Innovative Program Award

This award recognises the significant contribution made be a Queensland School for an innovative program for the promotion of active and healthy lifestyles to one or more stakeholders of the school community

Winner: Sports Development Program, Maroochydore State High School 

The Sports Development Program is a targeted development program for students passionate about sport.  The program focuses on the growth of each student, including their mental and physical strength and aims to improve non-technical skills that will benefit them in their own sporting progression
Students have access to a range of sporting facilities and clubs off-campus.  They have exposure to and interaction with elite sports people as role models and mentors through the various community partnerships including the University of the Sunshine Coast.  Students get opportunities to participate in work experience and career counselling within the sports industry.  

Students accepted into the program do not experience the regular Health and Physical Education subject. Instead, they will participate in accelerated theory units aimed at:
• maintaining mental health
• recognising and preventing injury
• perusing a growth mindset
• nutrition
• goal setting
• education on healthy living
• public speaking education.

Additionally, students experience a wider variety of sporting opportunities on and off campus and have access to specialised development officers and professionals across a range of activities including: biathlon, rowing, aerobics, circuit and personal training, beach volleyball, spikeball, surf lifesaving and badminton.