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High Performance Sports Pathway Programme

Whangamata Area School is proud to offer two areas of high performance sports pathways that will sit beside each other to develop a culture of elite sports here at WAS. They are the Sports Academy and Surf Academy.

Sports Academy
Surf Academy

Criteria

The Principal, HP Sports director and Surf Academy Coach are responsible for the selection of the students who apply. They will consider all information provided and make a decision based upon the following criteria:

  • Sporting achievements
  • Behavioral suitability
  • Academic suitability

Applying Students

The two high performance pathway programmes require a substantial amount of commitment and dedication to both sport and academia. There is a high expectation academically within the NCEA programme offered, where students will be enrolled in 5 NCEA subjects (Year 11- 13). 

School Representation

  • Uniform

  • Leadership positions

  • Demeanor around school

  • Positive role modeling

  • Supporting other students

  • Involvement in all school sporting/cultural/academic events

Three strikes policy

A three strike policy will apply to all members of the Sports Academy and Surf Academy to maintain the positive expectations of the elite athletes. A strike is considered a serious breach of the expectations of being an athlete in the High Performance Pathway Programmes and is designed to encourage positive behaviour and role modeling. When a strike is issued the Sports Academy Coach or Surf Academy Coach will meet with the student and discuss how they will need to improve. Once a student receives three strikes they will be immediately dropped from the programme for the year, but will have the option to reapply in the following year.

Strike Criteria

  • A high level behavioral breach (smoking, vaping, fighting, put on report etc)
  • Engagement report below 3.5 average after 4 weeks of notification
  • Attendance below 85% without good reason
  • Not meeting the ethos of the academy (missing training sessions, not following instructions and general disruption of the group).

Whangamata Sports Academy

The opportunity to excel in your chosen sport

Purpose of the programme

Offer students the opportunity to excel in their chosen sport through the high performance sports programme. To lift the performance of individual athletes by focusing on a holistic approach - the physical, mental and emotional characteristics.  

Students are provided with one-on-one and group sessions to help them reach their age-group potential and increase their overall performance in their chosen sport(s).

The programme will consist of:

  • Personalised and specific fitness training
  • Technical skill development
  • Biomechanical and principles of training learning
  • Sport psychology and mental development
  • Nutrition understanding as an athlete
  • Industry focused learning
  • Goal setting
  • Injury prevention strategies

Link for 2027 Application Click here to apply

Whangamata Sports Academy
  • Mentor/coach:
    Kirtis McNaughten
  • Who:
    Open to students from Years 11 - 13
  • Lessons per week:
    2 before school + 1 during school
  • Student Cost:
    $110 per term

Whangamata Surf Academy

The opportunity to excel in high performance surfing
Learning to surf Whangamata Area School

Purpose of the programme

Offer students the opportunity to excel in Surfing through the high performance surf programme. To lift the performance of individual athletes by focusing on a holistic approach - the physical, mental and emotional characteristics.  

Surf Academy students will discover their surfing potential through small groups and one-on-one specialised coaching.

Coaching focuses on the technique, fitness, wave knowledge and understanding of competition in surfing through the following:

  • Personalised, surf specific fitness training
  • Implementing strategies in heat surfing
  • Technical skill development
  • Biomechanical and video analysis
  • Sport psychology and mental development
  • Nutrition understanding as an athlete
  • Industry focused learning

Academy students are expected to compete at all major surf competitions throughout the North Island of New Zealand that fall within a school calendar year, as well as running an annual competition in Whangamata. While the academy accepts students may have other sporting interests and commitments, it is expected that they prioritise surfing competitions and team trips that apply to their age group.

Link for 2027 Application Click here to apply

Whangamata Surf Academy
  • Mentor/coach:
    Kirtis McNaughten and Rangi Ormond
  • Who:
    Open to students from Years 9 - 13
  • Lessons per week:
    4
  • Student Cost:
    $250 per term