Combined Cadet Force
Pupils enter the Combined Cadet Force in the Summer term of the Fourth Form. They can choose from any of the three sections - Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force. They stay in their chosen service for at least four terms. Thereafter, they have the choice of remaining in the CCF or involving themselves in Community Service or other Sixth Form activities.
Involvement in the CCF activities provides a huge range of opportunities for all pupils including gliding, flying, sailing, shooting, expeditions, overnight camps and orienteering. Senior pupils complete the BTEC Diploma in Public Services. The programme gives pupils opportunities to develop self-confidence, initiative, a broader awareness and maturity and also enables them to enjoy themselves outside the classroom.
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CCF Annual Inspection
The annual CCF Inspection takes place in September. Recent Inspecting Officers have included Colonel Johnny Shute OBE, Air Commodore Ian Stewart, Rear Admiral R J Lippiett and Major General Murray Wildman CBE.
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CCF Annual Inspection Day
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Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme
The School runs the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme as an extra-curricular activity. Pupils can opt in the Lower Fifth Form to start the Silver Award. In the Sixth Form, boys and girls can complete the Gold Award. To complete a level, pupils must do a Service (either CCF or helping with the elderly); a Skill (hobbies such as Photography or playing a musical instrument); a Sport and an Expedition (the Silver Award is in the UK, the Gold Award is usually further afield).
The purpose of the Award is to develop personal skills including self-motivation and self-discipline; leadership qualities through group work and expeditions; and to generate an awareness of others through service. It requires a high level of commitment, especially at Gold level, which is why universities see it as a very positive recommendation on CVs.
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Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme
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School Charity
Pupils at St John's will spend a year fundraising for a chosen charity. The Student Council chose the charity and the most recent nominated charities have been: CHICKS, a local charity provide as many disadvantaged children as possible with the life enhancing experience of a free respite break away in Devon or Cornwall. IODR who work to alleviate the suffering of communities in the Indian Ocean region, through the provision of sustainable education and training programmes. QEF, the Leatherhead based charity, works with people living with physical and learning disabilities to help them gain new skills and increase independence. Street Child Africa is the 2011/12 charity and St John's will be supporting their partner ‘Friends of the Street Children’ which is based in Kitwe, Zambia. .
Community Service Unit (CSU)
The Community Service Unit offers a wide choice of service to the community and all members of the Sixth Form not already involved in the CCF are encouraged to participate in the scheme. In addition, pupils preparing for their Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh will often fulfil their service requirements through a CSU placement. Traditionally, we have provided help in local junior schools and by visiting the elderly.
Recent developments include more ambitious projects such as working with autistic children, providing classroom help at a school for disabled children and providing home help for blind people in the local area. We have also extended our work to help develop computer skills amongst the elderly and are working closely with Exonmobil to develop Community Service projects in the local area.
