Navigating the Chiltern Hills

CCF pupils in Year 10 enjoyed a field day of navigation, orienteering and sailing last week in the Chiltern Hills and at a Sailing Centre in Sonning.

Mr Steve Macpherson, Head of Outdoor Education, said: "The focus for the Army and RAF sections is navigation this term. Navigation is a big part of the CCF syllabus and often overlooked, so it was important that the pupils spent some time working on developing these skills. The aim of the day was therefore for the cadets to learn and practise some basic but fundamental navigational skills.

"On arrival at the Bridgewater Monument the group split up and along with their instructors followed four different circular routes through the Chiltern Hills. Throughout the day the cadets were given instruction in orientating their maps and navigation by recognising features around them.

"As the day progressed the instructors took a more supervisory role and let the group navigate themselves along the planned route. Clearly the teaching from the first half of the day was absorbed as all the groups arrived back at the car park exactly on time!

"The Royal Navy section used the day to get some valuable sailing time in at the Sailing Centre in Sonning. There was a good breeze throughout the day which made for some challenging sailing but the cadets were up to the challenge. As the day progressed their confidence and ability in the conditions improved and everyone was zipping around the lake by the end of a tiring but fun day."

A big thank you to Mr Milburn and Mr Parker for stepping in at the last minute to help out and ensure the trip went ahead, as well as the other staff who ensured the day ran smoothly.

The following Year 10 pupils were also singled out as being excellent on the day:

• Ollie Joiner - for being helpful all day
• Max Dag - for being a great ambassador for the school
• Ben Brookes - for showing excellent navigation skills

Well done!

Flickr album: CCF Field Trip October 2020 | Height: auto | Theme: Default