The Tennis for Secondary Schools program aims to support all schools and teacher with developing lifelong physical activity and health in students whilst using a modified environment. Guided by a student-centered approach, with an emphasis on the holistic development of the student, each student’s developmental readiness has been considered.

The program is aligned to the Australian Curriculum: Health and Physical Education (AC:HPE) and has a particular emphasis on aspects of the student achievement standards for band 7 and 8 and band 9 and 10. Adopting the Game Sense-Approach (GSA), the program is underpinned by four pillars, with each pillar represented by a specific tennis component.

The Tennis for Secondary Schools resource has been endorsed by the Australian Council for Health Physical Education and Recreation (ACHPER) and the Australian Secondary Principal’s Association (ASPA). It is presented as a ‘best practice’ model that be may incorporated into the curriculum and appeal to the educative purposes of Physical Education. The resource also supports the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers as outlined by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL).

Overarching philosophy, pillars and components

• Movement Concepts and Strategies – Playing the Game

  Has a particular emphasis on the tactical concepts associated with the game. Movement, including how students move their body to serve, return, volley and play the game are critical to the student achieving success

• Active and Healthy – Physical Activity, Fun and Fitness

  Has a particular emphasis on the skill-related components of fitness and how students develop these skills to not only play the game of tennis but also use in their daily lives to be physically active. It is supported by the use of music which has been shown to increase student engagement levels and as a result increase movement and physical activity

• Community – Tennis Sport Education

  Tennis Sport Education has a particular emphasis on role responsibility, team affiliation, fair play, a season of sport, record keeping and match play. Enhancing movement performance and strategies that develop skill as well as performing physical activity to contribute to a healthy lifestyle are also considered

• Personal, Social and Emotional – Promoting Personal and Social Competence

  Promoting Personal and Social Competence has a particular emphasis on developing social and emotional learning competences in students. These principles may include respect, effort, leadership, group welfare and independence. There is an emphasis on these elements and more throughout the games

To join the Partnership Program please visit the Sporting Schools website, to see if your school is eligible for funding.  Alternatively schools may apply directly through Tennis Australia. If you require assistance please contact us at [email protected].