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Curriculum and Qualification

The Australian curriculum is designed to cater to the specific academic needs and interests of students and guide them towards their ideal future pathway.

The core learning areas are English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities and Social Sciences, The Arts, Languages, Health and Physical Education, Technologies and Work Studies. Schools offer a broad range of specialised subjects and special interest programs within the core learning areas which challenge students to develop essential skills and capabilities.

Specialised subjects include marine biology, hospitality, surfing, outdoor education, dance, music and photography. If you want to try a new subject, you should consider this when choosing your school.

Special interest programs are available to students with a talent or passion in a particular subject area such as languages, music, performing arts and sport. Entry into these programs may require evidence of student aptitude, an audition or try-out prior to acceptance. Additional fees may apply.

Students can also participate in a range of co-curricular activities including sport, music bands, engineering design competitions, debating and drama productions.

South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE)

The SACE is an internationally recognised qualification awarded to students who successfully complete Years 11 and 12 in a South Australian high school. The SACE is divided into Stage 1 and Stage 2. In planning your senior secondary study, you will complete a Personal Learning Plan in Year 10 or when you start Year 11. You need to get 200 credits to achieve the SACE, through a mixture of compulsory and free-choice subjects and courses. Credit towards the SACE may be given to students who have successfully completed Year 11 in their own country. Visit the SACE website for more information.

Students receive an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) based on their academic results. The ATAR is recognised for entry into Australian universities and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions, and is used by many universities around the world to select students for degree courses.

School versus Foundation Studies

South Australian Government Schools do not offer Foundation Studies.

Schools offer a broader range of subjects and greater in-depth study which will provide more options for your university studies. Importantly, most students in Year 12 study the subject English as an Additional Language (EAL) to prepare them for the rigours of university study and enable them to enter without an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score.

Our schools also provide the personalised care and support to help you succeed in your studies including in-class support and personal, subject and pathway counselling. Every school has an International Student Program manager dedicated to your success, safety and wellbeing.