CCF
Pupil reports on their CCF training
Combined Cadet Force: Royal Navy
Monday Mornings are dreaded nationwide by children and adults. They signal the death of the weekend and the revival of the working week. But the 4th Form at Loretto happens to be an exception. The misery of Monday lessons, including a double period of Mathematics, are taken lightly by the 4th Form, as straight after lesson 8, a select few embark on a journey to Port Edgar, South Queensferry. Everybody knows the CCF is the place to be on a Monday but unfortunately for the Army section Cadets, it's not. The Army section, learns how to 7-point safety check a gun and march in the rain for 3 hours at the tender age of only 14. We Naval Cadets are specially selected however and, out of the hundreds that apply, only 15 can prevail. We use our Monday evenings wisely to learn how to sail, rescue a damned water vessel, save a person's life from a deadly capsize and, of course, drive a speed boat. After a quick stop at Gregg's the Bakers to stock up for a fun filled afternoon, we churn the waves on a RIB powerboat or gently sail in the glorious sunshine along the Firth of Forth in a Boson sailing boat, then it's a 50 minute drive back to school with your fellow Navy Cadets.
The first term is filled by a power boating programme, with an opportunity to earn your RYA Level 1 power boating certificate. The second term is used to heighten our knowledge on orienteering, reading naval maps, tying knots and calculating tides followed by sailing in the summer term. The sailing is split into beginners and competent sailors to ensure you make the most of your time. The Navy section actually teaches you the stuff you will need to know in general life, not just if you want to join the Navy. You go into the summer holidays able to helm and sail a boat and being able to know and understand where you are when at sea. Navy teaches 'real life' that will leave you with a new set of hobbies and the desire to explore.
Report by Russell Kilgour
CCF Summer Camp 2007
During the countdown to CCF camp, several other similarly "girly" girls and I searched for every possible excuse to avoid attending the strict, regimented, hair-straightener-free prison, described to us by previous year groups.
But, several failed attempts at falling conveniently sick later, we found ourselves on the coach armed with a supply of chocolate, magazines and determination.
When we first arrived, the quiet atmosphere and scary looking army men created a general sinking sensation among us all and scenes from old war films and "Chicken Run" played in our heads as we looked at our surroundings. But within an hour and a half, once we had been taken to our billets and settled in, (and met the 60 Merchiston boys also attending camp) we realized that Nesscliffe training camp wasn't half as bad as it had at first seemed.
Over the course of the week, we completed activities such as paintballing, kayaking, shooting and rock climbing. We struggled through the assault course, rolled around in fields full of sheep and nettles, rescued hostages from terrorists, learned how to make camouflaged shelters and got absolutely soaked in the rain. All whilst marching like the next generation of Dad's Army.
By the time we got back we had been fully converted and some of us even thought about becoming NCOs so that we could go back again!
Report by Julia Collins
My brother said it was 'the most fun he'd ever had' and my sister said 'hell'. So, from the beginning of 4th form, I was anxious but excited about CCF camp.
The bus journey was a gruelling 7 hours long so, as you can imagine, we amused ourselves by doing a number of things, 1) listening to iPods and 'chillaxing' 2) watching the movies that were being put on by our resident film goers or 3) annoying the teachers; the later is infinitely the most fun.
We drew up to the camp and for a split second the bus was silent - it was one of those 'No... this is not happening' moments. Before us, there was a sight you had to see to believe: row upon row of tin billets. The girls all went mad! High pitched squeals of 'OH EM GEE' rang throughout the bus and were contrasted to the moaning and groaning of the boys. When we got off the bus and the initial shock had begun to wear off, we were taken to our billets, soon to be nicknamed our 'huts' or 'tins'. Here we found cold hard floors and squeaky metal beds.
Next on the agenda, before anything Mr Dornan had to offer, was Merchiston. 60 Merchie boys were outside and more from Deans Close. After some light socialising, we went to tea. The food was...interesting.
The week had a mixture of activities, including rock climbing, kayaking, Military day, swimming, assault course, paintballing, and loads more. I think the overall favourite was paintballing, in the rain might I add. Military day was the most strenuous day and most were not so keen on the whole 'crawling through sheep poo on their tummies' bit. However, it was obvious the boys loved playing, admiring and most importantly using their powerful 'guns'.
A few tears were shed along the way but we had a great laugh. Lots of friends were made and loads of fun was had by everyone, especially Mr Dornan, Mr Whait, Mr McSkimming and Mrs Ward who had the great job of looking after us, lucky people.
The biggest shock of the week? Some of the girls were even contemplating becoming NCOs' just so that we could go back to camp!
Report by Phoebe Martin