TAS is a school that believes and adheres to a philosophy that developing the heart and mind together contributes to self-confidence and resilience, promoting academic achievement and character development. This is expressed through our Outdoor Education for Years 8 to 10, it is specifically taught to them at this stage in their education through our Cadet program.
The TAS Cadet Corps
The TAS Cadet Unit was established in 1897 and is the third oldest in Australia. The Australian Army Cadets is a leading national youth development organisation founded on the core value of quality leadership training and youth development through outdoor education.
The Cadet program encourages leadership, initiative, teamwork and resilience, all of which are core life skills. The TAS Cadet program is an obligatory part of the Outdoor Activities program for all students in Years 8-10, and is optional in Years 11.
Outdoor Activities are the basis of TAS Cadets
The emphasis of the TAS Cadet program is strongly geared towards outdoor activities such as camping, abseiling, canyoning, navigation, hiking, kayaking and canoeing which are the focus each Activity Day. Each of these outdoor activities is taught from Year 8 by our own teaching staff, themselves trained with appropriate qualifications. As students progress through their year levels, they are gaining skills and life-experience that is not often possible outside such a structured and supportive environment. While drill and parade practice only occurs at Anzac Day and Passing Out Parade, these are still important components of the program.
Cadet Leadership Opportunities
Students can also choose to enrol in leadership training at junior, senior and cadet under officer level, normally in Years 9 to 11. These students are then posted to leadership appointments at Section, Platoon and Company level. As the student leaders progress through their own training, they bear more responsibility for the wellbeing and success of their Sections.