Three BTEC Air Cadets from 1211 (Swadlincote) Squadron, Royal Air Force Air Cadets found a novel use for their CVQO memory sticks during their annual Christmas Camp.
The BTECs are designed to be accessible to cadets of all abilities, and focus on experience gained and the completion of a workbook. Records are stored on the memory stick before being submitted to CVQO for marking. With 33 cadets from the South Derbyshire unit registered for BTECs through CVQO this year, there were plenty of memory sticks to borrow from their fellow cadets to decorate a tree and get into the festive spirit.
Squadron BTEC Officer Pilot Officer Charlotte Hughes said “We have registered our highest number of cadets for the BTEC this year, and we are working hard to help them all achieve the practical and academic elements of the qualification. There’s still plenty of room for fun, and our cadets always manage to find it!”
Cadet Flight Sergeant Tom Clamp (18) who completed his BTEC in Teamwork and Personal Development earlier this year, and has recently taken part in the CVQO Leadership Course, used his experience of the qualification to coach and mentor more junior cadets over the weekend. Cadet Corporal Hope Lister (16) and Cadet Alexander Black (16) took part in a variety of field craft and adventurous activities, including patrolling, mine clearance and a night exercise, all of which support Unit 5 of their BTEC.
1211 Squadron have a fantastic track record in delivering the BTEC, with a combined total of over 80 Public Services and Music BTECs, and were one of the first units in the country to take up the scheme. In addition to BTECs, ten cadets are due to start the ILM Level two Award and Certificate in Leadership and Team Skills in the New Year; a qualification that will give them a nationally recognised leadership qualification.
Course Director Flight Lieutenant Ruth Morgan “We see the ILM quaification as a natural progression for the squadron. It fits really neatly into what we do at the squadron, and it’s a great way for us to be able to supplement the cadet experience with a formal qualification. Our enthusiastic and dedicated staff team are really excited to be able to deliver the course in-house, with support from CVQO.”
Cadets are also able to achieve BTECs in Aviation Studies with the squadron, along with Duke of Edinburghs Awards at bronze, silver and gold level. The squadron has an active band, and there are opportunities for flying, gliding, shooting and adventure training as well as camps in the UK and overseas.