Tunbridge Wells Girls Grammar School Combined Cadet Force UIN: TO319A

Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School Combined Cadet Force UIN: TO319A Southfield Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells TN4 9UJ Telephone: 01892 520 902 Email: ...
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Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School Combined Cadet Force UIN: TO319A Southfield Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells TN4 9UJ Telephone: 01892 520 902 Email: [email protected]

Year 9 Cadet Parents March 2016 Dear Parent / Guardian, I wrote to you in December regarding your daughter’s participation in the new Year 9 programme. We were delighted with the record number of cadets (90) that signed up and, to date, we’ve had an exciting number of taster sessions on Mondays that have included camouflage, movement in the field, navigation, first aid, drill and signals. Those formal lessons ended with our recent Siberian Tiger trip where over 80 of the girls descended on Crowborough Army camp for an overnight stay and lots of lessons including learning to shoot our no. 8 rifle (training, weapons handling test and live shooting), orienteering, first aid, signals, drill, a team command task and self-defence. If my own uncommunicative TWGGS children are anything to go by, this maybe the first you knew of any of this! The forthcoming weeks up until Easter will encompass a variety of command tasks (group problem solving), fitness and games culminating in a final section test on Monday 21st March involving all their skills learnt to date. I’d like to take this opportunity to say that myself, Cadet Staff Sergeant Fish, the sections NCOs and other officers have been delighted with the enthusiasm of the girls who have been a delight to teach and be with. So, looking forward, I wanted to let you know what was in the calendar if they are keen to continue. JOINING UP – POST EASTER When myself, Cadet Staff Sgt, Fish and Squadron Sergeant Major Capon-Russell spoke to the girls in early November, I asked them to commit to cadets for the spring term as a taster. The worst case scenario was that they would leave at Easter with some new skills and new friends. I’m very keen for your child to continue with the CCF and, as a father of two TWGGS girls, I really see it as something that gives them unique skills, abilities, confidence and a sense of responsibility that they can’t otherwise pick up in the school curriculum. If they wish to continue can we ask that you fill in the relevant forms overleaf and return it to the school as early as possible. The girls will be issued with the remainder of their full uniform at absolutely minimal cost. Their boots, beret and rank slide remain their property when they leave the CCF whilst their sweatshirt is a useful item to take on camps in the future. Should they wish to join up they will be integrated in the other sections after the Easter holidays where they will be given more concentrated training on first aid, shooting, drill with weapons, fitness, field skills and so on. Uniform maintenance will become more important in terms of ironing, boot cleaning, beret wearing to and from school and so on. Naturally, none of this will be your concern! As is evident from the form below, there are not inconsiderable costs (£5 insurance/admin, £40 boots and £10 beret/badge + £40 for both camps so potentially up to £90) in your daughter continuing with CCF. It is for precisely this reason that we undertake this “taster” term so there is not an excessive cost incurred for something they don’t want to continue with. I can assure you though that CCF is a heavily subsidised activity and these are a fraction of the real costs. OPERATION TOWIE FRI 15TH - SAT 16TH APRIL 2016 In a joint exercise with Westcliff High School for Boys (a grammar school in Southend, Essex) we will be conducting the first overnight camp in the field (camping!) where core field skills including cooking, shelter building, hygiene, camouflage and concealment, first aid, observation, distance judging and a number of games will be taught. Girls will depart straight from school on the Friday and we anticipate they will be back at the school for 5pm on the Saturday. The camp will be at Mereworth near Maidstone. The cost for this exercise is £20 (form overleaf).

[email protected]

BEST SECTIONS PRIZE – FRI 6TH - SAT 7th MAY 2016 Throughout their time in the CCF so far, sections have been awarded points for attainment. The best two sections will spend Friday 6th May exploring the 2nd World War tunnels and underground hospital at Dover Castle followed by a visit to the Royal Engineers museum (our affiliated regiment) to build a bridge and finish off with an overnight stay in HMS Cavalier, a 2nd World War battleship docked at Chatham dockyard. This is a heavily subsidised trip (the cost per child alone for the battleship stay is £25) and we are asking for a donation of £25 for the entire trip. All meals will be covered but a packed lunch will be required for the Friday lunchtime. We will announce the winning section at the end of Easter term but it is anticipated departure will be at the normal school start time on the Friday and we would be returning them back to the school at about 11am on the Saturday. Those successful girls will be provided with a form nearer the time. Only those children who are continuing with cadets will be permitted to attend.

