Service, CCF, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

EXTRA CURRICULAR

SERVICE, CCF, THE DUKE of EDINBURGH'S AWARD

An exciting range of activities exist for Repton pupils on Wednesday afternoons with a strong emphasis on outdoor pursuits and service to the wider community. All pupils will participate in Repton’s Combined Cadet Force at some stage of their school career, either remaining in CCF or opting for the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. Sixth Formers have the additional option of joining the Community Action programme, volunteering in community activities and giving back to local community initiatives.

CCF

Around a third of Reptonians are enrolled in our Combined Cadet Force. All pupils join the CCF in A Block, after which membership is voluntary, joining either the Army or RAF section for a year’s basic training.

The CCF aims to deliver the full Cadet Experience, working to develop transferable 21st century skills of communication, teamwork, leadership, personal responsibility, self-reliance and resilience in young people. It enables pupils to explore themselves, to develop necessary life skills and self-confidence so they can reach their full potential at School and in life beyond the Arch. Cadets in A Block complete their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh as part of their training syllabus and if the individual decides to stay on after their introductory year, on their sixteenth birthday they are enrolled into direct entry Gold Duke of Edinburgh. Many of the requirements for this qualification are met by the CCF training Syllabus, with the residential and expedition aspects being completed in the Sixth Form, allowing pupils sufficient time to complete the award whilst still at School.

The exhilarating programme includes fieldcraft, physical obstacle course training, navigation, expedition training, marksmanship, signal qualifications, first aid, abseiling, archery, clay pigeon, kayaking, canoeing and stand up paddleboarding.

Repton’s dedicated facilities include an indoor 25m rifle range and a flight simulator, cadets also regularly use the pool for command tasks and paddle sports, along with Mitre Orchard and field and the woods and lake in the grounds of Repton Prep.

The Army Section is associated with the Mercian Regiment and we are well supported with our training. Cadets are able to conduct challenging blank and dry fieldcraft events and live range days. The RAF section cadets have regular opportunities to fly at RAF Cranwell and the option to glide if they choose to stay.

In the Lent term, all members of A Block take part in Barnes Squad. This inter-House competition was first introduced by the father of a Mitre House pupil in March 1918. In this hotly contested competition cadets compete in Drill, Turnout, Shooting, First Aid, Military Knowledge and Navigation.

Repton’s Russell Cup is a Sixth Form inter-House competition which tests problem solving skills and physical ability.

During the academic year, cadets are able to opt in to a wide variety of weekend activities, from archery to shooting. Each term there is a whole contingent activity which is designed to complete various aspects of the syllabus enabling cadets to earn Achievement Badges and Promotion. The first week of July is our Summer Camp; a culmination of effort and training giving cadets the opportunity to really enjoy what they have learnt during the year and for the older cadets to put their leadership skills into practice.

THE DUKE of EDINBURGH'S AWARD

At Repton, O Block pupils have the chance to gain their Silver Award and the Gold Award is offered at Sixth Form. Participants engage in four Sections: Expedition, Volunteering, Physical and Skill, the last two of which give them credit for their pre-existing sporting commitments and hobbies.

The Silver and Gold Expeditions take place in wild, open terrain, and last up to four nights. The expeditions develop participants’ independence and perseverance, but are also immensely rewarding, not least for the spirit of independence and determination which they foster. Perhaps just because they are physically and emotionally demanding, many participants view the expeditions, which take in some of the most beautiful scenery in the British Isles, as among the highlights of their time at Repton, and they also often ignite what can become a life-long love of the outdoors, and of nature itself.

Expeditions are invaluable in honing soft-skills and character-traits so prized by employers; leadership, resilience, mental agility and emotional intelligence, and an awareness and maximisation of one’s own strengths. In all its Sections, however, the DofE Award hones pupils’ time-management, self-discipline and intellectual rigour, thus complementing and supporting their academic progress. It deliberately challenges and takes pupils out of their comfort-zones: it is very common for them to see new sides of themselves, as well as new parts of the country.

COMMUNITY service

Philanthropy is the very foundation stone upon which our School was created in 1557. Today our Community Action programme is an important part of the educational experience of all Reptonians. All of our Sixth Formers are encouraged to take part in local volunteering activities such as helping elderly residents, visiting our local residential home for adults with physical or learning disabilities, helping at St Wystan’s Church, assisting teachers at Repton Primary School as well as becoming a part of the volunteer scheme at the Royal Derby Hospital.