Page 97 - Herioter 2020

RAF cadets
Seed of science
planted in
‘Apples’
Our Newton’s Apples, members of the
after-school P7 science club, ignited
their passion of science with new and
exciting experiments. We explored
aerodynamics, chromatography,
density, volcanoes, sound, and flame
tests. However, we also made time for
everyone’s favourite experiments: heart
dissection and exploding bubbles.
This year’s trainee scientists pushed
themselves to their limits and took
on new challenges which tested their
knowledge, teamworking skills and,
sometimes, even their courage. They
should be proud of what they achieved.
Mrs Mayo and Dr Marshall are looking
forward to meeting the next generation
of Newton’s Apples and welcoming
Newton’s Apples team of 2019 to S1.
(Please note: no P7s were harmed by
the experiments.)
S4 demonstrate the impact of rural land
change in geography.
impress at
national finals
Although cut short by the arrival of a
global pandemic, March was perhaps
the most eventful month of the year
for the RAF section, dominated as it
was by the Royal Air Squadron Trophy said it was some of the finest cadet drill
national finals held at RAF Halton.
he had seen – and that we could have
After a nine-hour minibus journey, given the RAF’s official drill team a run
the team arrived at RAF Halton for their money.
ready for competition the next day. The team did not expect to get any
The competition kicked off with the awards, seeing that this was only
individual military knowledge test, our second year at the competition
after which the team retired back to and only coming seventh last year.
our crew area to prepare our uniform However, we greatly underestimated
and revise for the next stages. After
a shot on some quite fancy flight ourselves. The team got the prizes for
best Aircraft Recognition team, best
simulation equipment and another
short break, it was into the busiest Drill squad and overall runners up.
phase of the competition. The best cadet at Individual Aircraft
The team split into three sub-teams Recognition was won by Cdt FS
to complete First Aid (led by Cdt Sgt McClellan.
Netty MacLachlan), Shooting (led by Looking beyond the national finals,
Cdt Sgt Joshua Nichols) and Aircraft had our plans not been postponed,
Recognition (led by Cdt FS Maxwell the Recruit section would have passed
McClellan). After a stint with the out on the day we all were sent home
Royal Air Force Association it was on shortly before the end of Term 2.
The Recruits worked hard to get to
to the command task element (again the stage they were at and would
led by Cdt FS McClellan) which was
observed by the Commandant Air have very easily transitioned into
Cadets, something that the cadets the RAF Section. Unfortunately, with
took in their stride. Finally, after a Headquarters Air Cadets cancelling
long day of competing and kit prep, it all activity until the end of August,
was on to the main event: inspection March was the last month that I led
and drill (led once again by Cdt Sgt the section. It has been a fantastic
Nichols). This was the point where the experience and an honour to lead such
dedication and hard work really shone an excellent section.
through. The inspecting Drill Sergeant Cdt FS Maxwell McClellan
Empathetic S2 nights were freezing. If I had taken
Alphonso with me, he probably would
look through have died.
migrants’ eyes The walk took three and half days.
We drove for five hours to get to the
S2 learnt about global migration desert and then continued. We saw so
patterns, investigating forced and many graves on the way; at least we
voluntary migration. Inspired by a case now know what happened to Juan.
study of immigration from Guatemala to The coyotes scared us all with threats
the USA, here is an interpretation of life and demands for the money. Once I
as a migrant. have worked off my debt I am planning
Dear Family, to save for an apartment, and once I
I have successfully emigrated to the USA. have finished paying that off, Tommy
The journey across here was terrifying. can drive you all across to live with me.
The days were long and hot and the From Tamma (Max Ajilogba (S2))
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