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(08) 8847 2202
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275 Dukes Highway Coomandook SA 5261

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SACE

SACE – Senior School at Coomandook Area School

At Coomandook Area School, students transition into Senior School in Year 10, beginning a more personalised learning journey designed around their strengths, interests, and future career goals. Individual subject counselling supports students to identify their pathways, selecting subjects that will set them up for success beyond school.

Benefits of Completing Year 12 at Coomandook Area School

  • Personalised learning programs tailored to student aspirations, with a broad range of academic and vocational pathway options.
  • Small class sizes that ensure every student has regular one-on-one contact with their teachers.
  • Dedicated staff who go above and beyond, providing extra support outside regular school hours when needed.

Events and Opportunities

Throughout Senior School, students have access to a range of experiences to extend their learning and explore career and study options, including:

  • Year 10 Careers Camp
  • Rotary Careers Expo
  • Year 10 and 11 Work Experience
  • University and TAFE information sessions
  • Subject-specific excursions linked to curriculum

Curriculum

Senior School students at Coomandook Area School have access to a wide variety of SACE Stage 1 and 2 subjects, catering for both university entry and vocational pathways.

  • Students begin their SACE journey in Semester 2 of Year 10 with the Personal Learning Plan (PLP).
  • In Years 11 and 12, students select subjects to meet SACE requirements, ensuring their pathway aligns with their post-school ambitions.
  • Both academic and hands-on vocational options are available, supporting students to either apply for university or enter the workforce with recognised qualifications.
  • Our Senior School Handbook provides detailed subject information, including opportunities to study high-level academic subjects to achieve a strong ATAR, or to pursue flexible learning arrangements combining school, training, and work.

Flexible Learning Options

We support students to design learning that works for them, including:

  • Open Access College subjects not available on-site, supported by our staff.
  • Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, such as Certificate I in Hospitality (Kitchen Operations) and Certificate II in Food Processing, plus other options including Hair & Beauty or Music.
  • School-Based Apprenticeships (SBA), combining part-time study with employment and industry training.
  • Specialised courses through partnerships with Registered Training Organisations, based on individual career plans.

Recognition for Community Learning

The SACE recognises skills and learning gained outside the classroom. Students can earn credits through:

  • Community-developed programs such as CFS Basic Firefighting, Royal Lifesaving certificates, or the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
  • Self-directed programs where students document and present learning gained from activities such as leadership roles, volunteering, or specialised training.

About the SACE

To achieve the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), students must:

  • Earn 200 credits across Stage 1 and Stage 2.
  • Achieve a C grade or higher in Stage 1 compulsory subjects and a C– or higher in Stage 2 compulsory subjects.

Compulsory subjects include:

  • Personal Learning Plan (PLP) – 10 credits
  • Literacy – 20 credits from English subjects
  • Numeracy – 10 credits from Mathematics subjects
  • Research Project – 10 credits (Stage 2)
  • Additional Stage 2 subjects totalling at least 60 credits

The remaining credits can be earned through additional Stage 1 or Stage 2 subjects, VET courses, or recognised community learning.

For more information, students and families are encouraged to speak with the Senior School Coordinator or explore the SACE website.