Passport into schools

Introduction

In August 2003 the Department of Sport and Recreation WA conducted a Junior Sport and Education Forum with representatives from State Sporting Associations, schools and other key industry bodies. The purpose was to discuss how sport associations might more effectively engage schools in the delivery of sports programs.

The outcomes from this forum have been included in the guide as suggested strategies and best-practice examples for initiating and maintaining partnerships between sports and schools.

The guide is primarily for sport development officers and addresses the following key areas:

• Different school sport systems in WA.
• Physical education curriculum.
• Strategies for sports.
• Case studies.
• Passport checklist.

School sport and physical education

In reality, each school has its own procedures, identity and ethos and should be treated on an individual basis. Below is some information about the following:

• The different school sport systems.
• The physical education curriculum.
• Some differences between secondary and primary physical education and sport that will help you to get started.

The different school sport systems

General

Most schools have a Physical Education (PE) Coordinator or Head of Department (HOD) and a School Sports Coordinator or Head of Sport (HOS). Sometimes this will be the same person.

School Sport Western Australia

Telephone: 9264 4879
Email:  school.sport@det.wa.edu.au

• Information on how to become a registered sport is available from the website or Director of Sport.
• To become a recognised sport you are required to have a service agreement between the state sporting association and School Sport WA, which clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of each organisation.
• Competitions are coordinated by a convener and organised by an approved sports committee.
• Any recognised school in Western Australia is a member of School Sport WA regardless of the sector.
• The extent of the sport programs at Department of Education and Training (DET) schools will vary considerably depending on the staff wishing to be involved and their location. Sport is not compulsory in DET schools.
• Sport in DET schools is undertaken within districts and zones/regions, unless they are special one-day events, in which case they are graded carnivals.
• Schools can proceed from district, zone and regional championships to become state-wide winners.
• Primary and secondary competitions are run separately.

Associated and Catholic Colleges of Western Australia (ACC)

Telephone: 9212 9285
Email: acc@cathednet.wa.edu.au

This association consists of Catholic colleges and associated secondary schools.

The sport programs at these schools may involve a wide range of sports and many coaches/umpires, some of whom may be teachers at the schools. The programs cater for all levels of ability and the cost of participation is generally included in school fees.

Sport is not compulsory in most ACC schools.

Catholic primary schools do not have a central sport system and are not a part of the ACC. Some may participate in sports within their region, e.g. the Hills Inter-School Sports Association consists of 14 schools around the Swan View area but this varies depending on the area.

 

Association of Independent Schools

Telephone: 9244 2788
Email: admin@ais.wa.edu.au

The Independent Girls’ Schools Sports Association (IGSSA) is made up of eight independent girls’ schools. The Public Schools Association (PSA) consists of seven independent boys’ schools.

Sport is not compulsory in IGSSA schools but is compulsory in most PSA schools.

The sport programs at these schools are very extensive involving a wide range of sports and many coaches/umpires, some of whom may be teachers at the schools. The programs cater for all levels of ability and the cost of participation is included in school fees.

Independent primary schools participate in a variety of sporting organisations that have a different membership group to IGSSA and PSA.