Initial Expedition Training, 22-23 Jun 2024

-

Another great performance by juniors in their expedition learning with an overnight camp. Both groups very solid with great comradery and fine weather.




We started doing this shortened day expedition format for IET after the DofE scheme removed the need for a practice expedition for Bronze. More fundamentally, by shortening days either side of the camp it makes it easier to get Year 8's to get engaged because it means they need to carry less kit for less time. What we found is that building up the training really helped to hone our cadets knowledge and skills. Our year 8's (and 9's) are especially hungry for it. It's a fantastic way of building friendships and teamwork. Experience tells us that that having done an IET and practice walks, when we drop them into Bronze DofE actual expeditions in Sept, they will perform at a high level and are more likely to enjoy it.

You never know what will happen. This year there was a bit of STEM thrown in, as they stumbled into the Avon Dassett Soapbox Derby race with some amazing karts, including a Dalek one.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

DofE Enrolment Form link now in the Forms list

-
DofE enrolment: An  .doc enrolment form  or PDF  (link to form with some pre-filled info for Sqn) must be completed on first enrolment to eDofE. 1368 Sqn is passionate about the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. The DofE is open to young people and has 3 levels - Bronze, Silver and Gold.  Participants complete activities at each level over set periods in each of 4 sections - Volunteering, Expeditions, Skills, Physical; for Gold only, a Residential is added as a fifth section. For the Participant: The DofE is understood by those outside of the ATC. There is a greater expectation of involvement by the cadet in the planning stage of their DofE experience than in standard cadet syllabus, thus accelerating the process of personal development. The ATC syllabus offers an almost ‘off-the-shelf’ programme to gain an Award and there are ample opportunities for cadets and young volunteer staff to gain Awards by their work within the Corps. DofE generates success in areas of ...
Read more

AP818 - RAF Drill and Ceremonial Manual for Air Cadets

-
Last week, the cadets did some drill practice, partly in readiness for parades that are coming up, partly to give new prospective NCOs some experience "at the front" and also to sharpen up Squadron discipline. Drill is a powerful aid to discipline. It develops a sense of corporate pride, alertness, precision and readiness to obey orders instantly. Good drill in aircraft is directly fostered by the habit of drilling smartly on parade. Thus, smartness on parade is not only a sign of good discipline, but a basic factor in raising the standard of performance in duties. Back in the (really) old days, the Air Cadets used to have its own Air Cadet drill manual. Nowadays this is all gone. The RAFAC aligns wholly to the RAF Drill manual called AP818 . To do it by the book, therefore, check out the book! (it's actually how the RAF teaches it).
Read more

The RAF Air Cadet's Astra initiative

-
Image
Air Commodore Anthony Keeling is a senior Royal Air Force officer and current Commandant Air Cadets. He's very keen to update the Air Cadets to align with the modern world and the type of skills that are important in the RAF. Astra is the name given to the initiative to modernize air cadet training to align with this future. RAF Air Cadet Purpose We are an Air, Space and Cyber focused uniformed youth organisation whose purpose is to grow young people’s potential while fostering an interest in the Royal Air Force. RAF Air Cadet Astra Ambition A leading, progressive and inclusive organisation delivering life-enhancing Air Cadet experiences that will equip our people to contribute to every aspect of the national Air, Space and Cyber enterprise. RAF Air Cadet Astra Vision To achieve this ambition, the Air Cadets will modernise and transform as an Air, Space and Cyber focussed uniformed youth organisation, providing innovative and inclusive life-enhancing experiences for young people, r...
Read more