School education is not just about math and English; it also helps to increase student participation in sport.

Sport participation connects students with community sporting opportunities, thus building their confidence and ability to be active in life.

Cronulla High School, located just 200 meters from Wanda Beach, has identified many talented athletes. With the schools geographically located on the southern beaches of Sydney, many of their students practice surfing.

Surfing is now recognized as an Olympic sport. At Cronulla High School, they see this program as a critical component in identifying and developing surfing talent that will help create a high performance course for their students.

Teacher Bevan Gosby, head of the Targeted Surfing Program, said students would be supported through mentoring, training and education by nationally accredited coaches with industry experience.

“We see a huge advantage for a teaching model that combines high quality education and sports coaching in a stimulating and supportive environment.

“The program will provide a comprehensive curriculum that includes the development of skills and techniques, strength and conditioning as well as strategies to enable students to develop the mental capacities necessary for success in the competitive world of surfing and beyond,” said Gosby

The Schools Targeted Surfing Program begins with students in Grades 9-10. Each year, interested athletes are invited to apply and obtain nomination approval from their local boardriders club and a CHS staff member.

The SCH surfing selection panel assesses each candidate on their abilities, performance, potential and personal attributes such as attitude and co-ability.

The Principle Tony Ibrahim said it was a good program inspired by the teachers at Cronulla High for their students and supported by local businesses.

“This allows students to pursue their passion for surfing while keeping them engaged in their education and academic progress.”

The program will enhance and develop individual student learning through the coaching industry’s links with Cronulla Surfing Academy and Surfing NSW. This is a personalized and surf specific fitness training of Lean Performance Gym, technical and competitive skill development, biomechanical and video analysis, sports physiology and mental health education. .

This is all helped by local support from Breen Resources, Triple Bull Surf Shop, CJ Panels, Munster Kids, Dylan Surfboards, Payne Pacific, Carve Industries, Goat Sports Gear, Watkins Real Estate, of Grants Trophies and powered by Acai D. Bowls.

Grade 11 surf student Cruz Mckee said it would make school a lot more enjoyable.

“This will keep us motivated and eager to do the program with your friends.

“It will make me stronger physically, give me competitive skills and learn to surf smarter – which is important,” McKee said.

Life is not just a beach, and student performance will be monitored regularly with academic goals as necessary as surfing levels.

Ongoing participation in the program will be determined by continued high level performance, exemplary effort and behavior.

To maintain their place in the program, Cronulla students must meet the expectations set out in the student code of conduct and consistently demonstrate a high commitment to all aspects of school life.