QE’s senior Combined Cadet Force members experienced five days that tested their knowledge, skills and endurance at Exercise Endeavour – their summer camp in Lincolnshire.
Cadets from Year 10 and above headed to the Beckingham Camp training area, where the challenges came thick and fast. They took part in simulated attacks and ambushes, held compounds against attack, and were given an introduction to urban warfare.
There were challenges from the weather, too: during two nights and three days out on the terrain, they had to deal first with the cold and camping on wet ground, and then with very hot temperatures towards the end. The other two nights were spent in the site’s military accommodation.
Captain Richard Scally said: “The focus of the camp was on field training – on practising and assessing field craft and tactics, which involved boys applying skills they have gained during the year.
“It was a fully immersive experience for our cadets, who did very well, under the expert guidance and supervision of my colleagues.”
QE’s CCF was joined for the camp activities by the CCF from The John Warner School in Hoddesdon.
Also sharing the venue were personnel from RAF Cranwell and Lincolnshire Constabulary’s Armed Police Unit.
With days that began at 6am with the ‘reveille’ wake-up call and ended as late as midnight after evening activities, the camp was not only exciting, but tough and disciplined, too. Alongside the ‘recce patrols’, ‘preparation for battle’ and ‘platoon attack’ listed in the programme, there were also sessions dedicated to weapon-cleaning and administration.
It was not all hard work, however: there was an opportunity to relax at a movie night on the first evening.
QE is one of very few state schools to have its own CCF. Established in 1992, it is sponsored by the Corps of Royal Engineers, with the Regular Army providing support in training and administration.
Saim Khan, who enters Year 13 in September, was the winner for Key Stage 5, while William Joanes, who goes into Year 12, was first in the Key Stage 4 category. QE also featured among the Key Stage 3 high-flyers, with Aaryan Prabhaker, who will be in Year 9, the runner-up for that age group.
Rocco, who enters Year 13 next month, battled hard to win the shorter race, while in the 200m, he not only led from the start, but also achieved an emphatic personal best (PB).
Last year Rocco was selected for the Sport England-funded Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme.
Rocco’s accomplishments were recognised recently by his QE classmates, when they nominated him for a DVS Award.
Mr Clarke (OE 1999–2004), who leaves QE this summer after a dozen years in the PE department, was presented with his award alongside nine student winners drawn from Years 10–12.
Shrey Tater is also involved with Music, with his contributions to the Senior Choir being recognised, along with his commitment to helping with extra-curricular activities, particularly with the younger years.
For the two youngest award-winners, Ahsan Rahman was reported to shine as a peer mentor, providing valuable support to new Year 7 boys dealing with examination stress and sharing strategies to avoid low grades. A committed sportsman and strong coach, he leads by example, on and off the field.