Contents
History and Rationale ............................................................................................................................................. 3
Goals and Purpose ................................................................................................................................................. 3
Key Personnel .......................................................................................................................................................... 4
Program Overview .................................................................................................................................................. 5
Partnerships and Industry Links .............................................................................................................................. 7
Student Selection Criteria ..................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Code of Conduct .................................................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
Maintenance of Position in Program ................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Application Process ............................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
APPENDIX 1: Acceptance of Offer ...................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Phone: (+61 7) 5562 3575 | Email: [email protected] | Website: www.varsitycollege.eq.edu.au
Primary Campus: Bridgewater Drive, Varsity Lakes QLD 4227 | Phone: (+61 7) 5576 9333 | Fax: (+61 7) 5576 9300
Secondary Campus: 198 Varsity Parade, Varsity Lakes QLD 4227 | Fax: (+61 7) 5562 3570
CRICOS Provider Number: 00608A | ABN: 69 042 866 549
History and Rationale
Since its inception in 2008, the Varsity College ASPIRE Basketball program has aimed to not only
produce high quality student athletes but to use Basketball as a vehicle that assists us in developing
players physically, socially and emotionally. It is an expectation that all players within the ASPIRE
program endeavour to raise their own expectations and adhere to the programs core values on a
daily basis. The ASPIRE program prides itself on producing quality student athletes and life-long learners
who can take the skills they learn within our program into their lives outside of school and long into the
future.
Students involved within our program can expect to be a part of a team culture that instils many
characteristics that are vital to life in the outside world, such as teamwork, respect, responsibility &
discipline. With these daily lessons taught and learned on and off the court, our students will become
champions of character and will become coachable adolescents who will in turn become
employable adults.
Goals and Purpose
The ASPIRE Basketball program aims to provide students an unparalleled opportunity to develop
towards an ‘elite’ level in Basketball, through elite coaching opportunities and specialised strength
and conditioning. Targeted support is provided to encourage students to reach their full potential as
athletes, whilst promoting academic success and instilling Varsity Colleges CHAMPIONS OF
CHARACTER values.
1. RESPECT: Respect for your team, team-mates, coaches, teachers, college, and
yourself through the demonstration of a strong work ethic and honorable behaviour.
2. INTEGRITY: Adhering to our ASPIRE and College core set of values and principles and
conducting yourself with pride.
3. RESPONSIBILITY: Being accountable for your actions on and off the sporting field.
4. SPORTSMANSHIP: The continuous demonstration of a positive attitude and respect for our team,
the opposition and the game.
5. LEADERSHIP: The ability to lead by example, accept direction from others and support and
encourage player development and a love for the game.
Phone: (+61 7) 5562 3575 | Email: [email protected] | Website: www.varsitycollege.eq.edu.au
Primary Campus: Bridgewater Drive, Varsity Lakes QLD 4227 | Phone: (+61 7) 5576 9333 | Fax: (+61 7) 5576 9300
Secondary Campus: 198 Varsity Parade, Varsity Lakes QLD 4227 | Fax: (+61 7) 5562 3570
CRICOS Provider Number: 00608A | ABN: 69 042 866 549
Key Personnel
Head of Department
Ty Dowker – [email protected]
Ty is the Head of Department for Health and Physical Education. Ty joined Varsity this year, after
extensive experience as an Acting Head of Department and Sports Coordinator in his previous schools
of Coombabah SHS and Miami SHS. Ty is an Experienced Senior Teacher, and is very passionate about
the importance of health, fitness and well-being for students, both educationally and practically. Ty’s
role is to oversee the management of the program, and provide support to teachers, students and
parents in maximizing student outcomes in their study of ASPIRE Basketball Program.
Head Coach – ASPIRE Basketball
Adam Darragh – [email protected]
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Education
Bachelor of Human Movements
Coaching Experiences:
 Head Coach Varsity College Aspire Basketball Program 2007 - Present
 President and Director of Coaching - Varsity Vipers Club Basketball 2008 - Present
 Head Coach South Coast -18 yrs. Boys 2010 - Present
Playing Experiences:
 QLD State Team – U20’s
 Gold Coast Rollers 2010 - 2016
College Basketball (USA) 2001 - 2003
 Academic All-American Student Athlete & Deans List
National Basketball League (NBL)
 Brisbane Bullets 2003 - 2005
 West Sydney Razorbacks 2005 - 2006
 New Zealand Breakers 2006 – 2007
 Equal third NBL all-time for consecutive three point baskets made in a single game (6).
