SENIOR SCHOOL ETHOS

At Hallett Cove School, we pride ourselves on collaboratively developing a Senior School experience that is flexible, personalised, memorable and challenging. Our school values of respect, resilience and integrity play an essential role in our Senior School, with caring and knowledgeable staff providing individualised support for the academic, pathway and wellbeing needs of our students.

SENIOR SCHOOL CULTURE

We co-design opportunities for cohort wide relationship building through quiz days, lunches, dress ups, inter-Home Group challenges, community service opportunities and excursions. This supports the development of a positive and inclusive school culture, which is further enhanced with our key celebratory events including Year 12 formal, Year 12 Graduation, End of Year breakfast and commemorative Year 12 jumper. Our Year 12 students have a dedicated Year 12 space for study and communal breaks with kitchenette facilities, laptop charging stations and a range of displays providing students with up to date information relevant to Year 12s and their future pathways.

 Senior school students are offered a diverse range of Stage 1 (Year 11) and Stage 2 (Year 12) subjects to cater for student strengths and interests, and University extension programs to provide learning opportunities which gain students both university and South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) credits. On site, students are supported to engage in the most suitable level for their personal learning needs and are provided with extension opportunities where appropriate.  Hallett Cove School supports each student to develop a clear learning plan to achieve SACE through individualised SACE completion pathways by utilising the flexibilities of the SACE, extracurriculars, Vocational Education and Training (VET), community learning and work experience. We also have a range of support available to our Senior School students to assist them in completing their compulsory SACE classes via our Learning Hub, SACE Support Class and individualised time management planning.

 Senior school students are also offered a range of opportunities via VET courses, with a wide range of offerings available to students who are interested in investigating particular career pathways. Hallett Cove School is aligned to the Southern Adelaide and Fleurieu Secondary School Alliance and we support students to undertake School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships, completing their work qualification and SACE simultaneously.

 Additionally, students engage with a relevant, meaningful and engaging Pastoral Care program designed to support the social, emotional and wellbeing of our young people. Through the Keeping Safe: Child Protection Curriculum, topics such as safe partying, respectful relationship, risk taking and problem solving are explored. There is also a focus on goal setting, study skills, and pathway planning.  Students have multiple opportunities to attend presentations from the key universities, Registered Training Organisations and potential employers, university open day excursions and engage with Career Expos to gain knowledge of pathways and extend their networks. Through the Pastoral Care Program, our students develop capabilities for learning and life through an engaging learning program designed to enhance resilience and growth.

THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION (SACE):

The curriculum for students in Year 11 and Year 12 is underpinned by the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE). The SACE prepares young people for work, life and learning in a changing world by building essential skills, knowledge and understanding that supports them in achieving their life and career goals. The SACE provides considerable flexibility for young people and helps them to build on their learning throughout their school life as well as preparing them for life beyond secondary school – whatever path they may choose to take.

 The SACE comprises two Stages, studied predominantly across Year 11 and Year 12:

• Stage One – studied by Year 10 and Year 11 students
• Stage Two – studied by Year 12 students

 REQUIREMENTS OF THE SACE:

Each subject or course successfully completed earns credits towards the SACE, with a minimum of 200 credits required for students to qualify for their certificate. For Stage 1 subjects, students will receive an A to E grade, while Stage 2 subjects are graded from A+ to E-. As a general guide, 10 credits usually equates to a semester subject, with Stage 2 subjects being studied for the full year and equating to 20 credits.

 STRUCTURE OF THE SACE:

• Exploring Identities and Futures (EIF) – usually undertaken in Year 10, worth 10 Stage 1 credits
• Literacy – at least 20 credits from a range of English subjects or courses
• Numeracy – at least 10 credits from a range of Mathematics subjects or courses
• Activating Identities and Futures (AIF)  – an in-depth major project undertaken in Year 11, worth 10 Stage 2 credits 
• Completion of a minimum of 90 additional Stage 1 or 2 credits.
• Completion of a minimum of 60 additional Stage 2 credits to a C grade or better.

EIF, AIF, Literacy subjects and Numeracy subjects are all Compulsory elements of The SACE. For compulsory subjects, students must achieve a C grade or better to meet their SACE requirements. 

Students will choose from a wide range of subjects and courses to earn the remaining 150 credits. These remaining subjects are flexible and should be chosen based on a student’s interests, strengths, interests and possible career pathways.

 ADDITIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

During Year 11 and 12 students take part in a range of activities including:

• a relevant, meaningful and engaging Pastoral Care program designed to support the social, emotional and wellbeing of our young people. Through the Keeping Safe: Child Protection Curriculum, topics such as safe partying, respectful relationship, risk taking and problem solving is explored. There is also a focus on goal setting, study skills, career development and planning, and exploration of future pathways, including guest speakers from the Universities, TAFE SA, and Registered Training Organisations.
• Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses – a wide range of courses are available to students who are interested in investigating particular career pathways – HCS is aligned to the Southern Adelaide and Fleurieu Secondary School Alliance.
• Additional extra curricular experiences such as excursions to explore future careers, working with local government and volunteering opportunities are also available to Year 11 and 12 students.