Last weekend, our TWGGS CCF cadets took part in Remembrance events across London and Tunbridge Wells. On Saturday, our cadets represented the contingent at the War Widows Parade in London, followed by joining the local community on Sunday for the Tunbridge Wells Remembrance Service. Throughout the weekend, cadets were also out in force selling poppies at Sainsbury’s to raise vital funds for the Royal British Legion. We have some wonderful comments to share from Mr Vaughan Harding, one of our governors, who was at the War Widows Parade and the Remembrance Service in Tunbridge Wells: 'I had the opportunity to be in London on Saturday to watch the War Widows Parade which forms part of Remembrance Weekend. It was amazing to see our TWGGS girls and CCF leaders joining in the parade in remembrance of service personnel that have sacrificed their lives for our country. 'TWGGS was the only school to march in the parade and credit must go to the CCF leaders for the high standard of marching displayed by the girls. It creates a huge amount of pride in our school. 'Speaking to some of the girls, they all had a fantastic time being part of the parade and also chatting to a number of the guests attending the refreshments before the parade. 'A larger contingent of girls participated in the Remembrance Service in Tunbridge Wells on Sunday. Again the standard of marching demonstrated by TWGGS was amazing and they were best squad on parade. 'Thank you to Major Patterson and his team for their dedication and the time they commit to our CCF cadets.'
We also have a report from the recent CyberFirst Defenders Course by Lance Corporal Ivy M: CyberFirst Defenders Over this year’s October half term, from Sunday afternoon to Friday afternoon, I went on a course called CyberFirst Defenders in Oxfordshire where I was able to learn about the cyber world which includes more than what some first think of. The first day on Sunday was more of an introduction to where we were staying and who we were with than a day in the cyber world. Although I may have been the only TWGGS pupil, or even the only cadet from Kent who went to our location of the course, I never felt alone during my stay. There were 18 of us ranging from Year 10s who were ‘cadets’ to Year 13s who were staff sergeants and even an RSM, regiments ranging from the rifles to even the RLC (Royal Logistic Corps). I bunked with six other girls in a spacious room that could house twelve. That first day we just sat down, talked and got to know each other. The second day was an introduction to our course where we began to understand a computer before we understood the cyber world, as good foundations build the highest towers. Later in the day after lunch we began our discussion on artificial intelligence which sparked a philosophical debate on whether there would ever be a day where artificial intelligence could be trusted over an expert in their field. The third day was a theory-heavy day on cyberattacks and malware where we learnt about reasons for cyberattacks like hacktivism, and reviewed past attacks and why they worked such as the Marks & Spencer attack in 2025. This was also the day that we learnt the weakest part of cyber security is the wetware (people) not always the software. We also learnt about encryption which was one of the instructor’s (Ed) favourite topics as he began teaching it at university after he retired from the army. The fourth day we learnt about the dark web from Spencer, a digital forensic analyst after serving in the British army as well. We were able to learn that Hollywood's stereotype of criminals using it is still true, but more people use it than just for criminal activity such as oppressed communities who want to express themselves, or to find out valid information, or journalists’ sources who require anonymity, or even whistleblowers for agencies like MI6. On the final day we completed a capture the flag tournament where we went up against the two other sites who were also completing the course; one was in Blandford (the school for the Royal Corps of Signals) and the other was in Liverpool. Our groups completed it within the hour and were the top four (there were four groups on our site competing). It wasn’t only in our lessons that we were learning. Though it may not have been cyber, we continued studying the history of our country and the secrets that are held within the British Army and government. On the third night we researched the Battle of Cable Street and the Cavalry of St George and then gave presentations to our Colour Sergeant and Captain who were looking after us. The following night we learnt about the Battle of Bamber Bridge, and on the final night we were tasked to research the poppy and what it represents to this country and the military themselves. I also got to practise my drill, as every meal we would have to march to the sergeant's mess and back as a squad though we would always march quite quickly because we were hungry. This was an opportunity I am ever grateful for, making friends with people I would have never met otherwise, learning from experts I may never have got knowledge from, and an understanding that developed on what I already knew. Although all I have to show for it is a certificate and a badge, I have a lot more memories I will hold on to for a long time.
LCpl Ivy M, 11G