SURVIVAL CAMP / BIENNIAL INSPECTION FRI 17TH – SUN 19TH JUNE 2016 As mentioned in the previous letter to you, for those who decide to continue with CCF, there is an outstanding two-night survival camp in June where your daughter will receive training from ex-military specialists on how to survive in the wild. They will spend a night sleeping in a den they’ve constructed themselves and parents are invited to attend on the Saturday for the day to see their child in action. The cost is £20 per cadet – no charge for brave parents!

AND BEYOND Perhaps I’m being a trifle optimistic but just to let you know we have a Tiger Cub camp in mid September where the girls learn how to use the L98 A2 semi-automatic rifle (effectively the British Army’s SA80 and often known as the GP (General Purpose) rifle) and the town Poppy Collection and Remembrance Day Parade on the 12th and 13th November respectively. The references to tigers is a salute to our last sponsor regiment – the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment. Once girls have a valid Weapons Handling Test on the GP rifle, they are eligible to attend any of the many other weekends we hold throughout the year and attend their first annual camp which is always held in the penultimate week of the academic year. In 2016, the contingent is travelling to Penhally in Wales. I’m sure you’ll agree it’s an exciting programme and one that our Cadet Corporals, Staff Sergeant Fish and me are all looking forward to. As always, for all the monetary concerns, the Southfield Fund will cover any financial issues that there may be (please email Capt. Reynolds below). FINALLY! I’m a great believer that we need to learn from things we done right and wrong. To this end, regardless of whether your child will be continuing with cadets or otherwise, we will be providing them with a slip just before the Easter holidays that links to a completely anonymous survey that captures no personal details. Some relatively “fixable” minor things may sometimes lead us to losing some very promising cadets so I’m at pains to address this moving forward. Can I please ask that you encourage your child to complete this as honestly and candidly as they can? If you have any queries or concerns at all about any aspect of the programme or cadets in general then please feel free to contact me on the details below or Captain Reynolds, our commanding officer, on 07986 908300 / [email protected] . Yours sincerely

2nd Lieutenant Graham Naismith TWGGS CCF Mob. 07904 237471 Email. [email protected] [email protected]

TWGGS Cadets Uniform and Trip Payment TWGGS uniform for the CCF is taken seriously and while we issue the majority of it for no cost at all, we do expect it to be worn correctly and with pride. It must be returned cleaned, pressed and complete for re-issue to other cadets. Boots are a private purchase and can be new or second hand. TWGGS CCF will do a group purchase so that sizes are available after Easter if paid for and forms returned prior to the break. Your daughter’s beret and beret badge is also purchased and, along with her rank slide, will remain her property when she leaves the CCF. Photographic Permission I, _____________________ (parent/guardian) give permission for my daughter _______________________________ (full legal name) to be photographed and those images may be judiciously used for school articles, newspapers, promotion materials and Cadet Force magazine, fliers etc. where they enhance the CCF movement. If I feel unsure about the use of these images in the future, I reserve the right to withdraw my permission at any time. All images will be used sensibly in accordance with current Child Protection legislation. Administration and insurance fee Compulsory annual payment for all cadets is £20. You have already paid £15 at the start of Year 9 programme

£5

Brown Assault Boots (optional but TWGGS has a bulk order we will put in before term ends if you would like to take advantage of this opportunity)

£40

Beret and cap badge (this remains the property of the cadet – one-time payment)

£10

OPERATION TOWIE

£20

SURVIVAL CAMP

£20

TOTAL (final chq amount made out to TWGGS CCF to be given to Captain Reynolds)

£ _____________

NAME ____________________________________ (as shown on birth certificate) BOOT SIZE: __________ (no half sizes) YOUR HEIGHT: _____________ cm TROUSERS: WAIST: _______________ cm SEAT: ______________ cm HEAD: _______________ cm (measured approx. 2cm above eyebrow) I will be financially responsible to pay for all missing kit issued to my daughter at the replacement price when she leaves the CCF. _______________________________ (parent signature) Dated _______________ [email protected]

Operation Towie FRI 15TH - SAT 16TH APRIL 2016 In a joint exercise with Westcliff High School for Boys (a grammar school in Southend, Essex) we will be conducting the first overnight camp in the field (camping!) where core field skills including cooking, shelter building, hygiene, camouflage and concealment, first aid, observation, distance judging and a number of games will be taught. Girls will depart straight from school on the Friday and we anticipate they will be back at the school for 5pm on the Saturday, although pickup time will be confirmed by your daughter to allow for unpacking stores at school. The camp will be at Mereworth near Maidstone. The cost for this exercise is £20. We estimate that the girls will be returning to school at approximately 5pm on Saturday 16th April. This is an estimate – your daughter will be able to contact you prior to that to give a more accurate time. Emergency Contact Details: Captain Aimee Reynolds 07986 908300

