South Australian high school students will learn essential skills from an elite sporting organisation – and score credits towards their SACE – through a unique new program using online, in-classroom and outdoor activities.
The Adelaide 36ers will help deliver the Australian-first initiative – a SACE-accredited course based around basketball to build resilience, wellbeing and leadership in young people.
The State Government is investing more than $100,000 to establish the innovative program – a joint partnership between the Adelaide 36ers and leading sports mentoring company XVenture, and backed by Flinders University.
The funding allows up to 20 schools and 1000 students to get involved in the program this year, providing an opportunity to develop skills for long-term success beyond the classroom.
It offers students a mix of immersive classroom and online-based learning via the Adelaide 36ers and XVenture ‘Virtual Campus’ platform, which teachers can access for an all-in-one resource hub with lesson plans, videos and development tools.
Hands-on outdoor sessions are also part of the fully integrated course, as well as rare insights into sports marketing and media, athletes’ health and nutrition.
The lessons are aimed at Year 10 students, with participants earning 10 SACE credits and a Certificate in Emotional Agility, Resilience and Leadership.
The 60-hour course – based on a successful high school program in NSW – is designed to be held across two terms, but its flexibility allows schools to begin the program at any point in the school year.
The government’s support also includes a research project into the program’s impact and benefits on student learning.
XVenture – whose founder, Professor Mike Conway, is the mindset performance coach for the Adelaide 36ers and national men’s soccer team The Socceroos – will train teachers to implement the program.
Schools can register their interest at adelaide36ers.com/pages/schools-program and learn more online.
Education, Training and Skills Minister Blair Boyer said South Australia was leading the nation with this unique program to support student wellbeing and build their leadership skills.
“Young people will get the chance to learn from elite local athletes in an immersive and accessible environment – and take those lessons beyond the school gates,” he said.
“It’s also another way students can complete their studies using community-based learning.”
Adelaide 36ers chief executive Nic Barbato said the club was excited to be offering the Adelaide 36ers and XVenture Schools Program to schools across South Australia in 2023.
“Through the program, we aim to help young people grow and develop into confident, successful, well-rounded individuals,” he said.
Flinders University Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students) Professor Romy Lawson said she was looking forward to being involved with the program.
“As a leader in the field of sport and wellbeing, Flinders University are thrilled to come on board to lend our expertise to this program aiming to increase youth participation and positively benefits the participants’ physical and mental wellbeing,” she said.
“We look forward to working together to ensure the successful future of the program and its rollout across the SA public education sector.”
