Wellacre Launches Combined Cadet Force - Royal Navy Section

Posted at 11:23 am on 22nd January, 2019

Navy Cadets Set Sail at Wellacre

Wellacre is pleased to announce the school has opened a Combined Cadet Force (CCF)  Royal Navy section for students in January 2019.

The Wellacre CCF unit is part of the Government’s nationwide Cadet Expansion Programme (CEP) and is designed to promote a military ethos in order to instill values in young people that will help them to reach their full potential and to contribute to their communities and their schools.  

The Navy Cadet section is now part of the school’s co-curricular programme that takes place every Wednesday. The cadet unit will provide students in Year 9 and above a life-changing opportunity to develop and achieve, through challenging, active, adventurous and fun activities.  Every student who is part of the CCF will receive a cadet uniform free of charge.

Through the Royal Navy Cadet training programme, students at Wellacre will be able to undertake assessments to progress through the ranks from Able Cadet to Chief Petty Officer.  Students can also achieve BTEC and CVQO learning qualifications in the higher ranks by taking on more responsibilities and leadership opportunities.

The activities cadets take part in with the CCF focus on helping students gain new skills, improve teamwork, confidence and leadership, as well as develop qualities such as self-discipline, resilience, loyalty and respect.  

Principal Melanie Wicks, said:

“We are proud to announce the launch of Wellacre’s Royal Navy Combined Cadet Section.  We are excited to be able to offer this programme to our students; it will make a fantastic addition to our education and co-curricular provision and will help to bolster our school’s aim to enable our young students to achieve excellence and shape their own future.’

The fully-trained CCF team at Wellacre is headed by award-winning School Staff Instructor, Mr Boswell, who holds the rank of Colour Sergeant (Assistant Head of House, Pankhurst) and includes Contingent Commander, Mr Wise ( Cover Supervisor) and Section Officers, Mr Duffy (Year 11 Progress Leader and Director of Futures) and Mr Baker (Leader of Geography.)

Mr Boswell joined the British Army from school and served within the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards. He spent 12 years serving the country overseas on operational duties and conducting ceremonial duties including “Trooping the Colour” (The Queen’s birthday parade.) On leaving the army, he has worked for both Greater Manchester Police, and Fire and Rescue Service, as well as being a Cadet Forces volunteer.  Most recently, he was awarded a Queen’s Lord Lieutenant of Manchester’s Commendation, for Services to the CCF.

Miss Wicks adds:

“I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce Mr Boswell, who has joined Wellacre’s Pastoral team.  His career and experiences in the military, emergency services, and, most recently, his award-winning work in education, makes him a valuable addition to the school. We look forward to seeing Wellacre students succeed as part of the Royal Naval Cadet section under his team’s command.”