By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
HALLAM Senior College last night launched a proposal for a new Sport and Health Sciences Academy that could lead to a new facility at the former Endeavour Hills Secondary College site in three years.
The strategic plan, presented on Wednesday night at an information evening held at Hallam Senior College, outlined seven key strategic directives, which have been employed to see the new academy hopefully opened by 2017.
But Hallam Senior College Principal Anne Martin said there had been no absolute commitment from the State Government in support of the academy, and that its creation was not yet guaranteed.
The proposal’s directives include a comprehensive ‘Facilities Audit’ of potential sites for the academy, where the technical side of an athletes program is combined with an academic and vocational program.
Endeavour Hills Secondary College, which was closed down in 2012, had been suggested by Ms Martin as a potential site for the ever-growing academy.
Ms Martin, a driving force behind the academy, said the proposal was a response to the school’s commitment to meet the increasing demand from students and parents to provide “targeted pathways” for students with specific skills in sport and health sciences.
“Student demand has highlighted the need to develop a dedicated sports and health sciences curriculum model through an academy that can serve Melbourne’s south east growth corridor,” Ms Martin said.
“It will combine the opportunities that a senior secondary environment has to offer through sport, academic and vocational training.”
The school’s existing sport academy was launched in 2006 for 20 students and has grown to include 309 students across four sports – Australian Rules football, rugby league, soccer and basketball.
The program is select entry, catering for male and female students and drawing from 45 schools across Victoria’s south-east region.
Last year, the News reported that Ms Martin had written to the local, state and federal governments explaining how the academy was reaching capacity and would benefit from an expansion.
In addition to the City of Casey’s backing, Ms Martin has consulted with the Department of Education regarding the academy and is hoping they will commit to the project prior to November’s state election.
Other directives outlined in the proposal include the further development of professional staff and the nurturing of partnerships with local schools, partners and stakeholders.
The strategic plan will now be reviewed on an annual basis.
“The development of this strategic plan highlights a more focused and intensive approach to respond to student athlete needs,” Ms Martin said.
“The intention is to create tailored and integrated approaches to student athlete development through access to high quality services, coaching and facilities while ensuring a link to academic programs.”
City of Casey councillor Rafal Kaplon is hopeful the Endeavour Hills Secondary College site can be used for the academy and said it would be a very beneficial outcome for the community.
“The project has developed significantly over the past month with council officers working closely with representatives from the school and the Education Department,” Cr Kaplon said.
