Our approach to student academic extension and enrichment is to understand each individual student’s specific gifted and high-achieving needs and to ensure that in every class they are challenged and engaged. Extension and enrichment opportunities are embedded both within the curriculum and alongside it, both internally and externally.
As a regional centre for academic excellence, TAS each year hosts the Northern NSW da Vinci Decathlon (in partnership with Knox Grammar School) for students from Junior School to Senior School and the New England Philosothon. These events are a reflection of our commitment to providing academic extension opportunities not just for our own students but for all other schools in our region.
Da Vinci Decathlon
Inspired by one of the world’s greatest thinkers, Leonardo da Vinci, the da Vinci Decathlon is an inter-school academic gala day designed to challenge and stimulate the minds of students. Developed by Knox Grammar School, the Decathlon is held over three days with students competing in teams of eight across 10 disciplines: Mathematics, English, Science, Code Breaking, Engineering Challenge, Ideation, Creative Producers, Art and Poetry, Cartography, Legacy.
TAS first hosted the northern NSW da Vinci in 2012 and is proud of our partnership with Knox Grammar in delivering this opportunity to students across the region.
New England Philosothon
Are all people of equal value?
Can you ever not be yourself?
Where is your mind?
TAS is very proud to be the host school of the New England Philosothon where teams of students from every school explore big ideas using a collaborative Committee of Inquiry model. Students are evaluated for the way they developed their thoughts through different perspectives and encouraged all members of their circle to contribute discussion along the way. This annual event was developed under the auspices of the Federation of Australasian Philosophy in Schools Association which aims to expand the teaching of Philosophy in regional areas.
Extension Opportunities Abound
Students are also encouraged to avail themselves of other opportunities such as the National Youth Science Forum, National Mathematics Summer School, UN Youth and various regional, state and national academic competitions. TAS also has a burgeoning debating program which fosters the development of critical thinking, communication and teamwork, from inter-house to national level.
In our Junior School selected students from Years 3-5 can participate in our after-school Enrichment Group.