Branksome’s Elite Athletes and Artists Program supports students who aim to achieve excellence beyond their school work. This program is in place to ensure students get the help they need to succeed, while also supporting their wellness both academically and personally. Elite sports come with big commitments, such as travelling for competitions and sometimes missing classes. This program allows students to balance both their sport and their academics. “Those who join the program become part of the team that supports them in succeeding athletically or artistically and academically, while improving their communication, time-management and self-advocacy skills,” shared Leslie Miller, IB Diploma Programme Coordinator.

When it comes to volleyball, Grade 11 student Kate can’t get enough. She spends much of her free time playing the sport, a hobby she only picked up five years ago. Now, thanks to her training, she represents Team Canada in both indoor and outdoor volleyball. But being in the Diploma Programme (DP) requires its own dedication, and it can be tough to keep up with academics while also practising and competing in sport at a high level. “My biggest challenge in balancing the DP and volleyball is managing to complete all of my AOLs on time when my volleyball schedule is really intense,” said Kate. “Branksome supports me through the Elite Athletes and Artists Program, which gives me more flexibility with my school schedule in case I have tournaments on the weekend.”

Grade 11 student Fiona agrees. Fiona learned how to ski early, hitting the hills at two years old and starting to race when she was five. Skiing has always connected her to family and friends, with whom bonds grew through love of the sport. Their encouragement and support are what pushes her to improve. Completing the Diploma Programme with her busy schedule is no easy feat, especially during the winter season when she is most active. But through the support of her teachers and the Elite Athletes and Artists Program, she has been able to find balance. “Branksome is very supportive of all of my skiing,” said Fiona. “I am very grateful for all of the support I have from each of my teachers regarding completing assessments and classwork.”

Fiona and Kate know that the athletic skills they are developing complement their academic and personal ones. “Spending so much time playing volleyball helps me by making my time-management skills stronger. Since I spend a lot of time training for competition, I have to make the most of my free time to complete my school work on time. Additionally, I have made lifelong friends through the sport,” said Kate.

“Dedicating the majority of my time to this sport has immensely helped me with the discipline needed to accomplish tasks at school,” Fiona shared. “I have learned to just sit down and get things done instead of procrastinating as I know I do not have much free time. It has also taught me to ensure that I am being realistic with my commitments and everything that I can get done in a day.” 

Through the Elite Athletes and Artists Program, Branksome’s top athletes and artists can balance their IB academics and passions in a sustainable way. “We hope that, through the program, our students can gain confidence by taking advantage of opportunities to show their artistic work or perform at high-level competitions while knowing that they have a team cheering them on and supporting them while they are away from school,” said Leslie. 

Current families who are interested in applying to and learning more about the program may do so by visiting the Elite Athlete Program section of the Athletics Portal board.