The Sports Institute was established in 2007 to identify students who have a high level of skill, knowledge and previous experience in their chosen sport. The aim is to improve the skill levels of players at a junior level so that by the time they reach senior level, they are significantly advanced. The following sporting codes are available in the Sports Institute: Basketball, Cricket, Football, Rugby, and Water Polo. Rowing is also a part of the Institute but only in Years 9&10.
Students who are involved in the Institute are proving to be fitter, better prepared for their season and more disciplined in their health and fitness. They benefit from presentations by experts that impart key strategies the boys can use to improve their sporting preparation and performance. Pre-season fitness, conditioning, theory, nutrition and time management are covered as well as skill development in their chosen sport.
For Cricket, Football and Rugby, classes are incorporated into the student's timetable. In Year 8 each student is to attend two periods a week of their Sports Institute chosen sport as part of their normal curriculum. The Year 9 and 10 groups have three lessons per week. Basketball, Water Polo and Rowing take place either before or after school.
Throughout these lessons they will receive high-quality coaching and theory lessons in the classroom, both designed to improve and develop not only their practical skills, but also their understanding of how to look after their bodies and train properly for their chosen sport. The theory lessons are based around generic sport-related studies and include such topics as goal setting, sports psychology, diet and nutrition. Their acquisition of new skills, a greater understanding of sport and their general involvement in the programme have the potential to positively affect other areas of school life and help the boys become well-rounded individuals.
If the boys feel that they are sufficiently competent in two sports, both a summer and winter code may be selected. This is quite a commitment for a student however, and all parties concerned must be fully aware of the demands that this will place on their bodies.
Expectations
The following conditions apply for Institute boys:
Each year students in Years 8-10 can trial for a position in the Institute.
The main part of the selection process involves a sport-specific skills assessment. These will be undertaken by Sacred Heart College staff involved with the Sports Institute and a selection of outside coaches. Trials will also involve some fitness testing.
Students will be required to trial for the Institute each year. Acceptance into the Sports Institute is only for one year at a time, students will be required to retrial all subsequent years.
Only students with a high level of competency in their chosen sport should trial.
If you have any questions regarding the Sports Institute, please contact the Sports Administrator.