Student Life


Cadets@KWS

A variety of outdoor activities take place on and off campus as a part of this co-curricular programme. The well established Cadet Unit at the School is an important part of the educational programme with an emphasis being placed on leadership and self-reliance and various life skills. Students participate in the Cadet Unit, but may be exempt if they are members of a band or orchestra. To enable musicians to be a part of both Cadets and music groups, the Cadet training sessions are split between Wednesdays and Mondays.

Cadet training is delivered through these afternoon sessions, called home training. These are conducted through theory lessons, demonstrations, practical and field activities. It encompasses topics such as bushcraft, fieldcraft, navigation, survival, search and rescue watermanship, radio procedures, abseiling, archery, bush first aid, orienteering, field hygiene, obstacle courses, drill and field engineering. Senior cadets undertake lessons and activities in catering, first aid, welding, Q-Accounting and signals. A camp, various bivouacs and leadership courses are held annually and students are encouraged to follow through to the level of rank.

Leadership opportunities exist through the Cadet Unit as each platoon is commanded by a Cadet Under Officer (CUO), with the assistance of a Platoon Sergeant. Each platoon is divided into three sections and each section is led by a Corporal. Rank is only attained after a cadet, with suitable experience attends and passes the relevant promotional course, and a vacancy exists. Typically, a CUO is in Year 11 and has served four years in the Cadet Unit.

The Unit parades in through Orange on ANZAC day and also conducts a Farewell parade to Senior Cadets (Year 12) and Band Members in Term 3. A Ceremonial Parade usually occurs on Open Day. An Annual formal mess night is held for the Senior Cadets, Band Members and their parents.

Students in musical groups who elect to focus on music alone, also experience time away from the School camping and tasting the outdoors. The exercise is designed to help build team spirit and provide leadership opportunities for its members.  The Highland Bagpipes and Drum Corps is a part of the Cadet Unit.