Patterson River Secondary College provides a specialised sport program for students that is designed to build leadership skills and the capacity to be involved in elite and community based sporting activities.
To provide students with a developmental approach to a sporting pathway that focuses on both academic and practical outcomes.
The EXCEL Sport program is closely aligned to the College’s Values: Persistence, Community, Excellence & Respect. The values of the program goes beyond just sporting achievements, focusing on team work, participation and personal best
Entry into the EXCEL Sport program is based on a broad range of assessments, including physical ability, theoretical assessments and team based observations.
Entry for Year 7 is determined through a testing day. Ongoing involvement in the program is reviewed on an annual basis, including reports, written application and interview. Students not involved in the program will have the opportunity to apply for a place when they become available.
To apply please see the Application Process tab below.
The focus at Years 7 & 8 is to expose participants to a range of team based sports in order to develop their technical and strategic ability along with working on an aerobic base. Students at this age are beginning to develop an understanding of individual strengths & weaknesses relating to a sport of choice.
The focus at Year 9 is to develop an understanding of individual sporting predispositions and to work on developing these traits in relation to a particular sport. Students begin to develop an understanding of various physical attributes and specific training techniques. Students work on an individually tailored training program. At this level there is a large range of electives available for students to specialise in particular areas. A Sports Education in Physical Education Program (SEPEP) approach is used in order to expose students to a range of various roles within sport.
The focus at Year 10 is for students to continue on their individual development whilst accelerating their academic knowledge and understanding to a VCE level. Students develop leadership skills and technical knowledge to assist them in their preparation for a pathway associated with potential involvement within the Sporting Industry. Classes at Year 10 continue with a SEPEP approach with a greater focus on coaching junior teams.
The focus at Years 11 & 12 is on VCE & VET students in order to enhance opportunities for tertiary study and future employment. Students continue to work on their leadership development, playing a key role in the development of junior participants. Students at Year 11 & 12 work on monitoring their own training programs and, with guidance, make adjustments to training methods and intensities.
2 periods per week
2 periods per week:
2 periods per week:
2 periods per week:
3 periods per week each:
Immersion Camp Canberra
5 periods per week each:
5 periods per week each:
The EXCEL Sport testing applications have now opened for Year 7 2026. Click here to apply.