CCF, Methods of Instruction Course, Nescliff, Years 11+

The Year 11 cadets, along with some of the existing senior cadets, took part in the first weekend Methods of Instruction Cadre that the contingent has had for some time. The group were kindly permitted to use the Shropshire Army Cadet Force weekend training centre at Nesscliff Training Camp where the course was run for the weekend. After settling in, the group received several presentations on the Saturday morning regarding techniques for instructing the various subjects taught in the CCF syllabus as well as lesson planning and use of visual aids. After lunch the group then experienced 3 lessons (skill at arms, drill and map and compass) which were delivered by adult members of the cadet force and 32 Cadet Training Team; these lessons were examples of good practice as well as an opportunity for the staff and cadets to discuss the delivery and structure of lessons. After evening meal the group were then set their ‘teaching practices' for the following day which they would prepare during the evening before delivering them the following day.

Sunday saw an early start before the group had final rehearsals for their teaching practices. Each individual then delivered a lesson from the CCF syllabus to their peers in the manner expected from the course. They were graded by one of the adult instructors as well as Ian Kelly from CVQO who was there to moderate the grading, so that the course could count towards the BTEC in Public Services that most of the cadets are working towards. Part of the day also included the contingent's senior cadet, C/Sgt Katy Yates, delivering a theoretical problem solving exercise to the group as the culminating part of the advanced CCF syllabus. This was particularly difficult as it involved her designing the lesson from scratch with little guidance from existing material, she produced a very good lesson which she reflected on very accurately picking out all the assessors points before they had a chance to raise them during her debrief. The cadets soon found out that it was not a ‘turn up and pass' course as two had to redo the lessons they had prepared due to not fulfilling the pass criteria, at the opposite end of the spectrum 3 of the cadets - Rebecca Long, Callum Morris and Hana Foggin delivered fantastic lessons. Hana Foggin was marked by the representative from 32 Cadet Training Team and his statement was that the lesson was outstanding with no faults - well done Hana.

On completion of the reruns, and the tidying of the Weekend Centre, a final parade took place where the results were given out. All the cadets passed at various levels with the three previously mentioned all gaining distinctions - well done. On completion of this course all the year 11 cadets have passed the requirements for promotion which means they will be made Lance Corporals at the following drill afternoon; they will also be putting their new found skills into practice as some will be taking lessons with the new recruits.

Thanks must go to Lt Maxfield for problem solving, RSM Derrigan and Sgt Griffiths of Shropshire Army Cadet Force, Sgt Powell of 32 CTT and our own S/Sgt Till for their demonstration of lessons as well as marking the cadets during the teaching practices.

ADO