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When analysed, this increase can be attributed to a range of factors. Various student cohorts have been surveyed seeking their opinions of Girls Grammar sport (Harvey- Short, 2003; Moore, 2000; Moore, 2010), with the students having consistent viewpoints of why girls stay connected to sport in this school. Findings indicate that sport enjoys a high profile within the School with a strong tradition of prizes and awards; the sports offered to students are nationally popular and recognised; sport and its outcomes are highly valued by the parents and thus, experience great parental support; a variety of competitive and non- competitive activities is offered which is highly significant as nationally, non-competitive activity is strongly favoured by women (ABS, 2013); there is a strong Health and Physical Education programme in place which educates active young women and helps to identify potential athletes; sport is affordable, organised for the students, and integrated into the school fees; and in keeping with the School aspiration, high standards of achievement are encouraged. This culture is enhanced by athletes being offered the best coaching available; the encouragement given to old girls who return as coaches and who are supported in achieving their coaching levels, illustrating exceptional scholarship; passionate, knowledgeable sports co-ordinators; and exposure to the best available venues.

So when we encourage our students to go faster, higher, stronger, we are asking them to challenge themselves, push the boundaries, experience failure, bounce back, and set the bar higher than they believe they can achieve and surprise themselves. It is through this focus and belief that, while enhancing their physical, emotional and social health, our students will learn about themselves and life. REFERENCES Australian Bureau of Statistics (2015). Participation in sport and physical recreation, Australia, 2013-14. Retrieved from http://agencysearch. australia.gov.au/s/search.html?query=Participation+in+SPort+and+Physical +Recreation%2C+Australia&collection=agencies&form=simple&profile=abs Australian Bureau of Statistics (2015, February 18). Participation in sport and physical recreation declines in Australia [Media Release]. Retrieved from http://agencysearch.australia.gov.au/s/search.html?query= Participation+in+SPort+and+Physical+Recreation%2C+Australia& collection=agencies&form=simple&profile=abs Downloaded 19.8.15. Australian Bureau of Statistics (2015). Women in sport the state of play 2013. Retrieved from http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Products/ 4156.0.55.001~June+2013~Main+Features~Women+in+Sport+The+State+ of+Play+2013?OpenDocument

Moore, C. (2010) Thanks Coach! Insights , 2010, pp. 55–57.

Gunn, M. (2015) Board Report unpublished paper, BGGS, p. 4.

Moore, A. (2000, September 11), Health Science Assignment.

Tisdall, S. (2015). The value of sport. Retrieved from http://www.bggs.qld.edu.au/2015/07/sport/

SPRING ISSUE / 2015