Golf has been added to the rapidly growing list of academies in the Vernon School District, which give students a chance to pursue their passions while still maintaining their academic courses.
The board of trustees has approved the formation of a Golf Academy, with the pilot program to run February 2017 to June 2017.
“It’s just another example of our flexible and creative education in our school district and the academies prove that point very well,” said trustee John Armstrong.
The program will enable Grade 11 and 12 student athletes to further their skills with the opportunity to balance their athletic and academic requirements. The program will be offered at no cost to the district with all fees and costs the responsibility of the academy.
The academy is geared towards students with previous golf experience, as this is not an introductory program.
“The first part will start in February before the golf course opens and they’ll (academy students) operate a swing program in the elementary schools to teach the Grades 5 and 6 kids in PE, so they’ll actually be in school more during the first part of the program,” said district superintendent Joe Rogers.
“When the golf course opens, they will be doing 1/2 days of golf and 1/2 days in the schools so they’ll rotate mornings and afternoons.”
The program will run through the Vernon Golf and Country Club, with Canadian Professional Golf Association professionals offering instruction.
The sport-specific, high-performance program gives students the opportunity to develop to their potential and will include technique, golf course management, competition, physical fitness and mental conditioning.
As well, students will receive both a PE credit and a work experience credit.
