Commodore Jonathan Fry, Head of Youth and Cadets at the Ministry of Defence has officially opened the Royal Navy's latest Combined Cadet Force Unit at Fitzalan High School in Cardiff.
Fitzalan has also become the first in the whole of Wales and one of only a select few in the UK to benefited from the Cadet Expansion Programme (CEP) as part of a joint Ministry of Defence & Department of the Environment's programme. Initially, with a target of establishing 100 new cadet units, it has since risen to 500 by 2020.
The CEP is an exciting initiative which enables state schools to establish a cadet unit, and by doing so, give their pupils the opportunity to experience the unique benefits which the ‘Cadet Experience’ provides.
"This is a very exciting and significant day," said Cdre Fry. "The formal opening of a CCF unit in a school is a really, really big important event. It's a great honour and privileged for me to be here today"
"Being a Cadet can change your life, motivate you to do well and broaden your horizons, where ever you go, whatever you do in life, the skills you learn here will be help you be the best you can be, it will help you be a better person."
Contingent Commander for Fitzalan High is Physical Education Teacher Ben Jones. He has been to Dartmouth at the Royal Navy's Officer Training College to learn about being head of the Cadet unit.
"I have no military background, but it's something I've a keen interest in. Dartmouth was one of the best weeks I've had, It's been brilliant so far, it's really taken off in the school and we've gone from strength to strength. Our main focus is to get the cadets to develop as young leaders, so we're encourage them to take charge."
"The enthusiasm in the school is tremendous. Every parade day we allow them to where uniform throughout the school and this is creating a real buzz around the place."
The scheme offers young people an opportunity to develop self-discipline and resilience, improve their team-working, problem solving, leadership and social skills. Cadets can also gain nationally recognised qualifications and the life skills gained as a cadet can develop a pupil’s employability.
"I've been in the cadets at Fitzalan since September last year," said Cadet leyla Roab (14). "Being a cadet is great, it's also good for my future career prospects, learning about leadership and teamwork and we've been to sea already on HMS Express, that was really special and wonderful."
"The Cadets has given me a lot, I am having some really good experiences and I want a career in Law enforcement," said Cadet Farif Mailk (16), who had the honour of leading the parade and showing Cdre Fry around.
"It felt very unique being out front and responsible for the unit and the fact that my parents were there to see me made it all the more special, I feel very, very proud."
