Cadets

The Waverley College Cadet Unit

Our Cadet Unit has provided outdoor education, character development and practical skills to our students for over 100 years.

Australian legend, Governor General His Excellency General the Honorable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Ret’d), former Chief of the Australian Defence Force and 2011 Australian of the Year began his leadership training in the Waverley College Cadet Unit. Cadets is compulsory in Year 8 and voluntary thereafter, with older students progressively offered greater leadership development opportunities.

The present Commanding Officer, Lt Colonel (AAC) PR Frost was appointed in 1977 to oversee the re-establishment of the unit. Support for the Waverley Unit is provided by
our sponsor Army Unit situated
in Randwick, from which the Unit receives tenting, radios and transport when available.

What is expected of the Cadet

Participation in Cadets begins with a compulsory year in Year 8, thereafter participation is on a voluntary basis. Students who continue to participate from Year 9 onwards are gradually given increased responsibilities and leadership training. At graduation in Year 12, each senior member of the Cadet Corps is presented with a certificate detailing their achievements as an experienced young leader.

Attendance at certain Cadet activities is compulsory:

• Friday afternoon parades: 3.30 – 5.30pm (5pm in Winter)
• The ANZAC Commemoration Parade & The Passing Out Parade (held on a Sunday)
• Field activities: a weekend bivouac (Year 9 and above); Annual camp (All Years); Specialist camp (Years 10–12)

In addition, Cadets are expected to care for and maintain all equipment issued to them. Enrolment in the Unit is normally in one-year blocks, so students joining in Year 8 must remain in the Unit until Term 4 in their first year.

CAS Activities

As a member of the CAS group of independent schools, the Unit also competes in the annual CAS Drill competition and the Military Skills competition. Other CAS activities involve cadet leaders in an annual CAS Cadet Conference where ideas are shared and procedures discussed. This day ends with a formal dining-in Mess at the host school.

Medical & fitness requirements

Medical conditions do not necessarily preclude enrolment, but rather indicate the extent of activities that can be pursued during Cadet events.

Enrolment procedures

These procedures involve the completion of enrolment forms and health details.