The School’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF) is well established with Thursday after school and weekend’s designated to CCF.  Whether you're learning how to tackle leadership challenges, navigate with a map, or even understand the basics of first aid, you'll find yourself developing abilities that are super useful in everyday life.

As either an Army or Air Force Cadet, you’ll develop life skills around camping, survival, leadership, perhaps practise on the rifle range or even learn how to fly.  There are also leaderships opportunities whereby students can take on Student Officer roles.

But it’s not just about skills; it’s also about friendship.  The camaraderie formed during training and activities is something quite special.  You'll forge lasting bonds as you work together with your peers, creating memories that will keep you laughing for years to come.  In September 2024, the CCF contingent travelled to Belgium to visit the battlefields of WW1.

Plus, OSH CCF is now one of only nine schools in the country to be affiliated with the Intelligence Corp following an official re-badging ceremony in November 2024.  This will be even more opportunity to our cadets so watch this space.

Completing the Gold award encourages you to delve into new activities, whether it’s learning a musical instrument, honing a sport, or volunteering in your community.  These skills not only enrich your own life but can make a real difference to others too.  Plus, the challenges you'll face during the adventurous journey and residential project help boost your resilience and problem-solving abilities.

 On top of that, it’s a fantastic opportunity to meet new people and build lasting friendships.  Not to mention, the award is highly regarded by employers and universities, showcasing your commitment and ability to go the extra mile.

Interact is our student-led charitable society which works to raise awareness and funds for worthy causes.  In recent years, the group has raised several thousand pounds for organisations such as Birmingham Children’s Hospital; Cancer Research UK; Brain Tumour Research.  They are also regular supporters of the Black Country Foodbank and Project Gambia.

Year 12 and 13 students can sign up as peer mentors in our MAFIA programme (Mentoring And Friendships In Action). On Thursday mornings, MAFIA mentors are buddied up with younger students in the School to offer advice and friendship, all under the direction of our school counsellor team.

OSH Sixth Form also offers multiple student leadership roles such as senior prefects, house prefects, subject ambassadors and competitive house captains.  The school’s motto ‘ut prosim’ means ‘That I May Serve’ and sixth formers at OSH are able to take part in a plethora of opportunities to volunteer and give back to the School and local communities.