Cadets

The Cadets play an important part in the life of the school

 

Army Cadet Unit

 

The Cadet Unit plays an important part in the total life of the School. It is the oldest institution within the School and is the oldest unit in a state secondary school. The Unit has a fine reputation throughout the Australian Army Cadet Corps, being recognised as the best unit in the southern region. This excellence is amply demonstrated in the Vice Regal Guard of Honour at the Shrine for Legacy, the School’s Anzac commemoration service, the Annual Ceremonial Parade and many other occasions. The Unit’s proud record of service to School and State is symbolised in its dedicated Colours, where were received from the hands of His Excellency Major General Sir Rohan Delacombe, Governor of Victoria, on October 24, 1969.

 

Within the framework of the discipline and organisation of the School, the Unit provides a unique opportunity for the development of character, leadership, personal discipline, initiative, comradeship and self-reliance among its members. The Cadet Unit provides a training programme across all year levels. Year 9 students join the recruit company and learn the basics of being a cadet, while in subsequent years further specialist training is undertaken. Recruit training covers such areas as the customs and history of the Unit and Corps; military dress, appearance and drill; radio and signals work; navigation by day and night; first aid; pioneering and field engineering; field craft; physical training; and the use and proper handling of firearms. In subsequent years, cadets choose to specialise in such areas as first aid, field engineering and signals. They also take part in activities such as abseiling, rock-climbing, canoeing and adventure and survival training.

 

All cadets are chosen to undertake promotion courses, which can lead to a cadet achieving the rank of Cadet Under Officer; a rank which carries with it great prestige and responsibility within the Unit and the School. The aim of the Unit is to provide a structure based on military lines which provides the opportunity for students to develop personally. The Unit is run by the senior cadets who use their training to plan and organise camps, courses, home training and ceremonial occasions. The students have the opportunity to lead and care for others, an opportunity which is special to the Unit.

 

Within the environment of teamwork, intra and inter unit competitions take place. The trophies, such as the Sir Alan Ramsay Cup for Company Efficiency, are indicative of the long and proud traditions of the Unit. Awards are made for both group and individual excellence.

 

Members of the Cadet Unit are required to attend weekly parades as provided in the School timetable, two training weekends in first term, a five day bivouac in second term, a week long Annual Field Exercise in the September holidays and additional parades for special occasions as required. The Cadet Unit operates within the Standing Orders of the Corps, Routine Orders as issued by the Commanding Officer, and the School rules.

 

Australian Air Force Cadets

 

415 Squadron is part of 4 Wing Australian Air Force Cadets. Cadets may be enrolled at the age of 13 and can continue as a cadet until they turn 20. Parades are held on Mondays, and courses prepared by the R.A.A.F. are taken in survival, service knowledge, aviation, drill and ceremonial and aircraft recognition.

 

Activities during the year include opportunities to attend camps and bivouacs and to experience power flying. Promotion depends upon the successful completion of special courses, and cadets may rise to the rank of Cadet Under Officer.

 

Cadets in the Squadron are not bound to the R.A.A.F.

 

Besides providing interesting material in actual courses and the experience of service life, the Squadron offers many opportunities for developing leadership and initiative.

 

A trophy is awarded to the top Basic and Proficiency Cadet during the Annual Parade in October.

 

Before being enrolled in the Squadron, a prospective cadet is required to attend a camp where he will receive instruction in Drill and Ceremonial and Service Knowledge.

 

In joining the Squadron a cadet is required to:

• Attend home parades regularly. Home parades are conducted each Monday afternoon between 1500 and 1700 hours.

• Attend other parades that are organised throughout the year. These include the Squadron Parades and ANZAC Parades.

• Attend the annual bivouac.

• Maintain his uniform and appearance to the standards required by the AAFC and RAAF.

• Remain a member of the Squadron at least until the Annual Parade, which is held in October.