Around 200 cadets at Hele’s School in Plympton marked their first National Cadets Week with practical training, community activities and a celebration of the opportunities offered by the Combined Cadet Force (CCF).

The school’s CCF has Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force sections, giving young people opportunities to develop leadership, teamwork, confidence and resilience through training, adventurous activities and service to others.

During the week, students reflected on the importance of service and recognised those who have served their local community.

They also took part in hands-on training, including first aid and other potentially life-saving skills, to build their confidence in responding to emergencies.

One activity saw students from the RAF section lead a space-themed evening for 65 children from local Cub Scouts and Brownies.

Working in cadet-led groups, the children explored day and night, examined astronaut footprints, learned how satellites monitor Earth and identified constellations. The activities also supported the Cubs working towards their Space Activity Badge.

Cadets also used the week to share their experiences and raise awareness of the CCF.

The school’s Cadet Social Media and Communications Team created content for the Hele’s School CCF Instagram page, while a video titled “This is Us” highlighted the opportunities available to students.

Zak, a Year 11 student in the RAF section, said: “Navy, Army, or RAF - no matter which section you choose to join, Team Hele’s is one big family.

“The sense of belonging you get at Hele’s CCF, you will not get anywhere else. It’s really important to be able to have the friendly competition, as well as the links and friendships between the sections.”

Layla, a Year 11 Royal Navy cadet, said joining the CCF had given her opportunities she would not otherwise have had.

“At Hele’s, we are given so many opportunities that I wouldn’t have had without joining CCF. I’ve done sailing, archery, so many activities! It’s also given me personal opportunities to increase my confidence that I wouldn’t have had without CCF,” she said.

Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Randall, Contingent Commander of Hele’s School CCF, said the week recognised the contribution cadets make to the school and wider community.

He said: “We see young people grow in confidence, take responsibility and support one another through their cadet experiences. Whether they are learning first aid, raising money for charity or representing the school at Remembrance events, they are developing skills and values that will stay with them throughout their lives.”

He also thanked the staff and volunteers who help run the contingent, adding that the school was proud of its cadets and looked forward to continuing to share their experiences.

National Cadets Week ran from October 5 to 11, with the Ministry of Defence encouraging cadet units across the UK to celebrate their contribution to communities.

The week also supported the Government’s ambition to increase cadet numbers by 30% by 2035, alongside highlighting the role of adult volunteers.