There has been much recent national debate surrounding the Government’s plans to send in the troops to Britain’s troubled Classrooms to help restore discipline, leadership and respect. It has been suggested that this was an idea born in the U.S.A. in an attempt to create David Cameron’s so-called ‘Big Society’
But do we really need to look across the Atlantic for inspiration? Loretto School, in Musselburgh, has had its own Combined Cadet Force (C.C.F.) for well over a century, and is indeed one of the oldest in the U.K. Loretto Boys and girls spend seven terms with the C.C.F. taught by ex-Military, turned teachers. In addition to Military skills there is considerable emphasis on Camping, Expeditions, Navigation, First Aid and Adventurous Training. Those in the RN Section have the opportunity to develop waterborne skills. A feature of the CCF is the opportunity to go on service run camps and courses at little or no cost.
Jonathan Hewat, Director of External Affairs at Loretto said, “Leadership and service are central to Loretto's ethos. The activities we offer at Loretto develop physical and mental stamina, self-reliance, teamwork and an awareness of the needs of others. Central to this is our Combined Cadet Force. We are not training all our pupils for a career in the Armed Forces, however, they do learn respect and ultimately enjoy the challenges that they are set.”