2021 Business Changes FAQ
How can TAS afford to make such a significant reduction in fees?
The decision to change our fee schedule will ensure TAS is eligible for greater government contributions under the new Commonwealth funding model and to meet our regions demographic and economic realities. Through increased government funding, increased fee revenue, and other income streams, the School has been able to adopt this new business model.
Will the tuition fee be increased in the following years?
As with most businesses our new model forecasts CPI increases to fees and levies over the years; however, there will be no significant increase in fees in the foreseeable future for TAS, Our intent is to keep any annual increase in fees aligned with CPI and industry trends. Our strategic plan aims to ensure TAS continues to be competitive into the future whilst maintaining its position as the leading academic school for Tropical North Queensland.
What is included in the levies?
TAS will continue to provide an inclusive education package. There are no hidden fees or levies.
The tuition fees and levies will cover our comprehensive curriculum and will continue to include the provision of an individual laptop from Year 3 to 12, iPad and other devices for P-2, free tutoring and academic assistance program (TAP), full Outdoor Education program (including camps), ACER diagnostic testing program, curriculum-based excursions and activities, all junior school stationery, all senior school textbooks, co-curricular activities, in-class swimming lessons and access to a Counsellor.
Optional opportunities not included in fees and levies usually take place outside of school hours such as after-school Care, global tours (such as the World Challenge, Round Square conferences, the Year 12 ski trip), participation in local sporting competitions, Eisteddfod and one on one sports coaching.
It is important when comparing schools to ensure that you request information on all potential costs. Bus transport costs to and from TAS will also be significantly reduced in 2021.
What does this mean for class sizes?
Small class sizes enhance the learning experience for the younger years (P-2) and the final years (11-12). However, research has shown that reductions in class sizes in years 3 – 10 has no material impact on educational outcomes. Of far more value to educational outcomes is the caliber of the teacher, the culture of learning in which schooling takes place, as well as the approach to behaviour management and learning support.
There will be adjustments to some class sizes at TAS. Class sizes will remain capped to optimize the educational experience for all our students. The difference in class size between our current and new guidelines is an increase of between one to two students per class. Waiting lists will be utilized to ensure we do not go above our optimal class size.
How will current services & facilities cater for increased student numbers?
It is important to note that we have been operating with the facilities that can cater for more students. Within the previous decade, we have had a school population of 1100 students. TAS has two junior schools and a senior school spread across two campuses; even at capacity, we will retain the culture and sense of community that we all love and value.
What does this mean for our admissions process?
A TAS education will remain of a high standard. All students and parents are subject to specific codes of conduct that uphold the values of a TAS education. Applicant families have always needed to align with and support the standards and expectations of TAS and this will not change. The aim of the changes is to allow more fantastic families the opportunity to become a member of the TAS community if they choose to align with these values.
