Tara Shire State College celebrated one hundred years of educating students in the Tara district in 2012. It is one of the few state schools in the Darling Downs that offers a seamless education from Prep to Year 12 in a co-educational setting. There are three key philosophies that underpin our journey – high expectations, early intervention and individual student support.
These three philosophies are evident in programs such as:
Parents in Pre-school Program at School (PIPPAS)
Maximising Achievement Program (MAP)
Tara Alternative Learning Centre (TALC)
Thanks to local community support, approximately one-third of senior students undertake a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship across a broad range of industries with every Year 12 student achieving an OP and/or a VET Certificate in 2012.
The school has embraced the ethos of School-wide Positive Behaviour Support and emphasises values with a weekly focus which is taught in every primary, junior secondary and senior secondary classroom. All students benefit from a range of extra-curricular activities, including sport, instrumental music, agriculture, camps and eisteddfods.
Throughout 2012, all students from Prep to Year 12 participated in song writing workshops with former student, Josh Arnold. The songs were then recorded to produce a CD and DVD, Tara Shines! which was officially launched at the centenary celebrations by the Minister for Education, Training and Employment, John-Paul Langbroek.
Students have opportunities to show off their creative talents on film with our very own Production Company, “Whole in Won”. The “Whole in Won” production company have worked with Lyndsey McAuley to produce two excellent videos – Who We Are and Starky and a moving video clip for the college anthem, Tara Shines.
The college is one of only six schools in Queensland selected to be a part of a research project called, Bright Spots which showcases strategies and positive changes that have taken place since becoming a National Partnership school.
In sport students participate in school events and represent the college at district, regional and state levels across the following sports in 2012 - swimming, athletics, cross country, cricket, touch football, rugby league, soccer, basketball, softball and netball.
Students participate in camps and show their community spirit by helping out with Meals on Wheels and marching in the local Anzac Day parade. Students also organise special events for International Women’s Day, Harmony Day and NAIDOC celebrations.