On the 18th February eight Nuneaton cadets sat their 1st Class cadet examination, all of whom managed to attain the necessary marks to pass in both written papers.

The 1st Class cadet examination is in two parts. Part 1 practical, which is conducted by the squadron staff on a continual assessment basis covers Aircraft recognition, Basic radio communications, Drill, Initial expedition training and the rifle. Part 2 the written paper, which is set externally by wing, tests the cadet's knowledge of History of the RAF & ATC and Airmanship. The 1st Class examination, as the name suggests, is the first, and possibly one of the most important formal tests that a cadet will face during their ATC career. Successful completion of this stage of basic training enables cadets to participate in an extended range of activities such as visits to RAF stations and annual camps.

Having completed this stage of training, these cadets will be joining some of their other colleagues in the Leading Cadet training group and will subsequently be sitting their next examinations in November 2003.