Funding boost for 36ers' Schools Program

Adelaide 36ers innovative Schools Program has received a major funding boost on Tuesday from the State Government.

The State Government on Tuesday announced an investment of more than $100,000 to establish the program – a joint initiative between the Adelaide 36ers and learning, emotional agility, resilience and leadership experts, XVenture. The program is also supported by Flinders University.

Minister for Education, Training and Skills, Hon. Blair Boyer said young people will get the chance to learn from elite local athletes in an immersive and accessible environment  – and take those lessons beyond the school gates.

“We are leading the nation with this unique program to support student wellbeing and build their leadership skills,” Minister Boyer said. 

“It’s also another way students can complete their studies using community-based learning.” 

South Australian high school students will learn essential skills from an elite sporting organisation – and score credits towards their SACE – through a unique new program using online, in-classroom and outdoor activities.

The club will help deliver the Australian-first Adelaide 36ers XVenture Schools Program – a SACE-accredited course based around basketball to build resilience, wellbeing and leadership in young people.

The funding allows up to 20 schools and 1000 students to get involved in the program this year, providing an opportunity to develop skills for long-term success beyond the classroom.  

Chief executive officer Nic Barbato said the club is excited to be offering the Adelaide 36ers & XVenture Schools Program to schools across South Australia in 2023.

 “Through the program, we aim to help young people grow and develop into confident, successful, well-rounded individuals,” Barbato said.

 The Schools Program offers students a mix of immersive classroom and online-based learning via the Adelaide 36ers XVenture ‘Virtual Campus’ platform, which teachers can access for an all-in-one resource hub with lesson plans, videos and development tools.

Hands-on outdoor sessions are also part of the fully integrated course, as well as rare insights into sports marketing and media, athletes’ health and nutrition.

The lessons are aimed at year 10 students, with participants earning 10 SACE credits and a Certificate in Emotional Agility, Resilience and Leadership.

The 60-hour course – based on a successful high school program in NSW – is designed to be held across two terms, but its flexibility allows schools to begin the program at any point in the school year.

The State Government’s support also includes a research project into the program’s impact and benefits on student learning.

XVenture – whose founder, Honorary Professor Mike Conway, is the EQ and Mind Coach for national men’s soccer team The Socceroos and Adelaide 36ers wrote the Program and will be involved designing and delivering the Professional Development day to train teachers.

Schools can register their interest and learn more at adelaide36ers.com/pages/schools-program