Sport Academy

​​​​​​​​Sport Academy is a tailored, application-only Health and Physical Education course for Years 7-9. 

The Sport Academy class provides students with a talent and passion in sport an environment to undertake studies with like-minded peers, and use their interest in physical activity to drive their academic and sporting success. 

This unique program does not focus on individual sports, but instead develops the components of successful elite student-athletes; such as focus, persistence, reliance and growth mind-set. It challenges students to strive to reach their potential in whatever aspect of life they are undertaking, and provides the skills to do so.    

Sport Academy follows the Australian curriculum, but explores in-depth the aspects associated with elite athlete development and personal growth. Activities encompass:

• sports psychology, including characteristics of successful people, confidence and focus
• drivers of motivation
• leadership, teamwork and communication skills
• the importance of community, charity and philanthropy 
• sports nutrition and recovery
• fitness profiling and development
• techniques for competition success
• cross-sport technique development and tactical awareness
  

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Sport Academy, as with all Meridan Sporting Programs, is underpinned by the “Developing the Athlete Within" framework for student-athlete development. 

This is a holistic approach to simultaneously develop the person that surrounds the athlete, whilst providing the skills to enhance cross-disciplinary athletic performance. 

Meridan sporting programs are committed to a holistic-approach to student development across academic, sporting and cultural fields. The Sport Academy Extension Program aims to instil vital attributes and develop student-athletes physically, socially and emotionally for life now and long beyond their time at our College. It is hoped that Sport Academy students go on to be leaders within the College and aspire to undertake tertiary studies to continue their student-athlete journey. 

When does the Sport Academy run?

Year 7 - 8:

• Students are grouped together in a specific HPE class
• Two (2) Sport Academy lessons per week for a year (this is the same time allocation for all Year 7 and 8 HPE students)

Year 9:

• Sport Academy runs as an additional elective that can be selected by students who wish to continue in this program.
• Three (3) Sport Academy lessons per week for a year (this is in addition core HPE, which all students engage in for 3 lessons per week for 1 semester – the work and classes for Year 9 core HPE are significantly different to Sport Academy Program for this year level)  

Who would apply for the Meridan Sport Academy Extension Program?

Academy students can range from naturally gifted performers across a number of different disciplines who maybe heavily committed to a variety of training and competitions across the year.  Alternatively, academy students maybe be elite athletes in a specific discipline whose commitment to training and success may impact on their education from time to time, this may could include our talented dancers and performers.  Academy students may also excel in areas which usually go unrecognized at school as they are not typical school-based pursuits; for example, cheerleading, moto-X or wake-boarding. 

With all of our Academy students we acknowledge the level of training, coaching and commitment which goes on outside of school.  The Meridan Sport Academy, is not designed to replace a coach or to train students, but instead provides students both with additional knowledge around becoming elite performers and uses their sporting gift to support their education.

Most importantly, all applicants must demonstrate a willingness to learn and be coachable; with the capacity to develop a growth mind-set and a commitment to learning through all aspects of their education. 

What is expected from the Meridan Sport Academy students? 

Displaying the College values of compassion, courage, collaboration and courtesy is essential; while the three tenants of the Marlins Creed are always expected.

• Conduct yourself with honour
• Play to win
• Never give up

Therefore, a Sport Academy Member must:

• demonstrate a commitment to improve abilities in the classroom and on the sporting field through resilience and persistence;
• uphold high standards of effort and behaviour across all classes by maintaining an engagement index above 3.5 on reports (see link to video for more information);
• demonstrate an attitude that promotes sporting participation within the College community. This includes mandatory participation in the College cross country, athletics and swimming carnivals;
• develop a reputation of integrity in whatever I do, but particularly through on-field conduct;
• work to be a positive role-model to others, and an ambassador for College sport;
• value the contribution and sacrifices my family make to allow my involvement in sport; and
• take pride in being a Sport Academy Member, a Marlins player and Meridan State College student.
  

The Selection Process 

Students may apply for initial entry into the Year 7 Sport Academy class during the previous year, with early entry notifications in semester 1 of Year 6 and applications closing at the end of Term 3.

Students currently in Year 7, 8 or 9 can apply at any stage for entry into the Program, with successful applicants joining the class at the start of the next semester. PLEASE NOTE: due to the popularity of this program there may be no spots available and successful applicants may need to go on a waiting list.

Students must complete the online application form fully, as well as uploading their 2 latest reports and a reference from a coach outside of school (i.e. not a teacher).  Applications must be the work of the student, and not completed by parents or carers.

The application is structured around the Marlin Creed, and selection criteria reflect these three tenants:

• Conduct yourself with honour
• Play to win
• Never give up
  

Applications will be rated using the selection criteria, with the most appropriate candidates being offered a position within the academy. Please complete the application fully; with care and consideration to provide yourself with the best opportunity of success.     

For more information regarding the enrolment process or other aspects of the Sport Academy program, please contact the College Head of Health, Physical Education and Sport, Mr Ross Stewart on 5490 2875 or rstew101@eq.edu.au.