Bribie Island State High School has achieved AFL Queensland School of Excellence status, becoming the 13th school to join the prestigious program.
In a program first, the schools comprehensive football pathway spans from Prep to Year 12 making it the first ever endorsed program to include both primary and secondary school, achieved in partnership with local feeder school, Banksia Beach State School.
The achievement marks a significant milestone for the schools and the wider community, underscoring their commitment to growing the game and developing future Australian rules football talent.
To celebrate and acknowledge the achievement, members of Bribie Island and Banksia Beach school’s AFL program attended the Toyota AFL Open at South Pine Sports Complex. There, they had the opportunity to witness the country's top wheelchair and inclusion athletes competing in the national championships and spent time with the Queensland Wheelchair team and its coaches Michael Dobbie-Bridges and David Lake.
Jeff Neumann, AFL Queensland Participation and Programs Manager – Schools, Inclusion and Diversity, said there were some key achievements that saw Bribie Island SHS achieve AFLQ School of Excellence status.
“A key feature is the schools complete football pathway from Prep to Year 12, making it a first for an AFL Queensland School of Excellence program to include both primary and secondary schools,” he said.
“In partnership with Banksia Beach State School, Bribie Island State High is able to offer a seamless transition for students as they progress through their football journey, nurturing young players from an early age.
“The school’s approach to AFL is holistic, focusing not only on playing the game but also on developing well-rounded athletes through various roles such as coaching, umpiring, and volunteering. This broadens opportunities for students to engage with the sport in different capacities.
“Australian rules football is also embedded within the school curriculum from Year 7 to Year 12, where students can study the game through subjects such as Health and Physical Education (HPE), Design & Technology, and Business. Additionally, Bribie Island offers specialised certificates in Sport and Recreation as well as Sports Coaching, ensuring students have access to accredited pathways that can lead to further opportunities in the sports industry.”
Teachers and AFL Excellence Coaches, Jayden Jeffery, Bribie Island State School and Ben Hawthorne, Banksia Beach State School said both schools were excited to achieve School of Excellence status.
“We at Bribie Island State High School and Banksia Beach State School are thrilled to be a part of the AFL Queensland School of Excellence program in 2025 and beyond,” they said.
“This endorsement is a fantastic result for our growing interests and experience in Australian rules football from our students and from our wider Bribie Island community. This is something we have been working toward for a couple of years with our enthusiastic students, staff, parents and local football community.
“We are excited to provide a high-quality AFL curriculum, program and pathway at our school for both boys and girls of all age groups. We are enthusiastic for the opportunities available for participation, competition, education and quality outcomes of the AFLQ Schools of Excellence program.
“We look forward to 2025 and what our students can achieve both on and off the field in this exciting space.”
It comes less than a week after Sunshine Beach State High School were announced as an AFL Queensland School of Excellence.
To learn more, visit: https://play.afl/queensland/schools/schools-of-excellence