Coach – ASPIRE Basketball
Cassie Dover
Player Experience:
 QLD State team – U16, U18 & U20 – U20 National Champions (Team Captain)
QBL Basketball
 Townsville Flames – 2007 – QBL Champions / National Finals
 Townsville Flames – 2009 - 2010
 Gold Coast Rollers – 2013 – 2016
Phone: (+61 7) 5562 3575 | Email: [email protected] | Website: www.varsitycollege.eq.edu.au
Primary Campus: Bridgewater Drive, Varsity Lakes QLD 4227 | Phone: (+61 7) 5576 9333 | Fax: (+61 7) 5576 9300
Secondary Campus: 198 Varsity Parade, Varsity Lakes QLD 4227 | Fax: (+61 7) 5562 3570
CRICOS Provider Number: 00608A | ABN: 69 042 866 549
Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL)
 Dandenong Rangers - 2008 -2009
 Townsville Fire – 2009 - 2010
Strength & Conditioning Coach–
Wade Leys (Director of Momentum Sports Performance Centre - Burleigh)
Qualifications:
Exercise Physiologist Qualified Strength and Conditioning Coach
Coaching Experience:
Head Coach, Director and Owner of Momentum Sports Performance Centre 2011- Present
Past Brisbane Lions Strength and Conditioning Coach
Program Overview
The ASPIRE Basketball program is conducted as an extra-curricular activity to allow students to access
all academic opportunities available at the college, whist still providing students the opportunity to
develop their sporting ability.
The program focuses on providing a sequentially developed program for students over years 7 -12
closely linked to the teaching practices and standards according to Basketball Australia.
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Year 7 & 8 – ‘Intermediate’: Skill Acquisition
Year 9 & 10 – ‘Advanced‘: Skill Acquisition and Game Training
Year 11 & 12 – ‘Elite’: Games and Performance Training
Senior Secondary program on court training times:
- Mondays 2:30pm – 4:00pm (2:30pm arrival for a 2:45pm start)
- Wednesdays 2:30pm – 4:00pm (2:30pm arrival for a 2:45pm start)
Junior Secondary program on court training times:
- Tuesdays 2:30pm – 4:00pm (2:30pm arrival for a 2:45pm start)
- Thursdays 2:30pm – 4:00pm (2:30pm arrival for a 2:45pm start)
Strength & Conditioning Sessions:
- Mondays 4:00pm – 4:30pm
- Wednesdays 4:00pm – 4:45pm
Students MUST be on time and ready to practice as per the program training times set out above. If a
student is unable to take part for any reason they are to notify the Head Coach via email, phone call
or in person.
Phone: (+61 7) 5562 3575 | Email: [email protected] | Website: www.varsitycollege.eq.edu.au
Primary Campus: Bridgewater Drive, Varsity Lakes QLD 4227 | Phone: (+61 7) 5576 9333 | Fax: (+61 7) 5576 9300
Secondary Campus: 198 Varsity Parade, Varsity Lakes QLD 4227 | Fax: (+61 7) 5562 3570
CRICOS Provider Number: 00608A | ABN: 69 042 866 549
Uniforms
Students accepted into the ASPIRE Basketball program will be provided an ‘ASPIRE Basketball Kit’. The
kit will include:
1. ASPIRE shirt
2. ASPIRE training shorts
Please note: ASPIRE Sport Training singlet will be available to purchase at an additional
fee.
It is the expectation of the ASPIRE Basketball program that students will attend training sessions and
games with their kit, including Varsity Basketball socks (available from the College uniform shop).
Students will not be permitted to train or play without the correct uniform.
Competitions & Tournaments
The ASPIRE Basketball program takes part in several competitions throughout the school calendar year
starting with the interschool GIPSA (Great Independent Public Schools Alliance) competition, for all
students not in the OP pathway.
In addition to the GIPSA competition, program participants will also take part in several invitational
and exhibition style tournaments through the year, including:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Varsity Cup
TSS Invitational Tournament
Down Under Hoops
Big 4 Tournament
GPS invitational games
District (Oceanic) Trials
Regional (South Coast) Trials – Queensland State Championships
Champion Basketball School of Queensland Tournament (CBSQ)
Note: Exhibition and one off games will be scheduled during the school year. Players and families will
be notified in advance.
Senior Mentoring Program
Year 10, 11 & 12 ASPIRE athletes engage in the Senior Secondary mentoring program, a program
requiring athletes to complete two (2) hours of coaching in the Junior Secondary ASPIRE Basketball
program per term. The goal of this is to promote leadership, self-confidence, organisational skills and
ultimately aides them in building a rapport with other students across all year levels within the
program.
The Senior Mentoring Program is an essential part of the ASPIRE Basketball program experience and
allows for each and every one of our student athletes the opportunity to lead.
