ACADEMIC TRAINING

 

INTRODUCTION

Being an Air Cadet involves some academic training which is split into classifications and taught at the squadron and can also be accessed online via the newly updated Learn e-learning platform.

The academic training is conducted under the guidance and scrutineering of Edexcel to enable the cadets to attain a BTEC Extended Diploma when they complete the programme          

 

FIRST CLASS

 

 

 

First Class classification consists of six modules:

·        Air Training Corps

·        Security

·        Drill

·        The Royal Air Force

·        History of Flight

·        Initial Expedition

·        Flying Operations

·        Map Reading

·        Basic Radio Communications

 

Training starts from the day they join with the aim of completing three of the modules including drill before they are enrolled. There is no exam for First Class, instead cadets record their answers to questions in a booklet as they are taught in lessons. Once fully completed correctly they will be presented with a First Class badge to be sown on their brassard and a certificate. Completing First Class Classification opens up more opportunities including the eligibility to go to RAF Camps.

 

LEADING

 

Training for Leading Cadet is taught in the classroom but can also be accessed by the cadets on Learn. The syllabus for Leading Cadet consists of three subjects:

·        Airmanship Knowledge

·        Principles of Flight

·        Basic Navigation Using Map & Compass

 

After receiving the required training for each module they will be authorised to take the exam which is completed online and has multi-choice answers. The exam is segregated into sections and the pass mark is 50% for each section. If the cadet passes the exam it is recorded on their records. If they do not pass they will be able to retake the section(s) they did not pass after a week.

 

Becoming a Leading Cadet opens up further opportunities including going to an overseas camps (subject to having attended a UK camp and being 15 years or older) and potentially applying to become a Cadet NCO.

 

 

 

 

 

SENIOR & MASTER AIR CADET

 

 

Once a cadet has successfully passed three exams to become a Senior Cadet they can commence learning for their Master Air Cadet but must be 16 years of age before they can pass the exams to become a Master Air Cadet.

 

Once cadets have successfully completed the full classification syllabus their Squadron staff can apply for them to be awarded a BTEC Extended Diploma

 

Training for Senior and Master Air Cadet is also taught in the classroom but can also be accessed by the cadets on Learn. Although they are two separate classifications they are often taught together as they share the same subjects with each classification requiring the cadets to pass three subjects from:

·        Airframes

·        Air Navigation

·        Air Power

·        Aircraft Handling & Flying Techniques

·        Jet Engine Propulsion

·        Military Aircraft Systems

·        Pilot Navigation

·        Piston Engine Propulsion

·        Radio & Radar

·        Rocketry

·        Satellite & Data Communications

 

 

BTEC & OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

BTEC are a nationally recognised academic qualification, for many years cadets who complete their classification training have qualified, on passing Master Air Cadet, a BTEC in Aviation Studies. This qualification is being replaced by a new qualification, the BTEC in Aerospace Studies, to reflect the changes in the curriculum. In addition, a new qualification of BTEC in Space Studies is being introduced.

 

As a cadet you can also attain other BTECs:

·        BTEC Level 1 Certificate in Teamwork in Personal Skills for Uniform Youth Organisations

·        BTEC Level 2 in Teamwork and Personal Development in the Community

 

Cadets and Staff can also gain qualifications from the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) which are recognised both internal and externally.

 

Level 3 Extended Project Qualification (EQP) Cadets over 16 can undertake this qualification, the content of which includes Air, Space and Cyber projects which are decided by the cadets. This qualification is equivalent to half an A-Level with the associated UCAS points for higher education.

 

City & Guilds vocational qualifications in management are available to adult volunteers.

 

First Aid training is given to all cadets and all adult volunteers including First Aid At Work in order to equip both cadets and staff to deal with the initial stages of First Aid if and when a medical incident occurs.

 

INSTRUCTOR CADET

 

 

 

The organisation actively encourages cadets to undertake training to enable them to instruct other Air Cadets in subjects. As part of this training cadets will be given guidance on presentation skills to equip them to undertake practices before being accessed in a presentation.

 

On successful completion of giving a presentation which has been assessed to meet the minimum standards the cadet is awarded the yellow lanyard which is only worn by Instructor Cadets.

 

PROGRESSIVE TRAINING SYLLABUS

Concurrent to the classification training is the Progressive Training Syllabus which consists of many skills which are graded from Blue through Bronze and Silver to Gold.

 

Badges are awarded for the cadets to wear on their brassard to show that they have reached the required level for the badge.

 

NCO Courses

 

 

Cadets who have been promoted to the rank of Cadet Corporal have to complete the Junior NCO course to have their appointment confirmed. This is an intense weekend course which not all pass on their first attempt. The course not only covers drill but leadership, communication and presentation skills, all of which is aimed at equipping the Corporals with skills needed to be an effective junior NCO.

 

The Senior NCO Course is also a weekend pass or fail course which is aimed at cadets who are sergeants and wish to progress to Cadet Flight Sergeant and Cadet Warrant Officer Ranks. This course develops presentation skills as well as leadership skills