We spoke to Dr Imogen Adkins, CFAV Flying Officer, Stowe School CCF (RAF) and Head Cadet Warrant Officer (WO) Lani Shah, to find out how this contingent uses innovation and technology within their RAF section and how it benefits the cadets and school alike.
Hi Dr Adkins! How does your contingent make best practice of innovative technology?
Through synthetic flight, we have Flight Training School. We are fortunate enough to have an MOD-supplied VR capable flight simulator, along with a school-supplied XBOX based system with realistic controls. These systems allow us to run a structured programme of training which includes understanding the principles of flight (forces and primary controls), the physics of take-off and landing, and the principles of flight planning using vector triangles, and methods for position fixing using instruments and radio aids. Each cadet receives their own logbook and 1-2-1 support and teaching.
And how does being a CCF RAF cadet help girls explore STEM?
Through a variety of ways! The female cadets are able to take part in Gliding at RAF Syerston. In doing this, it links directly into their lessons about the principles of flight and the importance of weather systems in aviation.
RAF Benson is within commuting distance, and thus far, we have been awarded between four and six places every term. This means that every member of the Section flies in a Grob Tutor with RAF pilots at least once during their time with us.
At RAF Cranwell, the cadets completed a competitive Aerospace STEM Activity, building gliders and optimising their performance. They also visited an ISTAR unit where they took to the controls of a drone simulator used to train the RAF's drone operators - seeking out various explosions, vehicles and helicopters.
We were lucky enough to also visit RAF Waddington, where we were given exclusive access to the UK's brand-new Protector Drones followed by a cyber security talk.
Through our own teaching, we have a progressive training syllabus that we run on CCF afternoons which gives cadets detailed knowledge on radios, navigation, principles of flight, rocketry and, thanks to our school's Head of IT, access to professional CISCO training courses in areas such as cybersecurity.
STEM Command Tasks are key in helping to foster critical thinking and problem-solving techniques. From MTa construction kits, STEM activities during museum visits to leadership training activities at the RAF’s Officer Training College, all of the activities that our female cadets do help to enhance their technological knowledge and gives them a better understanding of the world, as well as opening doors to incredible careers in STEM!
WO Shah, what do you enjoy most about being a cadet within your school’s CCF RAF?
The thing I enjoy the most about being in CCF RAF is the skills I have learnt. Not only do you learn new practical skills but life skills as well. I have learnt how to use rifles, the theory of flight, navigation skills and much more. However, I have also learnt leadership, communication and planning skills that I am able to apply to everyday life as well.
How have you and your fellow cadets benefitted from the STEM based activities that the CCF offers?
The innovative technology that the CCF RAF uses has greatly supported our learning and training sessions. For example, in the past I have used gliding simulators that have the actual structure of the glider cockpit, giving a realistic insight to what it is like, before getting into the glider. I have also used the Xbox flight simulators which are really helpful in giving you a feel for the different instruments used, as well as teaching you the theory needed for flight. The simulators also take away the worry of weather, safety and travel time which is very convenient when learning the basics.
Recently we had the opportunity to take part in the flying experience at RAF Benson, which was incredible. The pilots were so keen to answer any questions we threw at them and this allowed us to learn so much about being a pilot in the RAF. Learning about the RAF was very helpful as many of us are interested in aviation careers. We also learnt about theory of flight and what it’s like to manage different situations in the air. We were lucky with a good weather day which meant we were able to have control for a bit to get a feel for what it is like to fly.
That sounds amazing! And what would you say is your favourite part of STEM?
My favourite part of STEM is understanding how our world works. This has been greatly supported by the CCF RAF, as we learn science of astrophysics, fundamental forces in flight and more. It is really important, in my opinion, that we can understand the science behind the things that we do. In the RAF this means understanding things like technology of navigation, principles of flight, our involvement in space and astrophysics. I think that a lot of cadets are far more knowledgeable now because of the CCF, as they’ve been able to learn about and experience things that they might not have, had they not become a CCF cadet.
Finally, what advice would you give to any female cadets reading this that would like to take part in more STEM based activities through the CCF?
My advice to any girls looking to venture into the world of STEM, is to not be afraid or intimidated. As a girl it is easy to worry about whether STEM is for you. In my opinion, it is for everyone. There are now so many ways for everyone to get involved and be supported to learn about science and technology. The CCF has helped me explore these topics – I was able to go to the National Air and Space Camp for RAF cadets that taught me so much about STEM, and particularly how STEM is used within the military. This opened up so many topics that I had not previously taken interest in, such as aerospace engineering. My final advice to any fellow female cadets is to always be on the lookout for what new opportunities are open that allow you to get involved in STEM through CCF RAF. You won’t regret it!
