Sporting life

The college is passionate about sport and upholds a ‘sport-for-all’ ethos to enable students to develop personal competencies as well as contribute to team success. 

Physical education classes are run with physical education specialists as part of the curriculum during school hours. 

Competitive sport is undertaken during the school week through two external bodies: SAPSASA (South Australian Primary Schools Amateur Sports Association) and SSSA (Secondary Schools Sports Association).

Students are encouraged to represent their school in the state-wide interschool sports competitions run by SAPSASA (Years 4-6) and SSSA (Years 7-12), for which they receive coaching from both trained staff and students involved in the college’s Advanced Athlete Development Program. Student-athletes from this program are either accredited in coaching or on their way to achieving their coaching certificate.

Students may choose from more than 40 competitive sports including (but not limited to) Australian Rules football; athletics; badminton; basketball; cricket; cross-country running; ekiden (long-distance relay racing); hockey; netball; soccer; swimming; softball; surfing; tennis; touch football; triathlon; and volleyball. 

As part of SAPSASA and SSSA competitions, students are also given the opportunity to compete in non-traditional sports, including equestrianism, golf, diving and lawn bowls.

Students are also encouraged to join local sporting clubs in the Fleurieu region and become active members of their own local sporting communities.

In addition to interschool sporting competitions, the college hosts two sports days each year: a ‘Reception to Year 3’ Sports Day and a ‘Year 4 to Year 12’ Sports Day.

These are among the most beloved and anticipated days in the college calendar. Children compete in their House teams and collectively vie for the coveted House Shield (awarded to the House that exhibits the greatest athletic prowess and accrues the most Sports Day points), and the House Spirit Award (awarded to the House that exhibits the greatest camaraderie and team pride).

Advanced Athlete Development Program

From Year 9 onwards, students who are already competing at a district, state or national level in their chosen sport are eligible to apply for the college’s Advanced Athlete Development Program.

This program is designed for emerging athletes who have demonstrated the talent and commitment necessary to compete at the elite level.

As part of the program, Tatachilla’s student-athletes are equipped with crucial skills in physical conditioning, mental preparation, nutrition, leadership, time management, adaptability, rehabilitation, sportsmanship, sports psychology and umpiring. All graduates of the program also attain introductory level accreditation in coaching.

Further Information

Further information about sporting opportunities at Tatachilla can be obtained by reaching out to Sports Coordinator Tonia Fielke