Merchant Taylors’ runs a combined cadet force options for students in year 10 and above. Cian Omert who joined the scheme this year has gained valuable skills for life from the opportunity. “As an avid fan of water sports, I find the navy section to be a great attribute to my other activities”. He says the highlight is being able to “teach his friends kayaking” as he has prior experience and qualifications.
Alongside sister school, St Helen's students study a syllabus which includes practical skills such as marching in Drill as well as learning about different types of boats. Friendships are forged in trips such as the most recent Whitewater rafting excursion which focused on teamwork. The year groups are split into subgroups called Watches strengthening their connections with one another.
Cian has much to look forward to in the coming months with an Inspection Day where a member of the Armed Forces visits the school to assess their progress. He is in the Honour Guard at the head of the ceremonial parade where he conducts a more complex drill routine with his peers. Additionally, he is looking forward to the opportunity to go skydiving, an experience which he wouldn’t be able to do without the scheme.
He says that the value of discipline has had a positive effect on his studies as being able to structure and stick to a plan is a key skill in navy cadets.
