Specialist Sports Course

Within the Specialist Sports Course (SSC), we support year 7 to 11 students to excel at school and their career through the avenue of sport and self-development. We nurture each athlete holistically and support them to be well-rounded individuals through knowledge and skill development to enable success in a range of careers. We give students unique opportunities to be involved in the community and gain a range of perspectives from elite athletes.

A SSC student athlete strives to be their best in all that they do. They take risks, invest time, learn from failure, give back and grow. In their search for personal success as an individual, they will support those around them to also succeed

Our values include: Hard work, Respect, Team First, Growth Mindset, Resilience.

Who is the program for?

The program is designed for students who demonstrate interest, talent, and/or potential in sport and want to spend time further developing and competing at a high level in school, club, regional, state, or national level. Students will have opportunities to gain leadership and communication skills throughout the program, which will support them in a range of industry pathways and opportunities for further education, as well as help them become active and responsible community members.

What does the program look like?

Students in the program will have the opportunity to maximise their development and knowledge as they will train and receive coaching within the school curriculum and engage in dedicated core subject classes in year 7 and 8. Students will have the opportunity to engage with successful athletes, coaches, and experts via workshops and excursions. The development and actioning of a clear Individual Athlete Plan will support the enhancement of the individual’s ability to maximise performance both on and off the field.

Students who remain in the Specialist Sports Course at Wirreanda Secondary School until the end of year 11, will have had the opportunity to:

  • complete appropriate coaching and officiating qualifications and courses 
  • complete their Senior First Aid Certificate 
  • compete in Statewide School Competitions and School Sport SA Carnivals
  • earn a partial Certificate III in Fitness, Sport and Recreation 
  • engage in the Gr8r.Me Leadership Program.

General Topics

  • game play and tactic analysis
  • prevention and management of injuries
  • fitness
  • strength and conditioning
  • nutrition
  • coaching and umpiring
  • goal setting
  • pathway explorations.

Athlete Expectations

Enrolment in the Wirreanda Secondary School Specialist Sports Course is a privilege and is earned through dedication, commitment, and a growth mindset. It is an elite program that requires all students to strive to do their best as an athlete and as a learner.

SSC Athletes must:

  • maintain a C grade or higher GPA across all subjects
  • maintain a ‘Satisfactory’ effort rating across all subjects
  • active participation in all classes
  • wear full SSC training uniform for practical lessons
  • be a positive role model for others in their approach to behaviour and learning
  • represent Wirreanda Secondary School in a variety of sporting events to a high standard
  • model the school values of Respect, Honesty, Responsibility and Achievement at all times.

Selection Criteria

The selection of students into the program is based upon their successful completion of the application process and their ability to meet the following criteria:

  • proven level of skill, commitment, performance in a training and/or competitive environment
  • demonstrated positive and enthusiastic attitude to support their personal development
  • identified as having high potential for future development and growth as an athlete
  • high level of ability to improve their skills and knowledge in all aspects of their schooling
  • capacity to provide a positive role model for others in their approach to learning, school rules and behaviour at all times.

Funding for Student Athletes

Acceptance into the Wirreanda Secondary School Specialist Sports Course means that a student has been granted significant extra funding by the Department for Education to cover the cost of specialist staff, coaching and facilities.

Subject Fees 

An annual fee is set by the Wirreanda Secondary School Governing Council and contributes to costs associated with the course, including the SSC uniform (top/shorts/hat). This amount is reviewed annually and parents will be informed of any changes. Some excursions will incur additional costs.

Year 7: $200

Year 8: $200

Year 9: $250

Year 10: $250

Year 11: $300

Applications Process

Enrolment in the Specialist Sports Course is guided by the following application process.

How to apply

For full details, download the Specialist Sports Course Booklet. For further inquiries, contact us at Wirreanda Secondary School.

Applications are now CLOSED!