General Policy/Philosophy
At Woodleigh we believe that a wide range of sports should be made accessible to all individuals for widening personal experiences. It is due to this belief that we have created an assortment of sports to suit all students.
Competitive sport at Woodleigh follows traditional patterns and is non-compulsory. An emphasis, and desire, is placed on wider involvement in community sporting associations and clubs to allow students to enhance their sporting experiences.
All interested students are given as much support and encouragement as possible to participate in a wide variety of sports. All major carnivals and team sports are for both boys and girls unless otherwise stated in the following outlines.
Inter-Homestead Sports
Swimming, Cross-Country, and Athletics Carnivals are held each year with the main emphasis on maximum participation from each Homestead group.
Inter-School Sports
Being a member of the Southern Independent Schools Association (SIS) enables us to compete in a wide variety of traditional sports. Major Carnivals are held for Athletics, Swimming and Cross Country, whilst round-robin type Rally Days are held twice a year for Years 7 & 8 and 10-15 half day matches are held for Year 9, 10 and Seniors, in a variety of team sports.
Sports on Offer
Swimming
- Squad
We offer all students the opportunity to join the Squad and this allows students the chance to train 2-3 times a week with specific training programs and individual coaching. The squad competes in local competitions throughout the year.
- Homestead
A full range of events including novelty events makes for an enjoyable day for all. Again the emphasis is for full participation. - Inter-School
The SIS Carnival and the SIS Relay Championships are our major competitions outside of school. Training is held during the Activities Program as well as in conjunction with the Woodleigh Swimming Squad.
Cross-Country
- Homestead
Intra-school competition for all students from which the SIS Team is selected.
- Inter-School
Again the SIS Cross-Country Carnival is our main competition. Keen runners are encouraged and supported to participate in the Athletics Victoria All Schools Cross-Country Championships. Training is held in conjunction with the Activities Program, at lunchtimes and after school.
Athletics
- Homestead A full range of events including novelty events makes for an enjoyable day for all. Again the emphasis is for full participation.
- Inter-School
An excellent program is offered to keen athletes at Woodleigh. Our main competitions include:
- SIS Track Relay Carnival
- SIS Track and Field Carnival
- Athletics Victoria Track Relay Championships
- Athletics Victoria Track and Field Championships
- Athletics Victoria Premier League - a series of competitions held over 8 sessions in November and February.
Team Sports
Aerobics
The Aerobics Team competes in several competitions throughout the year culminating in the State and National Titles. Training is held in conjunction with the Activities Program, at Lunchtimes and after school.
Baseball
This is played as part of the SIS program and is open to all Year 9 boys during Term Four.
Basketball
Both Boys and Girls play at the SIS level throughout the year, and all Year 9 students are involved in a special competition at school during Term Four. Midweek community competitions run throughout the year for all interested players. Weekly training sessions are held after school.
Cricket
Super 8’s for Years 7 & 8 and 9 & 10 students (Girls and Boys), and competitions for Years 7/8, 9/10 and Senior Boys at the SIS level.
Football
Girls Football has become a tradition at Woodleigh with Three Championships and Three Runner’s Up in the last 6 years. Girls from Years 9 to 12 are invited to be part of the team to compete in the inter-school competition. There is also an Intra-school game held each year. Boys from Years 7 to 12 have the opportunity to represent the school in football. Years 7/8 at the Winter Rally Day, Intermediate Boys during Term Three, and the Senior Boys play for a place in the Herald-Sun Shield.
Gymnastics
This is offered to all interested students with expert tuition from an external coach during Terms 2 and 3 after school.
Kayaking
With an excellent fleet of kayaks, students train throughout the year and compete in a range of sprint and marathon events. The annual Red Cross Murray Marathon is a highlight for many paddlers. The Woodleigh Water Ratz kayak team has consistently had both state and national representatives in both flatwater (sprint) and marathon kayaking. The kayaking program at Woodleigh is world class and caters from those who want a fun way to improve their fitness, all the way to Olympic hopefuls.
Netball
As well as the SIS competitions for all Year levels, there is competition held every Friday night at Jubilee Park throughout the year. Woodleigh has run this competition, and the Year 7 & 8 Rally Days for many years. Weekly training sessions are held after school.
Rockclimbing
There are two Interschool rockclimbing championship events held each year for interested students. Keen climbers are also encouraged to participate in the State Championships.
Ski/Board
Interested students have the opportunity to compete at the Victorian Interschool Snow Sports Championships. Participation is voluntary and dry training is held at school while a specific camp is run immediately prior to the competition.
Soccer
Soccer is offered to Year 9 & 10 Boys as well as both Girls and Boys at Years 7 & 8 (outdoor & indoor). Training is held at lunch times and also in conjunction with the Activities program. A 5-a-side competition has also been introduced and has been well received.
Softball
With a State Softball Representative as coach of the teams, success has been assured in recent years. Softball is offered to Year 9 Girls and Year 7 & 8 Girls and Boys on Rally Days.
Surfing
There are two events on the school calendar; Girlsurf (specifically for girls) and the VSSSA Interschool Championships.
Volleyball
This sport is offered to Year 9/10 Girls and 7 & 8 Boys and Girls and is played at the SIS level.
Other Sports
There is also a multitude of other Sports that Woodleigh is involved with and these include; Golf, Squash, Table Tennis, Tennis and Multi-disciplinary competitions such as Victorian Schools Triathlon, Blue Rock Classic, Winter Classic, and the JLW.
Fitness Training and Wellbeing
As the focus of Sport at Woodleigh is to increase the levels of participation and fun we have enhanced our offerings with more activities for all keen participants. A Fitness Club is run two days a week after school and a Breakfast Club is run two days a week before school. These sessions include a wide range of activities on and off campus, such as swimming, circuit training, aerobics, games and cross country training.
Coaching, Umpiring or Assistance
As well as giving students the opportunity to participate in a team we also encourage students to assist with teams in many different ways. Whether as a Coach, Umpire, Official, or general assistant, students are given the opportunity to gain a wide range of skills associated with their chosen sport. These opportunities are extensive and students can make use of their individual talents and run a specific Activity during the Activities Program.
