Walker Riverside Academy is located within the Wallsend area of Newcastle –famed for its historic links with Hadrian’s Wall and the Roman settlements. It is the birthplace of Eric Burdon, lead singer of The Animals. 7. The Newcastle United striker Shola Ameobi grew up in Walker where he played for the famous Walker Central F.C, launched in 1988 by the Wallsend-born former Newcastle United midfielder Lee Clark, and ex-club scout Brian Clark. A great place with some outstanding people who do face elements of extreme hardship and financial disadvantages.
Walker Riverside Academy is one of the top schools within the area which has and fully supports a Combined Cadet Contingent, (CCF). It has 2 full time members of staff, both with a combined service career of over 45 years, 85 cadets and 6 adult volunteers.
Planning for Walker Ski ’24 started back in March ’23 where the trip was advertised within the CCF and attracted over 40 applicants. Due to the numbers and staff abstractions we managed to select 14 students randomly, but fairly to participate supported by 2 members of staff, the contingent commander and the head of the lower school.
Walker Ski ’24’s aim was to stretch and challenge cadets in the planning and co-ordinating of a trip. These included elements of budgeting, fitness perpetration, teamwork and working effectively with others. Outcomes from the week showed cadets that they need to be accountable for their actions, take on responsibilities to ensure the success of a task and take ownership of travel plans and documents.
As a footnote, students were also encouraged to maintain their high attendance rates within school as well as their behaviour, and this was achieved. They were also encouraged to actively support their families in funding the event ensuring they weren’t overbearing with demands and to be considerate about where the funding came from; one student came to the office and said,
“Sir, I asked my dad why we didn’t have our dad-daughter Saturdays, which I loved”, her father replied, “I’m doing some extra shifts so you can go skiing, but it won’t take long, soon we’ll be back to normal”
If we were unsuccessful in this application, I would see this activity potentially cancelled or opened up to other students within the school – although we are inclusive and do provide activities with the whole school this event is seen as an ‘cadet initiative’. AT plays a big part in developing people and their sense of adventure, securing its success was crucial.
The cadets are split into year groups, 09/10/11 – years 10/11 will take part in this activity – I rely heavily for my cadets to spread the good word about the CCF to the community – which in return increases my numbers who join the CCF within school – currently sitting at around 85. With positive stories from cadets to their peers and families like field craft, ranges and the ACS syllabus by adding this activity it ‘sells’ cadets to the community, again demonstrating that young people are becoming more engaging with ‘other’ activities post covid.
We have recently formed links with Northumbria ACF, again potential cadets within school now have the option to join either our CCF or Northumbria ACF – or both, opening up a wealth of positive experiences.
I believe by having 85 plus young people within cadets, their positive nature does have a dramatic impact on youth crime and anti-social behaviour which in turn impacts on the community as a whole.
By offering a rewarding and challenging group – the CCF, it provides clear expectations to cadets and what comes from positive behaviour as well as being stretched and challenged – we are responsible for shaping people of the future and cadets embrace the CCF as uniform hides wealth and disguises poverty – our cadets are on a truly level playing field and will always go above and beyond – they need this reward and challenge.
The ski expedition was designed in a way to have maximum impact on the cadets who attended. They were given specific roles to ensure the smooth running of the event. Tasks included creating a kit list, physical preparation and keeping a track of weather systems and ski reports.
Challenges faced by the group included dealing with ‘homesickness’, ‘managing new concepts of training, particularly the equipment and clothing, taking care of yourself and others and being aware of others who may be struggling with the weather or sickness.
All students came away knowing what was expected when organising an event, managing money and being more aware of others. They took ownership of their passports and seat reservations, were encouraged to ask border staff questions, cooperate with the security protocols at each airport and to take ownership of their own actions.
Cadets stated that these tasks were demanding as they are used to parents doing these tasks and now fully appreciate how much effort it takes.
During the week it was great to see less and less reminders coming from staff – such as sunscreen, clothing and equipment and ensuring they had all their personal possessions when on the slopes – lift passes, goggles, sunglasses, creams and some had meds.
Cadets have gained further experiences in independence – they now appreciate all that’s involved in a trip and have been asked to deliver their experiences back to cadets who will apply for next year’s trip. They are encouraged to positively support in the next parent meetings and presentations to cadets, ensuring they pass on their ‘top tips’ when embarking on a ski trip.
The change in the bearing and confidence in school of the 14 cadets who attended is noticeable – they are far more engaging and confident which is great to see and the trip will have a positive impact later in life when they consider travelling.
A cadet was asked what they gained from this trip and replied “I’m definitely travelling when I’m older; if not travelling I will definitely look at ski technician or some kind of wok with Interski – it’s sparked a fire in me to go and live”
Overall, it was a fantastic week which did challenge the cadets and staff, but fundamentally it has inspired cadets to broaden their horizons, several quizzed staff with Interski about how they became representatives, instructors and hosts, it definitely sparked an interest for future careers.
From a personal point of view, the support from the Ulysses Trust has generated such enthusiasm and interest with other students within school, our year 9s are already volunteering and fundraising to be more independent with funding support for Walker Ski ’25, who are planning lots of events which will support them and the cadet charity ACCT.
Thanks once again.
