Do you remember those school days when you were stuck in a stuffy classroom, staring out the window and wishing you were outside doing something more exciting? SEDA Launched a new progam in Top End Today!
In 2013, Northern Territory year 11 and 12 students will have that opportunity. Three of the Northern Territory’s sporting superpowers, AFL, Cricket and Football, will converge at TIO Stadium today to launch three new and innovative SEDA Sport Development Programs.
SEDA, (Sports Education and Development Australia), which has ex-Melbourne Football Club legend Robert Flower as a Director, allows students to engage in education through their love of sport and recreation. The three new Programs will merge the NT’s year 11 and 12 curriculum with three of the Territory’s most popular sports – AFL, Cricket and Football.
"The idea is simple but highly effective," Flower states. "We build the year 11 and 12 education curriculum into what students already have a real passion for: their sport. This results in highly engaged and motivated students".
The SEDA Programs will provide an alternative style of education and training focusing on practical, hands-on learning with direct links to the Sport and Recreation industry. Students at SEDA complete year 11 and 12 NTCET, (Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training), whilst gaining a nationally recognised sport and recreation qualification.
Connection is how Brad Green, another SEDA Director, describes the student experience. "Students connect with learning through their love of sport. They develop strong connections with the Sport and Recreation industry, their community, their teacher, their peers and ultimately their education".
SEDA has partnered with Northern Territory Cricket, AFL Northern Territory, NT Thunder, Football Federation Northern Territory and Cricket Australia to deliver the three Programs. A partnership between Casuarina Senior College and SEDA will ensure quality education for NT students.
Cricket Australia demonstrated their commitment to the Cricket Program by announcing international players Michael Hussey and Ellyse Perry as ambassadors for the Cricket Australia Sports Development Program. Mr James Sutherland, CEO of Cricket Australia, believes the SEDA-Cricket Australia partnership is great for both NT students and the game of Cricket.
"Cricket Australia is committed to cricket development at all levels across Australia and we’re proud that our partnership with SEDA will provide students with a viable, practical alternative to traditional education and give them the skills to potentially pursue a career in cricket."
Mr Tony Frawley, CEO AFL Northern Territory is an advocate of SEDA’s move into the NT.
"The sport of AFL has real influence here in the Territory. If we can use our sport to positively contribute to education then that’s a good thing. We’re looking forward to having our 2013 AFL SEDA students actively involved in developing and strengthening our game."
Mr John Meers, CEO of Football Federation Northern Territory explains Football’s relationship with SEDA by saying, "Football is the world’s game; but we still need to work hard at promoting and developing our sport here in the NT. What excites me about our partnership with SEDA is this is a true partnership between education and sport offering real benefits to participants, both sporting and educational."
The Northern Territory Department of Education and Training has a track record of keeping young Territorians in year 11 and 12. The Department also believes in students having practical hands-on opportunities, accordingly they have welcomed SEDA as one of their partners.