Phone: (+61 7) 5562 3575 | Email: [email protected] | Website: www.varsitycollege.eq.edu.au
Primary Campus: Bridgewater Drive, Varsity Lakes QLD 4227 | Phone: (+61 7) 5576 9333 | Fax: (+61 7) 5576 9300
Secondary Campus: 198 Varsity Parade, Varsity Lakes QLD 4227 | Fax: (+61 7) 5562 3570
CRICOS Provider Number: 00608A | ABN: 69 042 866 549
Partnerships and Industry Links
The ASPIRE Basketball program has built strong relationships over the years with major stake holders in
Basketball, including the Gold Coast City Reginal Basketball Association (GCCRBA). This partnerships
provides students opportunities to access specialised coaching from current and former senior players
who have competed at the highest level and the local Gold Coast Rollers SBL and QBL players and
teams.
Varsity College ASPIRE Basketball is proudly partnered with the Varsity Vipers Junior Basketball Club.
Athletes also have the opportunity to play in the Gold Coast City Regional Basketball Association for
the club, which is based at Varsity College senior campus. Games are played on Friday nights across
three venues on the Gold Coast, Carrara Sporting Complex, Tallebudgera Leisure Centre and The
Southport School. As part of the partnership athletes are able to take part in the clubs weekly skill
sessions, every Saturday morning of the school terms between 8am – 11am.
Student Selection Criteria
Successful applicants for the ASPIRE Basketball Excellence program will need to demonstrate (and
provide supporting documentation for):
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Complete and submit the ASPIRE ADP Application Form
Above average academic results in all subjects
Very high levels of behavior and effort
High levels of achievement in Basketball or other ball sports
High levels of physical fitness displayed at the ASPIRE Sports trial day
A clear desire for extending their skills within their chosen sport and contributing to the broader
sport community of the college.
Upon completion of an interview process, staff and specialist teachers will decide on the suitability of
each applicant. Successful applicants will be notified by the school and the school’s decision will be
final.
Code of Conduct
Expectations and Commitment to Program Requirements
The ASPIRE Program is committed to providing and maintaining a high performing and supportive
learning environment for all its students. Being a part of the ASPIRE Program is a privilege, and students
involved in the program must value and respect their placement. To this end, ASPIRE Students will
endeavour to perform at the highest level across the Global ASPIRE Performance Areas:
Phone: (+61 7) 5562 3575 | Email: [email protected] | Website: www.varsitycollege.eq.edu.au
Primary Campus: Bridgewater Drive, Varsity Lakes QLD 4227 | Phone: (+61 7) 5576 9333 | Fax: (+61 7) 5576 9300
Secondary Campus: 198 Varsity Parade, Varsity Lakes QLD 4227 | Fax: (+61 7) 5562 3570
CRICOS Provider Number: 00608A | ABN: 69 042 866 549
ACADEMIC (classroom and extra-curricular)

Maintain high academic standards in all subjects (No ‘D’ or ‘E’ standards)
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Submit all assessment complete and by the due date.
BEHAVIOUR AND EFFORT

Maintain a very high standard of behaviour and effort across all subject areas.
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Respect teachers and fellow students at all times.
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Be punctual and prepared for all lessons.
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Display high levels of behaviour at all times, not only during ASPIRE lessons, but with all Varsity
College staff (teaching and non-teaching), contract and supply teachers.
CULTURE
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Students understand they bear responsibility as an ambassador of the ASPIRE Program to be
seen as a positive role model to others within the local community
Maintain a high level of school attendance in order to maintain learning standards.
Active participation in competitions, events, activities and excursions related to the ASPIRE
Program.
Maintain high uniform standards in line with the Varsity College Appearance Policy.
Be accepting and tolerant of all students.
Show modesty and humility in interacting with students.
Upon acceptance of a position in an ASPIRE Program, students and parents will demonstrate a
commitment to the Code of Conduct by signing and returning the Student Parent Agreement
(Appendix 1).
Maintenance of Position in Program
ASPIRE Programs operate a formal review process at the end of each term for students who
consistently are not meeting Global ASPIRE Performance Areas as outlined in the Code of Conduct.
Grounds for review may include:
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Consistent lateness
Truancy, repeated detentions, after school detentions, suspension
Failure to submit assessment on a regular basis (monitoring and due dates).
Failure to meet academic, behaviour and effort standards as outlined in the Code of
Conduct.
Failure to meet financial commitment of ASPIRE Program.
The ASPIRE Review Process for students consistently not meeting expectations is completed at the end
of the term and involves:
 These students and their parents contacted by either the ASPIRE Coordinator or the Head of
Department where expectations of the program will be discussed. Specific targets will be
identified, and it is the student’s responsibility to meet these.
