Gym-Junior Elite Talent Squad (JETS)

Entry Procedure

Gym-JETS is a joint program of Gymnastics SA and Ascot Park R-7 Gymnastics Focus School. Each represents an inseparable part of the program.

The focus classes at Ascot Park School have been specifically established to support high performance gymnasts. To be selected into the full-time program, primary school children are required to attend the gym focus class at Ascot Park School. Therefore certain procedures need to be followed.

Gym-Junior Elite Talent Squad (JETS)

Policy Statement

The ultimate aim of the program is to produce gymnasts of national ranking who will represent Australia in international competitions whilst providing a high quality primary academic and social learning program based at Ascot Park R-7 Gymnastics Focus School

Background

Ascot Park Primary School was approached in 1988 about the possibility of becoming the host of an elite gym class. Initially there was concern about this by the school on the grounds of equity and social justice, which was addressed by developing two aspects to the proposal; that is, provision of gymnastics for all general students and international standard training for the Gym Focus Class. On 9 November 1988, Greg Crafter, Minister of Education, wrote to the South Australian Gymnastic Association, "I am pleased to advise that I have given approval to the establishment of Ascot Park School as a Focus Gymnasium School as from the beginning of the 1989 school year". The same month Ken Boston, Director General of Education, notified principals of schools and chairpersons of school councils of the establishment of the Ascot Park R-7 Gymnastics Focus School.

The program is the only one of its kind in the Western world and is a joint venture between Gymnastics South Australia and the Department of Education and Children's Services.

Entry procedures into Gym-JETS

Gym-JETS is a joint program of Gymnastics SA and Ascot Park R-7 Gymnastics Focus School. Each represents an inseparable part of the program.

The focus class at Ascot Park School has been specifically established to support high performance gymnasts. To be selected, and maintain a position in the full-time program (currently over 19 hours a week), primary school children (Yr 2-7) are required to attend the gym focus class at Ascot Park R-7 Gymnastics Focus School. Procedures that need to be followed are:

Enrolment

Referral from manager of Gym-JETS program for inclusion in the focus class at Ascot Park Primary School (Years 2-7 only).
The School Principal or delegate will notify Gymnastics SA when a student is enrolled. Once enrolled the student can commence full time Gym-JETS training.
Report from previous school forwarded to Principal of Ascot Park R-7 Gymnastics Focus School (which covers the following points)

outline of academic achievements, learning skills and social skills
ability and commitment to develop self-directed learning
evidence of student being able to accept responsibility for own behaviour

Commitment from parents to maintain communication with school and gym re:

notification of absences, lateness and early departure
regular review of progress
emotional needs of student
physical needs of student

Once enrolled and training, students will attend and participate in their Primary education at Ascot Park R-7 Gymnastics Focus School

Continued placement in class

Continuation in gym focus class is subject to fulfilling the requirements of a fulltime training program and completing school work satisfactorily. Gymnasts are expected to adhere to training programs organised by the coaches. Please note due to the structure of the training program missed sessions are not able to be rescheduled.

Attendance and monitoring student participation

Gymnastics SA will maintain a record of attendance every day. Coaches will use the attendance record sheet to inform the class teachers of any students absent from training. Coaches will inform the class teachers of any issues relating to participation and any concerns or issues that may have arisen before the students begin formal classroom lessons for the day. Longer term concerns may also be raised by the Program Manager or class teacher.

Withdrawal

It is expected that at least four weeks notice be given of intention to withdraw from the program. Full term fees are required to be settled. Reimbursements for early withdrawal can not be made. A review of the child's gymnastic development and academic progress is required prior to withdrawal from the program. The school, family or Gymnastics South Australia may initiate a review. If a student withdraws from the Gym-JETS program they may stay on as a student in the general Ascot Park R-7 Gymnastics Focus School classes. If a student withdraws from the school they will cease to be in the full time Gym-JETS program. There are some historical statements relating to this.

On 1 March 1990 Greg Crafter, Minister for Education, in answer to a question in the House of Assembly pointed out, "When this school was established it was very clearly stated -by me, in particular- that students had to attend at that school for the ethos of the program to be established? To move away from that concept at this stage would put at risk the very program we are all concerned to achieve."

In a further statement on 12 March 1990 the Minister declared, "It is not possible for students from any other school to participate in the school hours programs."

A 1992 South Australian Gymnastics Association (SAGA) information brochure to parents states: "Primary School children selected into the fulltime program are required to attend the Gymnastics Focus Class within the Ascot Park Primary School. Secondary school students may attend the school of their choice."

Ap peal process

Families wishing to appeal against any of the procedures in the Gym-JETS program should initially use the documented school grievance process. Should that not resolve the issue, families may appeal in writing to the Principal of Ascot Park R-7 Gymnastics Focus School. That appeal will be directed to the District Superintendent Central South West Area for determination. Appellants will be advised in writing of the outcome.

Ascot Park Primary School

R - 7 Gymnastics Focus School

Pildappa Avenue

Parkholme SA 5043

Phone: (08) 8276 3055

Fax: (08) 8277 9007

Canteen: 8276 5098

Care Program: 8276 5804

Email: info@ascotpkps.sa.edu.au