RAF 6^th Form Scholars Develop Leadership Skills

The RAF Scholars programme is designed to attract the best young talent into Officer Training for a number of different trades including intelligence, engineering, air traffic control, logistics and until this year - pilot.  The Scholars go through a rigorous selection process before they even get to Officer Selection at Cranwell and the Bramley Lakes course is designed to provide development opportunities for each individual and give the scholars insight into the selection process.

The week long course keeps the students going for upto 18 hours a day – the groups take on numerous challenges.  Practical problem solving tasks that simulate the infamous Cranwell Hangar day – tasks like Border wall - moving the team across the danger area using planks and rope and not touching the barrell! A two day canoe expedition on the River Bure, involving sleeping under tarpaulins and cooking on a fire – this year very tricky in monsoon like rain.  Doing individual presentations and responding to the pressure of questions about a complex time and distance conundrum.  A fitness test including a 3km cross country run, push ups and sit ups. And coping with working in a team with new people in a different environment.  It is an onerous week and probably a lot more challenging than often expected however, provides rewards that are illustrated in this newspaper article, also show below:

High Wycombe pupil introduced to RAF

5:05pm Thursday 11th August 2011 - Bucks Free Press

A ROYAL Grammar School pupil has had a glimpse into RAF life during a week long course. Cameron FitzGibbon, 17, from High Wycombe is one of 50 youngsters from the UK who have won a Royal Air Force Scholarship. As part of the award Cameron has received a £1,000 bursary for academic development and a chance to learn about what it means to be in the RAF. He put his skills to the test with the RAF on a residential course a training centre near Norwich. He said:

"I didn’t know what to expect, but this has definitely been one of the most rewarding weeks of my life. The most challenging exercise was the high ropes. You have to put your trust in others and make sure that your equipment is properly checked. I’ve certainly got more confidence in my ability to cope under pressure now”.

Activities included climbing, abseiling, expedition planning and an overnight stay under a bivouac to develop team-working and leadership skills.

Cameron hopes to develop a military career after studying Mechanical Engineering at university.

Wing Commander Pat Carter, schools liaison officer with the RAF Career Service, said: "This course has a real pedigree in ensuring that young people develop a solid understanding of the entrance requirements for a career as an officer in the Royal Air Force.”

Cameron added: "I felt really honoured to receive the scholarship and it means a lot to me as recognition of my potential".