Well done to Cpl R and Cdt B, who joined Cdt G in getting their DofE levels signed off before end of DofE season 2025/26 this month.  Still quite a lot of cadets (at least 10) being chased to get assessor reports done. https://help.edofe.org/hc/en-gb/articles/360021224973-Different-ways-to-submit-an-Assessor-s-Report  

New training segment well underway on Wednesdays with new marching band cohort being trained up, and the newbies doing assessed leadership command tasks.  Often one of the most engaging periods in training calendar, we also expanded out to reform rock/pop ensembled. Chilli Peppers sounded hot, and some expansion in cadets' Beatles knowledge underway. More to come, hopefully (a bass player perhaps?), while we still have classrooms before building is given back (and it gets harder).  We continue to leave things behind for the English teachers though, accruing the list of things we have to thank Aylesford School, in light of our building closure. We did have cake for Sgt B's 16th though (more to come, hopefully). Cuthbert the Caterpillar made another appearance, lit up the room for a brief moment, and was swiftly devoured. 

Monday saw Cdt R promoted to Cpl and Cpl H promoted to Sgt, to close off the last round of promotion interviews and assessments. Cpl R will help sharpen uniform/drill standards, and Sgt H will continue to bring his positive mental attitude. Promotions carried out now to have a bigger NCO pool as many will end up being in and out at various times as they are in final exam years (which is fine).  The new 0226 intake's also been receiving help from cadet, who've volunteered to mentor and help them (actually, seems to be going well but also great for DofE Volunteering coaching, teaching and leadership sign-off).

Big progress with on Monday with all of 0925 present finishing workbooks to achieve First Class badge. Another 3 cadets (B, M, E) passed 3 Leading exams to join Cdt P in getting their Leading classification. Senior/Master group add a pilot nav revision lesson.  Some catch up with issuing Blue Radio badges also, hence brassards are started to be populated. Leading/Senior/Master exams are now open for cadets to do in own time to get classif. badge.

Social trip to Red Kangaroo in Coventry went off pretty well. 21 cadets, 5 staff helping. Good fun session and nice to see lots of GCSE-ers having fun together and newbies. Great idea from Cpl H.  1368 is apparently born to bounce (and whack each other using soft play things).

Half-term week saw sqn use down-time for another sports night, incl. legendary 1368 capture the flag game. Wed saw new intake accelerated induction daytime (not many photos) but we also had a talk from an ex-RAF engineer, an incite in training pathway and RAF slang such as liney (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF_slang).  In terms of badges, Cdts C/A both passed Blue Radio taught by Cpl B and Cpl H.  Also, leading the way with Leading badge passed were Cdts B-R and G. Cdts P, B and G MkIII first to get the First Class badges. We also did a little pre-kick-off for Wednesday with practice pads and intro to SMEAC/blue leadership.