AN OSWESTRY school is adding a new course to its programme to encourage youngsters to join the cadets.

With a planned first parade date in September 2019, Moreton Hall is adding the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) to the options available to pupils at the school.

They are doing this in partnership with St Martins School, with the aim to instil values in young people that will help them get the most out of their lives.

They hope it will encourage youngsters to contribute to their communities and country.

This new CCF group will be launched as part of the government’s CEP or Cadet Expansion Programme, a joint initiative between the Minister of Defence (MOD) and Department for Education (DfE) to expand cadet units in schools across the UK.

As many as 30 pupils from the two schools will come together as part of Moreton Hall’s community outreach programme.

Together, the new cadets will have the opportunity to develop qualities such as self-discipline, loyalty and respect, strong leadership, teamwork and resilience which will help them achieve excellence and shape their own future.

Head of St Martins School, Sue Lovecy comments: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Moreton Hall school with the launch of our joint CCF programme.

“We believe that the introduction of CCF to our school would further complement our work in preparing our students for life after school.”

Moreton Hall teacher and Head of the Extended Curriculum, Rachel Randle, will assume the role of Contingent Commander.

She added: “Students will have the opportunity to take part in adventurous activities, where they can take on added responsibility, develop skills such as leadership, self-reliance, resourcefulness, endurance and perseverance.”