Year 10

The Junior Academy will focus on developing an understanding of resistance training and how it improves movement and physical skills. It also includes sports psychology, stretching and fitness testing. Presenters also come to talk to the class about their experiences in sports. These areas may be assessed as part of the Junior Assessment Framework at school.

As these classes will take place outside of the regular timetable (such as two lunchtimes), it is important that students are committed.

The key to the success of the Sports Academy is not just the physical conditioning, it requires a commitment by the students to immerse themselves in the surrounding educational aspects of fitness and training. It is a long-term, sustainable, holistic approach to improving a student’s performance across all skill sets and ability levels.

The modules are designed to challenge the students to listen, perform, understand and then process and transfer the knowledge to their chosen sport(s).

The programme is designed to transition the student from a basic understanding of what to expect from training to a true understanding of what high performance really is, this will cover: 

Understanding the importance of energy systems development for performance,
• Developing lifting movement competency
• Sports psychology to develop physical skills
• Resilience and character development

​​​​​​​Entry

To gain entry into the Academy, students need to apply online to the Wellington College Academy of Sport.

The selection criteria is primarily based on a student’s level of performance and attitude, with priority given to those playing at the higher levels particularly in sports that are offered at the School (Athletics, Football, Hockey, Rugby, Cricket, Rowing, Basketball, Swimming).

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New Zealand Curriculum and the Academy

In regards to the New Zealand Curriculum, the academy will be underpinned by the values of excellence, integrity, respect, innovation as well as hard work.  The development of the Key Competencies within the Academy will be as important as the results achieved on the sports field.  The NZC states ‘Students need to be challenged and supported to develop them (KC’s) in contexts that are increasingly wide-ranging and complex.’  The academy will provide students with an engaging community in which to develop these competencies.  A particular emphasis will be placed on ‘Managing Self’ as this is one of the key indicators to success at an elite level.