Phone: (+61 7) 5562 3575 | Email: [email protected] | Website: www.varsitycollege.eq.edu.au
Primary Campus: Bridgewater Drive, Varsity Lakes QLD 4227 | Phone: (+61 7) 5576 9333 | Fax: (+61 7) 5576 9300
Secondary Campus: 198 Varsity Parade, Varsity Lakes QLD 4227 | Fax: (+61 7) 5562 3570
CRICOS Provider Number: 00608A | ABN: 69 042 866 549
 The student will be placed on probation for the following term. If students fail to meet their
targets throughout this period, their enrolment in the program will be cancelled, and they will
be placed in a mainstream class for the remainder of the year.
Application Process
The Varsity College ASPIRE Program applicants are required to:
· Complete the ASPIRE Program Application Form, provide all documentation as outlined
in the application and returned to the College by the closing date. (Please do not send
originals as the application will become property of the school).
Preferred option:
o By Email: application form completed electronically and all accompanying
documentation scanned and attached to [email protected]
· All Applications must be received no later than FRIDAY 31st MARCH, 2017 (last day of
Term 1)
· All applicants will be required to attend the ASPIRE Basketball Trial afternoon
WEDNESDAY 3rd MAY, 2017 (3.30pm – 5.30pm) at the Varsity College Sports Hall.
· Upon completion of the trial day, staff and specialist teachers will decide on the
suitability of each applicant. Successful applicants will be notified by the school and
the school’s decision will be final.
Phone: (+61 7) 5562 3575 | Email: [email protected] | Website: www.varsitycollege.eq.edu.au
Primary Campus: Bridgewater Drive, Varsity Lakes QLD 4227 | Phone: (+61 7) 5576 9333 | Fax: (+61 7) 5576 9300
Secondary Campus: 198 Varsity Parade, Varsity Lakes QLD 4227 | Fax: (+61 7) 5562 3570
CRICOS Provider Number: 00608A | ABN: 69 042 866 549
APPENDIX 1: Student Parent Agreement
Please do not complete, for your reference only
Student Agreement
I understand the purpose of the ASPIRE Program is to select and retain the most highly motivated and
knowledgeable students who will maintain the level of commitment, dedication and interest
necessary to successfully achieve quality learning outcomes in their program of study. The ASPIRE
Program will create and maintain a learning environment of like-minded students that will support me
in achieving my personal and academic goals in my program of study.
1. In all areas of college life, I understand that I bear responsibility as an ambassador of the ASPIRE
Program to be seen as a positive role model to others within the local community.
2. I will endeavour to perform at the highest level across the Global ASPIRE Performance Areas.
3. I will demonstrate grit and determination as I strive towards my goals with the support of my
parents.
4. If I do not adhere to the standards of the ASPIRE Program I understand that I may be removed
from the program and forfeit my entrance fees.
I would like to accept my position to be a part of the Varsity College ASPIRE Program in 2018. I am
aware that by accepting a place, I will agree to adhere to the ASPIRE Code of Conduct and uphold
the values and expectations therein.
_________________________
Student Name
__________________________
Student Signature
_______
Date
Parent Agreement
I understand that the purpose of the ASPIRE Program is to provide my child with a learning
environment that supports and facilitates quality learning outcomes in their program of study. I also
understand an aim of the ASPIRE Program is to ensure that I, as a parent, am supportive of both my
child in the program and of Varsity College. I will, as much as possible, assist my child in maintaining a
high level of commitment in order to successfully achieve quality learning outcomes in their program
of study.
I will commit to the following:
 Assist my child in maintaining a high level of attendance in order to maintain learning standards.
 Actively encourage my child to maintain high standards in all subject areas.
 Provide support to my child and the college in adhering to Varsity College policies and
procedures.
 Monitor the completion of homework set.
 Where possible and convenient attend Parent Teacher Interview Evenings
 Maintain open lines of communication with the college to ensure success for my child.
 Meet all financial commitments as outlined during the application process (please note all
ASPIRE fees are non-refundable)
_______________________________
Parent Name
__________________________
Parent Signature
_______
Date
Phone: (+61 7) 5562 3575 | Email: [email protected] | Website: www.varsitycollege.eq.edu.au
Primary Campus: Bridgewater Drive, Varsity Lakes QLD 4227 | Phone: (+61 7) 5576 9333 | Fax: (+61 7) 5576 9300
Secondary Campus: 198 Varsity Parade, Varsity Lakes QLD 4227 | Fax: (+61 7) 5562 3570
CRICOS Provider Number: 00608A | ABN: 69 042 866 549