STEM Learning and Military History for Dorset Cadets

This spring, West Company of Dorset ACF enjoyed a highly successful and engaging residential weekend at Blandford Camp, thanks in part to an ACCT UK grant. The funding helped offset the personal contributions required from cadets. This enabled a wider and more inclusive attendance, subsidising a valuable visit to the Royal Signals Museum.

Over the weekend, 67 cadets from six detachments came together for a programme that balanced advanced military training with enriching educational opportunities. The visit to the Royal Signals Museum was a highlight, offering interactive insights into the history and evolution of military communications, supported by engaging STEM-based workshops.

While the cadets’ primary training focused on shooting, with all participants taking part and 17 successfully completing their current proficiency (Star) levels, the experience went far beyond the firing range. For many cadets, the museum visit offered a first-hand glimpse into the integral role of the Royal Corps of Signals in historical and modern contexts.

Thanks to the grant, cadets participated in a range of activities tailored to their age and proficiency levels. The visit included access to informative exhibits and quizzes within the museum itself, and approximately 25 Basic cadets also took part in dedicated STEM activities such as codebreaking, programming robots, and learning about the History of Communications. The sessions were hosted by the museum’s skilled staff, who are well-versed in engaging young learners.

The feedback from cadets was overwhelmingly positive. It offers a glimpse into how the weekend left a lasting impression on young minds.

Cadet Wilson described their first-ever ACF trip with excitement:

“This was my first Army Cadet trip, and it was the best! The trip to the Signals Museum was very fun, and I love doing Morse code. All the decor in the museum… helped me understand how and what it was like back then. Would definitely go again. 5 Stars!”

For Cadet Clarke, the historical significance stood out:

“The Afghanistan display was incredible & the Signals played an important role in the Falklands War.”

Cadets also appreciated the interactive nature of the visit, as highlighted by Cadet Nash:

“I liked the interactive displays, such as learning Morse code/ radio signals and the shooting & driving simulators. I thought everything was quite interesting and organised, with models and displays very well taken care of and clean.”

STEM elements captivated cadets who participated in the workshops. Cadet Hand reported:

“I found the STEM activities really enjoyable and found it interesting how to program robots on the course they set out and programmed it to do.”

Meanwhile, Cadet Spray was fascinated by the evolution of military communication:

“I liked the interactive displays and the driving simulator, and how they developed Morse code for long-range communications.”

The feedback also identified the museum’s ability to support various learning styles, as Cadet Hiscutt remarked:

“The museum is very interactive & very good for visual learners.”

Ultimately, the support from ACCT UK enabled an experience that was both memorable and educationally enriching for the cadets. The weekend tied modern-day cadet training to the rich heritage and evolving technology of the British Army’s communications arm.

As the cadets themselves expressed so perfectly, the weekend left them inspired, informed, and eager to return. This is a clear indicator of the success and value of initiatives like this, powered by charitable support.

West Company can be proud of what was achieved. We look forward to many more such STEM learning opportunities for cadets in the future.

Learn more about our grants and how to apply.