as well as some amazing crews and individuals. I’m sure I speak on behalf of all my fellow Cadets when I say a huge thank you to all the staff that organised the weekend, as well as all the members of the RAF that hosted us.
Navy Section
Fifth Former, Harry Frost, writes:
On Sunday we met Navy instructors at the Leadership Academy on HMS Collingwood for activities. They soon got us charging around and doing team challenges on the low ropes and other equipment. This year, no one got wet! In the afternoon we visited Fort Nelson for a guided tour of the Royal Armouries. Before leaving we had time to explore and played a game of sardines in the tunnel system underneath the main fort and barracks. On the Monday we tried our hand at mountain biking, which also involved leadership exercises. The Cadets now all understand the basics of how to cycle challenging terrain. Some members of the group struggled to begin with but overcame initial fears to go down a steep section in the end, which was great fun. The NCOs ran a navigation and camo and concealment activity on the same day, which gave us the opportunity to explore a different part of the forest by ourselves.
Army Section
Fifth Former, Hunter Rey, writes:
We took part in several activities throughout our time at the CCF Army trip and every activity was as good as the other. Bushcraft was the most prominent activity, which included learning and making traps and also filleting fish. The Cadets shot over 9000 rounds of blank fire in advanced training ranging from cover fire drills to a late night ambush of another section. We also conducted map orienteering and learnt about basic camouflage and movement through the landscape. Luckily we had the privilege of sleeping in indoor accommodation and using the army mess hall. It was great to experience the soldier’s perspective on how army bases are actually run. Special thanks to all the teachers involved.
Life Skills
Fourth Formers, Chloé Boyce, Flora McGill and Jemima Latham, write:
On Sunday, the Fourth form Life Skills groups went to the Ashmolean museum and then took a scenic walk around Oxford. At the Ashmolean, we went to a Minoan exhibition where we learnt about the history of Knossos and saw some interesting artefacts. Next, we were able to wander around the Ashmolean in small groups and we all took lots of photos of the things which interested us. After a quick lunch, we took a scenic walk around the city centre and the parks of Oxford before heading back to School. We all found this trip very enjoyable and we want to say a huge thank you to all of the staff for taking us.
On Monday, the group went to Hill End Outdoor Activity Centre. When we arrived, we were split into groups and took part in a variety of activities. Firstly, we built shelters out of wood, tarp and rope. To test how reliable they were, water was poured over them whilst we sat inside. Next, we learnt how to build fires and cooked bread. After this we went on a challenge walk and took part in different activities on the way. It was extremely fun and we learnt many different skills including team building, leadership and survival skills.