04 Jun 07 - Ripon Air Cadets Get Ahead Of The Game
When two of this year's GCSE candidates sit down to start their exams, they will already have a couple of GCSEs under their belts. Ripon Air Cadets Richard and Jonathan Thornton have each been awarded a BTEC as a result of their cadet training.
Earlier this year 15 year old twins Richard and Jonathan, together with fellow Air Cadet 19 year old Craig Clarke passed their final exams to complete their academic studies. As an integral part of their training, cadets undertake a syllabus rich in aviation matters. This includes such subjects as airmanship, principles of flight, first aid and satellite communications.
In recognition of the hard work undertaken and the value of the training provided, cadets completing the syllabus are eligible for a level 2 BTEC in Aviation Studies. This is worth an equivalent of two GCSEs at grades A to C. Craig, Jonathan and Richard have become the first Ripon based cadets to receive this award.
Presenting their certificates, commanding officer Flight Lieutenant Chris Crebbin said "Within the organisation, we know and understand what the cadets have achieved. In obtaining their BTEC awards, they now have something tangible that employers or universities will recognise."
Ripon squadron is currently recruiting new cadets aged 13 years or older and volunteer adult staff aged 20 plus. They meet at the Cadet Centre on Clotherholme Road every Tuesday and Friday from 7pm - 9.15pm. Anybody interested should contact the squadron on (01765) 609622 or email the commanding officer at oc886squadron@ceyorks.net.
