A typical Wednesday afternoon will find Reptonians up ropes and under bonnets; square-bashing and can-crushing; caring for the young, the elderly and all ages in-between; and planning night manoeuvres and letter-writing campaigns.
In other words, the activities that take place in this central slot in our week – CCF, the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and Community Service - are many and varied, but they all share the element of personal challenge. These might range from the physical rigours of a four-day expedition to the problems of assisting an older person in becoming computer literate. The skills of leadership and teambuilding, highly valued by employers, are also developed - skills which are just as evident on a CCF Night Op or in organising the recycling team in Community Service. Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for others – for their platoon, their expedition group, their community – as well as for themselves. Crucially, these activities also foster an awareness of the wider world; they provide an insight into some of the challenges that the world presents and perhaps begin to offer ideas about the contributions Reptonians will be able to make.
Reptonians spend at least one year as a member of A Coy in the CCF, and with Skill competitions, Night Ops and two voluntary Adventurous Training weeks this is a shared experience which creates some very enjoyable and enduring memories. In O Block a greater choice of activities within the CCF is given or the quest for Duke of Edinburgh Awards can begin. In the Sixth Form the added option of Community Service is very popular with pupils seeking a fresh challenge or those looking towards a career in the caring professions.
Through this programme pupils will also discover what contributions they can make to the benefit of their environment and community. This, we hope, will set them on a life-long path of duty and responsibility and to personal and professional fulfilment.