The Bunbury Elite Sports Training (BEST) Program is an endorsed Department of Education Specialist Program only available at Bunbury Senior High School. The program has been developed to help maximise the potential of talented students in the areas of sport and sport science.

BEST students participate in a 6 year program based on contemporary sport science training principles for talented junior athletes. Our commitment is to support your child to be a self-managing athlete with outstanding age-related levels of fitness and sport science knowledge.

BACKGROUND
Community sport provides excellent opportunities for children to develop their individual skills, particularly as they move into representative squads and teams. The BEST Program value-adds to this by focusing strongly on student's conditioning. Specifically, this includes development of the following aspects of performance:

• Cardio-respiratory endurance
• Speed (including skill and power aspects)
• Power
• Strength
• Agility
• Flexibility
• Core Stability

In addition to this, students will develop their understanding of recovery procedures, nutrition planning, specific injury management, generic tactics and strategies, sport psychology, coaching and officiating.

The BEST Program won't develop students' skills in one particular sport exclusively; students will have the opportunity to work in a range of sporting contexts while in the program to develop their physical literacy. BEST involves demanding activity programs, sport and classroom lessons. While sports-minded students will find many aspects fun, the program is not designed to be fun! Our aim is ensure each student maximises their athletic potential, thereby providing them with the BEST opportunity to succeed in their sport of choice.

PATHWAYS
In addition to any sport-related outcomes, BEST students have the opportunity to participate in Senior School courses leading to University programs or to TAFE. Our cutting edge Physical Education Studies program, the availability of in-house Certificate II courses and our established links with TAFE ensure all students are given the best opportunity to succeed, whatever their chosen vocation.

EXTRAS
Bunbury SHS is a registered Coaching and Officiating Agency through the Department of Sport and Recreation and the Australian Sports Commission, enabling us to train and accredit students in umpiring and coaching. In each year BEST students will have the opportunity to participate in camps and/or excursions designed to support their learning, performance and awareness of future sport-related opportunities.

TIME ALLOCATION
Students will spend four hours per week of curriculum time in the program in Years 7-10. Currently this results in the completion of one less Arts and Technologies subject in Years 7-9. Students involved in BEST will not be able to participate in the school's Specialist Visual Arts Program. In Years 11-12, the course will be up to 4 hours per week which is dependant on each student's course selections.

COST
There is a cost associated with particpating in this program. Upon enrolment, students are also required to purchase specialised clothing and replace them as necessary thereafter. Year 10 students will be offered the opportunity to travel to the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra for a live-in camp. This is non-compulsory (but highly recommended). Please see the current Contributions & Charges handbook for more information on costs for the BEST Program.

APPLICATION
Most students will enter the program in Year 7. A small number of vacancies may occur in other year groups. A selection process will be used to identify suitable students. Consideration will be given to each student's history of sports achievement, perceived athletic ability, focus on learning and potential for positive role-modelling. Additionally, each student's current school will be asked to provide a reference. All students moving from primary school will be invited to a fitness evaluation. Upon completion of the application process a class of 25 students will be selected.

FURTHER QUESTIONS
Please do not hesitate to contact the school to clarify any aspects of the program. Direct your inquiries to Program Coordinator of Health & Physical Education, on 9797 8900 or by email at: bunbury.shs@education.wa.edu.au

KEY DATES
Applications Open: (Year 7-12 in 2022): Monday, 22 March 2021
Applications Close: Friday, 28 May 2021
Fitness Evaluation Sessions: Monday, 14 June 2021

APPLICATION FORMS.