News

November 13th 2013

The Dukeries Academy, based on Whinney Lane in Ollerton, has been working with Worksop College to set up a Combined Cadet Force (Army) unit for the Academy, as part of the Government’s Schools’ Cadet Expansion Programme.

The aim of the programme is to have an additional 100 cadet units in state-funded schools in England by 2015.
The first parade for Dukeries Academy pupils took place at Worksop College in September 2013, which has been followed by a number of hours rehearsal time ahead of the Remembrance Parade.

Worksop College, which already has a CCF unit and has been involved with the CCF movement since the 1900s, and has been mentoring teachers, volunteers and students from The Dukeries until the new detachment is ready to go it alone.

Chris Mansfield, Contingent Commander (designate), from The Dukeries Academy, said:  “We had a group of seven cadets taking part in the Remembrance Parade, all of which were proud to represent their school and the cadet unit on such a memorable day.

“Hundreds of local people turned out to take part in the parade which started at Ollerton Town Hall and there was a great sense of pride and respect in the air which was noted by the cadets.
“Cadet activities within our unit include drill, field craft and navigation.  A number of teachers and other adult volunteers are running the unit on a week to week basis and we have had good feedback from many of the cadets involved so far.”

Group Captain Nick Sharpe, Chief Executive at East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (RFCA), said: “The Prime Minister’s initiative to increase the number of cadet units in the nation’s schools clearly recognises the benefits that being a member of the cadet forces brings, not just to the individual, but to their school and their community.

“The RFCA look forward to working with schools who are taking part in the initiative to ensure that students gain as much as possible from their membership.”