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I give permission for my child ____________________________ to attend OPERATION TOWIE 15th-16th APRIL as part of TWGGS CCF and the phone number I have supplied is a reliable method of contacting me if my child should need emergency medical attention or need to be transported home. I understand that first aid will be administered if necessary and staff may need to take my child for emergency care in case of a serious accident or incident. While I give permission for this action, I know I will be informed at the earliest possible convenience. I have completed the Year 9 CCF Camp Medical Form and the TWGGS Cadets Uniform and Trip Payment, enclosing a cheque covering the £20 fee Parent Name:___________________________ Signature: ____________________ Date: _ [email protected]

Operation TOWIE (15/4 – 16/4/2016) Medical Forms Please complete in UPPER CASE and return to Capt. Reynolds. Use the reverse for any additional information

PERSONAL INFORMATION: First Name: Date of Birth: Rank: Address:

Surname: Age: Class:

Section:

Postcode Telephone: Next of Kin: NOK Tel: GP Name: GP address GP Tel:

Relationship: Evening:

Day:

MEDICAL INFORMATION: (Strictly confidential) Details of all ailments, current treatments & medication are required. All medication being taken at the time must be declared. Has your child had or ever had any of the following, please give details: CONDITION: Yes /No COMMENTS: Please write medications or any information here: Heart or circulatory ailments* Yes / No Have you ever got chest pain from physical activity? * Yes / No Respiratory ailments / disease Yes / No Do you ever feel short of breath? * Yes / No Asthmatic: Yes / No Can you run a mile without needing your inhaler? * Yes / No Hospital admission for asthma Yes / No If so when: Blue Inhaler Yes / No Drug Name: Times a day: Brown Inhaler Yes / No Drug Name: Times a day: Oral Steroid Medication Yes / No Drug Name: Times a day: Epilepsy or seizures (fits) * Yes / No Have you ever had episodes of fainting / collapse? * Yes / No Diabetes Yes / No Tablet controlled or insulin controlled? Gastro-intestinal Yes / No ailment(stomach) Joint / limb ailments* Yes / No Dermatology (Skin) ailments Yes / No Hay fever Yes / No ADHD Yes / No Learning Difficulties Yes / No Travel Sickness Yes / No Drug Allergies Yes / No Food / Other Allergies Yes / No Admission to hospital in 6 months Yes / No Are you pregnant * Yes / No Or given birth in the last 6 months * Yes / No On other ANY medication * Yes / No Name: Dose: Times a day:

OTHER INFORMATION: Any Special Dietary Requirements?

Yes / No

CONSENT: The following MUST be signed by a parent or legal guardian to ensure that a cadet undertaking authorised TWGGS CCF activities is covered by insurance: (Score through if non-applicable)  I authorise a CFAV to sign consent forms on my behalf in the event of my child/ward requiring emergency hospital treatment, which may include anaesthetic and/or blood transfusion as considered necessary.  I hereby give my consent for my child/ward named above to participate in organised activities  I certify that my child/ward is able to swim 50 metres in light clothing (for canoeing and water sports).  I understand TWGGS CCF advises no valuables be taken on camp and accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage of such items. I also understand the extent and limitations of the insurance cover provided.  Signature Date Name (BLOCKS) Relationship to cadet

[email protected]

SURVIVAL CAMP / BIENNIAL INSPECTION FRI 17TH – SUN 19TH JUNE 2016 A two-night survival camp in June where your daughter will receive training from exmilitary specialists on how to survive in the wild. On their second night they will spend sleeping in a den they’ve constructed themselves and parents are invited to attend on the Saturday for the day to see their child in action. The cost for this exercise is £20 per cadet – no charge for brave parents. We estimate that the girls will be returning to school at approximately 3pm on Sunday 19th June, although pickup time will be confirmed by your daughter to allow for unpacking stores at school. Emergency Contact Details: Captain Aimee Reynolds 07986 908300

