Sport
Sport
Given our extensive playing fields and 2 km of river frontage, it’s not surprising sport is keenly embraced at Aquinas College.
Sport is a microcosm of society; it lends itself to creating and nurturing students of all ages to be humble, motivated and, above all else, good sportsmen and women. At Aquinas College, our students have the opportunity to engage in a plethora of various sporting genres. Whether they prefer the pool or the track, there are sports to suit all interests and capabilities.
Personal Skills and Values
Regardless of a boy’s physical capability, we believe sport teaches essential life skills such as leadership, teamwork, resilience, perseverance, respect and graciousness, particularly in times of loss. We encourage our boys to live balanced lives, where both academic work and physical activity are embraced. The Sport Program across all levels of the College allows our students to thrive in this realm; nurturing young men to be the best version of themselves.
Inter-House and Inter-School Carnivals
At the College, inter-house competitions within each school (Junior/Middle/Senior) occur throughout the year. Boys compete for their houses in Athletics, Cross Country, Swimming and Triathlons. Additionally, high-performing students in each sport are invited to engage at an inter-school level, representing the College at both JPSSA and PSA levels.
PSA
Within the Sports Program, our students are provided with the best of opportunities to engage in all realms of sport. In addition to Physical Education lessons and inter-house competitions, our students have the opportunity to represent Aquinas College in the PSA sports competition each week. The PSA (Public Schools Association) competition is one of the most prestigious in Western Australia, dating back to 1905. It is expected that all boys at the College participate in the PSA sporting program from Year 4 through to Year 12. Throughout this competition, and at both Junior, Middle and Senior levels, boys are able to select various winter and summer sports to compete in. Some of the sports available to our students are Aussie Rules Football, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Cricket, Cross Country, Hockey, Rugby, Soccer, Tennis and Volleyball.
Keep up to date with all our sporting news.
Junior School
Middle School
Senior School
Junior School
From Kindergarten to Year 6, all boys are provided with specialist Physical Education lessons. Additionally, from Pre-Primary to Year 6, students can participate in House Carnivals in Athletics, Cross Country, Swimming and Triathlon.
Our Junior School boys in Years 5 and 6 are given the opportunity to engage in a regular fixture and participate in the Junior Public Schools Sports Association (JPSSA) program against other JPSSA schools.
Various Junior School staff members are involved in coaching sporting teams, allowing the boys to develop relationships with the teachers in a different context to that of the classroom.
While the older boys are training and engaging with the JPSSA program, boys from Kindergarten to Year 4 take part in rotational programs of sports, exposing them to various winter and summer sports. This allows our younger students to gain experience before they are required to select their chosen sport in Year 5.
Middle School
The Middle School PSA competition occurs on a Friday afternoon from 1 pm. The Health and Physical Education learning area for Middle School aims to develop a holistic approach to the dimensions of health – mental and emotional, physical, social and sexual. Students develop the essential knowledge and understandings, attitudes, values and skills to promote healthy habits, encourage participation in regular physical activity and support the maintenance of a life-long healthy lifestyle.
The aim is for students to identify and develop their own attitudes and values associated with leading a healthy lifestyle and become better equipped to make personal and socially responsible decisions.
Sport is also closely tied into the Veritas Program, developing and growing positive character strengths. Students will take part in a number of challenges throughout their time in Middle School, including camping, sailing and orientation.
Senior School
All Year 10 to 12 students are required to try out for a sport each season and attend any game if they are selected to represent the school. The PSA competitive matches occur on Saturday.
Competition in Senior School is fierce and studies in sport, physical and outdoor education can lead down both ATAR and non-ATAR routes with further opportunity to gain certificates.
The Senior School program focuses on safe and sustainable training. Students are introduced to the skeletal, muscular, cardio-respiratory and energy systems, investigate the various methods of training, and are involved in fitness activities and skills for physical activity such as resistance training, cross-training and speed and agility training. Boys are welcome to utilise the College’s US-style gym located on the banks of the river.
Further Opportunities
In addition to the far-reaching opportunities provided to our boys through the PSA program, Aquinas also offers an exciting range of outdoor education programs and recreational sporting activities. Some of these include golfing and surfing. Such a diverse range of opportunities allows all student interests to be catered for. Not only do our boys have access to these incredible competitions throughout the year, they also have the ability to engage with national and international sporting tours that take place periodically. These tours allow our boys to gain knowledge and experience in settings beyond the local competitions.
Code of Behaviour
Code of Behaviour
Good sportsmanship is an integral part of sport. It includes a generous spirit, true respect for others and the game, graciousness and a steadfast resistance to temptations such as attempting to gain an unfair advantage.
The following guidelines have been produced in order to preserve and enhance the educational, sporting and social practices that embody the standards and expectations of Public Schools Association (PSA) schools. All those involved in PSA fixtures, be they players, coaches or supporters, are required to adhere to these guidelines.
• Positive and sportsmanlike behaviour should be exhibited by extending standard courtesies to the opposing team i.e. pre-match courtesies, recognition for good play, thanking umpires/referees and opposing team after the match.
• Deliberate violence of any sort is unacceptable.
• Verbal provocation and response to such provocation is unacceptable.
• Bad language, whether directed at another player, spectator, umpire, referee or oneself is unacceptable.
• The umpire/referee’s decision is always final and not to be contested.
• Immodest behaviour in victory or success and manifestation of self- disgust at an error or failure are acts of poor sportsmanship and are unacceptable.
• Unfair or illegal tactics to gain advantage are unacceptable and should never be used.
Students are expected to make representing their school in PSA fixtures a priority over playing for outside clubs.
