We are absolutely delighted that Jane Jowett, Head of Outdoor Education, has been made Contingent Commander of Pate's CCF. She is the first female Contingent Commander in over one hundred years of the school's CCF history! Things have come a long way since its formation in 1916 at Cheltenham Grammar School, where it was christened the 'Cheltenham Grammar School (Leslie Young) Cadet Corps' and attached to the 5th Gloucester Regiment.

Jane has been in the Cadet world for over twenty three years and joined Pate's CCF thirteen years ago. The school is very proud that Pate's CCF is one of the most successful CCF's in the South West with over 210 students across the Army and RAF section.

Jane's role within the CCF slots into her position as Head of Outdoor Education at Pate's. This department has a wide brief that has evolved and greatly expanded over the last eight years. Its work has helped thousands of students to learn valuable life and leadership skills as well as fostering enduring friendships and creating precious memories.

The aims of the department are to teach:

• How to overcome adversity
• Enhance personal and social development
• Develop a deeper relationship with nature.
• Outdoor survival skills
• Improve problem solving skills
• Reduce recidivism
• Enhance teamwork
• Develop leadership skills

Jane and her team are kept very busy running the following Outdoor Activities within the school across all year groups:

• First Aid Training & Qualifications
• Mental Health First Aid
• Bushcraft
• Climbing
• Shooting
• Advanced Cycling
• All three Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards – with over 600 participants across the school
• Command Tasks
• Year 8 Adventure Camp based in Symonds Yat
• Activity Days including Year 7 & 12 Induction Days and Activities Fortnight
• Overseas Trips – both DofE and Skiing

There are many alumni who will treasure their memories of Outdoor Ed adventures - be they D of E walks, shooting competitions, parades or ski trips. If you would like to share these with the Pate's Community please drop us a line development@patesgs.org