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I give permission for my child ____________________________ to attend SURVIVAL CAMP 17th-19th JUNE as part of TWGGS CCF and the phone number I have supplied is a reliable method of contacting me if my child should need emergency medical attention or need to be transported home. I understand that first aid will be administered if necessary and staff may need to take my child for emergency care in case of a serious accident or incident. While I give permission for this action, I know I will be informed at the earliest possible convenience. I have completed the Year 9 CCF Camp Medical Form and the TWGGS Cadets Uniform and Trip Payment, enclosing a cheque covering the £20 fee Parent Name:___________________________ Signature: ____________________ Date: _ No. of parents attending 18/06/16 ________ Special Dietary Requirements ___________________________________________ [email protected]

Survival Camp / Biennial Inspection (17/6 – 19/6/2016) Medical Forms Please complete in UPPER CASE and return to Capt. Reynolds. Use the reverse for any additional information

PERSONAL INFORMATION: First Name: Date of Birth: Rank: Address:

Surname: Age: Class:

Section:

Postcode Telephone: Next of Kin: NOK Tel: GP Name: GP address GP Tel:

Relationship: Evening:

Day:

MEDICAL INFORMATION: (Strictly confidential) Details of all ailments, current treatments & medication are required. All medication being taken at the time must be declared. Has your child had or ever had any of the following, please give details: CONDITION: Yes /No COMMENTS: Please write medications or any information here: Heart or circulatory ailments* Yes / No Have you ever got chest pain from physical activity? * Yes / No Respiratory ailments / disease Yes / No Do you ever feel short of breath? * Yes / No Asthmatic: Yes / No Can you run a mile without needing your inhaler? * Yes / No Hospital admission for asthma Yes / No If so when: Blue Inhaler Yes / No Drug Name: Times a day: Brown Inhaler Yes / No Drug Name: Times a day: Oral Steroid Medication Yes / No Drug Name: Times a day: Epilepsy or seizures (fits) * Yes / No Have you ever had episodes of fainting / collapse? * Yes / No Diabetes Yes / No Tablet controlled or insulin controlled? Gastro-intestinal Yes / No ailment(stomach) Joint / limb ailments* Yes / No Dermatology (Skin) ailments Yes / No Hay fever Yes / No ADHD Yes / No Learning Difficulties Yes / No Travel Sickness Yes / No Drug Allergies Yes / No Food / Other Allergies Yes / No Admission to hospital in 6 months Yes / No Are you pregnant * Yes / No Or given birth in the last 6 months * Yes / No On other ANY medication * Yes / No Name: Dose: Times a day:

OTHER INFORMATION: Any Special Dietary Requirements?

Yes / No

CONSENT: The following MUST be signed by a parent or legal guardian to ensure that a cadet undertaking authorised TWGGS CCF activities is covered by insurance: (Score through if non-applicable)  I authorise a CFAV to sign consent forms on my behalf in the event of my child/ward requiring emergency hospital treatment, which may include anaesthetic and/or blood transfusion as considered necessary.  I hereby give my consent for my child/ward named above to participate in organised activities  I certify that my child/ward is able to swim 50 metres in light clothing (for canoeing and water sports).  I understand TWGGS CCF advises no valuables be taken on camp and accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage of such items. I also understand the extent and limitations of the insurance cover provided.  Signature Date Name (BLOCKS) Relationship to cadet

[email protected]

REQUIRED KIT LIST – ALL CAMPS

Each cadet will need:  MTP uniform and beret. Turn up in uniform as it means there is less to pack. A small carry-all will be needed for the rest of your kit. A Bergen can be borrowed from the fort for longer/more demanding camps but there is only a limited number of these. Smocks must always be brought  Sleeping wear  Underwear  Wash kit + towel  Sleeping bag & liner (if possible)  Pillow case  Mug, KFS (knife, fork and spoon) + tea towel  Torch & spare batteries  Personal 1st aid  Notebook & pencil  Wristwatch (not too valuable)  Medication including sunscreen and insect repellent  Very minimal and modest civilian clothing. If in doubt, ask Capt. Reynolds for her opinion. If you have to ask, there is probably a better choice. Cadets in immodest clothing will be asked to get back into uniform  Spare hair nets and hair grips – a high degree of grooming is essential at all times  Socks  A small amount of cash e.g. £5 in case you have the chance to get to the camp shop. Coins better for vending machines.  Padlock and key  Coat hanger (when not in the field) can be very useful TWGGS CCF will provide:  Ration pack  Bergen (army rucksack)  Webbing  Mess tins  Tent pegs and string  Cam cream  Roll mat  Sleeping bag if you do not have one (please let us know)  Basha (waterproof cover for outside sleeping) and bivvy bag  Water bottle Under no circumstances are you to bring bikinis, shorts that are not knee length or any kind of strappy tops [email protected]