Extra-curricular

Army Cadet Force

Time of meetings
The ACF meets each Friday after-school. There are also weekend activities. The Army Cadet Force is attached to Down High but not organised by the school and so Cadet activities will be attended by young people from across Northern Ireland.

Co-ordinating staff
Mark McCall – Detachment Commander

Pupil Leaders
Lisa Gill, Annette Morrison and Sarah Ellis

The activities pursued in the ACF are numerous and varied. Pupils are able to complete the Duke of Edinburgh Award through the organisation and can participate in drill, shooting and skill at arms, teamwork activities, fitness, first aid, adventure training, fieldwork and recreational trips. Members of the school’s ACF detachment have access to the BTec First Diploma in Public Services. All of the Cadets who studied for this achieved either Distinctions or Higher Level grades.

The detachment’s Patrol Team came second in the Patrol Skills competition in 2008. The Cadets performed very well at the Annual Camp held in Fremington, Devon. Elaine Birch was a champion 1-Star Cadet while Lisa Gill gained second place in the 4-Star SCIC course. Annette Morrison achieved an “Excellent” in the prestigious Cadet Leadership Course held at Frimley. In shooting, Down High School won the Queen’s OTC Cup and finished second in the BT Cup. The team enjoyed considerable success at National Cadet Championships at Bisley, winning the Frankfurt Shield and the Abro Trophy. Sarah Ellis was placed second in the national individual competition at Bisley and won the Individual Champion at Arms in the Tri-Service competition.