Combined Cadet Force (CCF), Naval Unit 

Combined Cadet Force (CCF), Naval Unit, forms part of our co-curricular programme and offers students a unique opportunity to develop confidence, leadership and teamwork through adventurous and military-themed training. Open to pupils from Year 9, with plans to roll out to the wider school in future, the CCF is a voluntary youth organisation sponsored by the Ministry of Defence, but independent from the Armed Forces. It provides an inspiring balance of challenge and personal growth, with activities designed to build confidence, resilience, self-discipline, teamwork and a sense of service to the community. 

Afloat training is at the heart of the Naval Cadet Forces experience. The Royal Navy proficiency syllabus focuses on leadership, seamanship and adventurous training, giving cadets the chance to challenge themselves in new and exciting environments. As well as an exciting range of in-school activities and challenges, cadets can also choose from a range of water-based activities, annual camps and more than a hundred courses each year - from sailing, scuba diving and rock climbing to mountain biking, first aid and the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ).  

The CCF adds a dynamic, hands-on dimension to life at Blackheath High, complementing academic learning with real-world skills that last a lifetime. Participation also supports wider personal development awards such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, reinforcing our commitment to nurturing confident, capable young women ready to lead and thrive in any future they choose. 

GDST SpaceTech programme

GDST SpaceTech joins GDST LEAD to create a suite of pioneering leadership opportunities for Sixth Formers. Created and run by experts at GDST, The Space Technology Diploma Programme is an innovative programme which teaches students to apply science, maths and computer science concepts and skills in the context of programming for space technologies. An experiential component introduces students to careers in STEM, culminating in a Viva Voce assessment conference where girls participate in a live ‘in-person’ collaborative activity with students from GDST schools around the country, and defend their findings to a panel of international judges from the space and AI industries. 

As Dr Alexandra Read, Head of Learning Technology at GDST explains, “These young women are not just the scientists and engineers of the future, they are scientists and engineers now who are already making significant contributions to the field of computer science and technology, mentoring their peers and becoming role models for the next generation of women in STEM”.  

You can read more about GDST SpaceTech here, and GDST Lead, our innovative enterprise programme here.  

Sixth Formers on the GDST LEAD programme: