Rugby Victoria is pleased to announce that it has partnered with Hampton Park Secondary College to develop a new rugby academy at the College.
Rugby Victoria now has three dedicated Government School Rugby Academy Programs, two located in the South-East and one in the West of Melbourne. A fourth school located in the North of Melbourne will be announced shortly.
The implementation of rugby academies in other government schools, Fountain Gate Secondary College and The Grange P-12 College, has resulted in greater student engagement and learning outcomes. Hampton Park Secondary College’s education and curriculum-based program will engage seventy-five boys and girls from Years 8-12.
The college will offer a junior academy program for children in grades 8-10 and two Certificate III Sport and Recreation (Rugby) classes for the senior academy.
Rugby Victoria General Manager Chris Evans said:
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Hampton Park Secondary College to offer an Academy program at the College."
"We made a strategic decision two years ago to further develop rugby in non-traditional Government Schools and its fantastic to see Schools providing students with the opportunity to align their education and passion for Rugby.
"Our vision is that our academy schools will form the core of a Government School competition. We have some further exciting news to share on this initiative over the coming weeks.
“I would like to thank Cameron Christiansen, Erin Louden and Principal Wayne Haworth for partnering with Rugby Victoria and supporting our vision."
Rugby Victoria Game Development Manager Samantha Homewood echoed these comments, stating:
“These academies offer students the opportunity to be actively involved in their chosen sport while meeting academic outcomes.”
“Many of these students are already actively involved in our Elite Youth Development system and this program will only further support their growth and experience in rugby. With the hope that many other young talented athletes will look to attend Hampton Park Secondary College to gain this same opportunity through their education.
The program will provide specialist training, coach education and opportunities for students to become involved with their local community through Gala Days and school programs. Students will have the opportunity to visit AAMI Park and meet the Melbourne Rebels team, to gain a greater understanding of the elite rugby environment and what it takes to make it to the top level.
Hampton Park Secondary College’s Principal Wayne Haworth is a great supporter of the program and is excited for what's to come.
“One size does not fit all, and neither should education", Mr Haworth said.
"I believe student choice and voice is important in empowering students to learn."
Cameron Christiansen, Elite Rugby Leader at Hampton Park Secondary College, reiterated this stating:
"The program will develop capabilities inside and outside the sport, reflecting core values of respect, working together and increasing future opportunities and pathways for students involved."
"The purpose of the elite program is to build connection between the students, families, and our school community, while developing professional behaviours with a personal development focus on communication, collaboration, accountability and discipline.
"After seeing the success that the likes of Fountain Gate Secondary College have had with student engagement there was a real need for something like this to occur.
"It was designed in response to student voice and provides opportunities for student agency and leadership.
“We are encouraging all students to join a club, to connect to their wider community as the benefits of students undertaking their passion translates into the classroom.
