Surrey Army Cadet Force Online

While you are a member of the Army Cadet Force you are learning a wide range of skills that you can take into your adult life and employment. These skills include leadership, team building, problem solving, communication, health and physical fitness.

The Cadet Vocational Qualifications Office (CVQO) based in the National Cadet Training Centre at Frimley Park in Surrey is responsible for managing vocational qualifications for the cadets forces. The CVQO is accredited by EDEXCEL, City & Guilds and the Institute of Leadership and Management to deliver a wide range of qualifications that include:

BTEC First Diploma in Public Services

BTEC First Diploma in Music for Cadets

Graduateship Awards for Adult Instructors

Courses for Adult Instructors

You can find out more from the Cadet Vocational Qualifications Office

:: C/Sgt Aroskin Gains Distinction

Cadet Colour Sergeant Adam Aroskin is currently setting his world alight. Not only did he gain a Distinction in his BTEC First Certificate in Public Services (equivalent to 4 Grade A GCSEs) he also passed the Army Officer Selection Board which will see him take his place at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst on his way to becoming an officer in the Royal Artillery.

18-year-old Adam is a member of Woking Detachment, Surrey Army Cadets. He is the senior cadet in the Detachment and the knowledge and experience, gained in the four years he has been a cadet, is invaluable to his Detachment Commander, Sergeant Instructor Sarah Goree. He intends to go to Oxford-Brookes University, in September, after his “A-Levels”, to study International Relations and Geography, before going to Sandhurst.

:: Surrey ACF Officers Awarded Degrees

Majors Verna Burrell-Taylor and David Newman were both awarded the Graduateship of the City and Guilds Institute (GCGI) at a ceremony aboard HMS Collingwood on Friday 20th October 2006 . The Award was presented by Admiral Sir Alan West, the last First Sea Lord and now President of the CVQO Authority.

In common with the BTEC Award for cadets, Officers and Adult Instructors in the ACF can earn nationally recognised higher qualifications based on their ACF training and experience. Both Major Newman GCGI and Major Burrell-Taylor GCGI have served in the ACF for a considerable number of years.

The photograph shows the two officers resplendent in their caps and gowns.

:: A Successful Year for BTEC

To underscore the success of the BTEC First Diploma in Public Services, the Commandant, Col Andrew Blowers, presented seven senior cadets with their certificates at the end of Annual Camp at Fremington in North Devon.

The presentation of the awards was the culmination of several months of effort by the cadets who, in addition to the work they had undertaken through their training in the Cadet Force, also had to complete some project work and interviews.

The number of cadets now enrolled in the scheme, which gives them the opportunity to earn the equivalent of 4 GCSEs at A to C level, is increasing annually as cadets and parents realise the CV enhancing nature of the qualification. Some cadets have found that their places at University have been secured by the fact that they have earned extra qualifications in their own time.

The BTEC Award is managed by Major David Newman who has not just enthusiastically embraced the concept but also enrolled himself and earned a GCGI (Graduateship of the City and Guilds Institute) in Youth Management and Leadership. The ACF was always about leading by example. Also receiving a GCGI this year is Major Verna Burrell-Taylor formerly County Training Officer.

:: BTEC First Diploma in Public Services

This internationally respected qualification is equivalent to 4 GCSEs at A* to C level. The course mixes theory and practical elements with an emphasis on leadership, teamwork, communications, problem solving and fitness.

The syllabus has been designed to improve valuable life skills including CV preparation, interviewing techniques, communication, first aid, adventure training, health and nutrition.

Cadets must be at least 16 years old to enrol. In addition to existing cadet activities, cadets are required to complete the course syllabus which includes supervised adventure training activities and occasional weekend training. The BTEC award is accredited by EDEXCEL.

The BTEC programme is FREE for cadets. To enrol contact Major David Newman at County Headquarters. To obtain a registration form click here.

"When I applied to university, the admissions tutors were very interested in the fact that I had earned a qualification completely in my own time outside of school and I felt it helped set me apart from other applicants." Joanna Woods, former Cadet RSM, Sussex ACF.

:: BTEC First Diploma In Music

Cadets over 16 years of age with an interest in music can earn a vocational qualification equivalent to 4 GCSEs at A* to C level.

The BTEC First Diploma in Music curriculum has been designed to develop a basic understanding of the music industry and combine technical skills with theory and practical elements. The BTEC Award is accredited by EDEXCEL.

Upon successful completion, cadets will have demonstrated an understanding of all aspects of the music business including music selection, composition, performance, marketing, legal issues and budget forecasting. cadets are expected to be able to play a musical instrument prior to enrolling in the course.

The BTEC programme is FREE for cadets. To enrol contact Major David Newman at County Headquarters. To obtain a registration form click here.

"The qualifications offered by CVQO focus on communication, leadership and team work; all important skills that universities look for in potential students." Dr Alan Pearson, Principal of St Hild and St Bede, Durham University.

:: BTEC For Adults

Whether teaching nutrition in the classroom or survival skills in the forest, Adult Instructors are inspiring today's youth to become tomorrow's leaders.

It is the aim of CVQO to reward the efforts of these remarkable individuals by providing them with the opportunity to earn a respected vocational qualification that recognises their achievements within the Cadet Forces.

With a wide range of awards on offer, CVQO has the ideal qualification to help Adult instructors get ahead both personally and professionally.

To find out more contact Major David Newman at County Headquarters or go to the CVQO web site.

:: BTEC Courses For Adults


Qualifications	NVQ	Awarding Body
Learning and Development
L10 & L11 - Enables Teaching Through Instruction, Presentation and Demonstration	Part Level 3	EDEXCEL
A1 - Assessment Using a Range of Methods	Level 3	EDEXCEL
A2 - Assessment Through Observation	Level 3	EDEXCEL
V1 - Verification Award. Demonstrates Ability to Conduct Quality Assurance of the Assessment Process.	Level 4	EDEXCEL
First Line Management
Introductory Certificate in First Line Management	Level 3	ILM
Licentiateship
Licentiateship in Youth Leadership and Training	Level 4	City & Guilds
Graduateship
Graduateship in Youth Leadership and Training	Level 5	City & Guilds

:: Latest News

Surrey Cadets Support TA100 Army Benevolent Fund & BLESMA

In support of the TA and working for the benefit of soldiers in need were Surrey Army Cadets from Guildford, Merrow, Cranleigh and Haselmere Detachments led by 2Lt Adrian Paice. A total of £2,671.97 was raised by the cadets.