New Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award

On Tuesday, 26th January, Sgt Jack Dawson was presented with his Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award Certificate and Badge.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award has three levels - Bronze, Silver and Gold - with increasing challenges at each level and to gain an award a young person has to complete: (a) A Physical Activity/Sport, (b) A Skills section, (c) A Volunteering project and (d) a Map Reading/Camping Expedition all of which become more difficult at each level of the award. (In addition at Gold level there is a requirement to attend a Residential activity.)

The Air Cadet Organisation is the largest Operating Authority for the Duke of Edinburgh Award and every cadet is encouraged to achieve, at least, a Bronze Award.

New Squadron First Aiders

Four members of 361 (Gateshead) Squadron were recently presented with their St John Ambulance Youth First Aid Certificates and Badges after completing a weekend course of practical training.

First Aid is a core subject in all cadet's training and every member of the Air Cadet Organisation will initially complete a British Heart Foundation HeartStart course which gives them the basic skills to carry out CPR before later progressing on to Youth First Aid training.

 

Pictured are (from left to right) Sgt Jack Dawson, Cdt Mikolaj Kulik, Sgt Owen McPake and Cdt Domna Collier with their Certificates and Badges.

Air Experience Flyers

On the 13th January, Cadets Corrigan, Irvine and Knaggs went Air Experience Flying at 11 AEF, RAF Leeming.

For Cdts Irvine and Knaggs it was their first flight in an RAF Tutor T1 two seat training aircraft and all three cadets had the opportunity to take the controls and pilot the plane in the air.

All cadets in 361 squadron have the opportunity to fly and if you would like to do the same then why not come and join us?

Health & Safety Cadet Entry Level Awards

On Thursday, 7th January 2016 twenty one cadets from 361 Squadron were presented with Health & Safety Cadet Entry Level Awards which recognised their knowledge of hazards and safety issues which can occur in both the workplace and when they are participating in a range of Air Cadet activities.

To qualify for these awards (which are jointly awarded by the Air Cadet Organisation and the British Safety Council), cadets have to complete a workbook which tests their knowledge of spotting possible safety hazards, how to avoid accidents as well as demonstrating a knowledge of the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Some of the cadets from 361 Sqn who recently qualified for Cadet Entry Level Awards

2015 Squadron Presentation Evening

On December 10th, 2015 the squadron held its Annual Presentation Evening at the Army Reserve Centre in Gateshead.

Cadets received a wide variety of awards which they gained throughout the year in front of of an audience of Parents and friends of the squadron who were also entertained by members of the squadron band.

Cadets Luke Craig, Alan Klimczak and Callum Tearney were also promoted to the rank of Corporal on the night and Corporals Jack Dawson and Owen McPake to the rank of Sergeant.

Pictured below are some of the cadets who received awards on the night.