THE Haberdashers' Aske's Hatchem College in New Cross has been selected as one of six schools to pilot a scheme of a combined cadet force (CCF) partnership between schools and the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

The pilot scheme aims to give young people the opportunity to learn valuable skills which are not taught within the present curriculum.

David Twigg, Secretary of State for Defence, announced the scheme at the begining of the month. He said: "Above all, being a cadet gives the opportunity to develop some of those qualities which can't be taught in the classroom - such as courage and self-confidence.

"It champions qualities such as leadership and the ability to work as part of a team."

From his experience of being responsible for the cadets organisation across the country, Mr Twigg believes it can have a positive impact in communities through raising money for charities or acting as a positive role model.

Teachers are being encouraged to join training schemes at the Cadet Training Centre run by professional instructors in the CCF.

The MoD expects the first pupils to enrol as cadets in September and will last for three years.

Mr Twigg said: "I'm confident this three-year period will give us the chance to get a clear picture of demand and our capacity to expand further."