Senior School

In Years 11 and 12 we support and guide our students as they finalise their subject selection to complete Stages 1 and 2 of the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

The SACE is an internationally respected senior secondary education qualification that equips students with the knowledge, skills, and capabilities they need to progress to further learning and work as confident and responsible global citizens.

The SACE is a two-year qualification that is typically studied in the final two years of schooling. The SACE offers subjects and courses at two levels, Stage 1 (usually the second-to-last year of secondary schooling) and Stage 2 (usually the last year of secondary schooling). Students must achieve a minimum of 200 credits to complete the SACE. A year-long study of a subject is typically awarded 20 credits. Students gain credits by studying the SACE Board's subjects ('SACE subjects'), and/or by studying courses accredited by other educational institutions, which the Board recognises ('Recognised courses').

We offer over 40 subjects in Year 12 in an extensive and flexible range to suit all students: the academically focused, those who are future entrepreneurs and business leaders, those who wish to follow a vocational path, students who excel in sport and outdoor pursuits, and those with a passion for the arts.

As our senior leadership cohort, Year 12 students have their own senior common room facility from where they move to specialised subject classes as per their individually tailored timetables. Under the specialised supervision of our Head of Senior Students and Heads of House, Year 12 students are always encouraged to maintain a balanced approach to life through their final school year.

Reference
Article title: SACE Certification | About | SACE - South Australian Certificate of Education
Website title: Sace.sa.edu.au
URL: https://www.sace.sa.edu.au/about/sace-certification#title#section1

Westminster’s links to nationally accredited Vocational and Educational Training (VET) programs and providers are an effective and practical way for students to gain a head start in their chosen career.

Our curriculum offers a range of VET pathways to employment or further study, including outdoor education, business administration, retail, food, hospitality and tourism, agriculture, electrical, electronics and fitness.

Completed courses and modules are recognised by industry and contribute towards the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE). Students also have the opportunity to gain dual SACE and VET qualifications to better prepare themselves for future choices in a range of vocations.

The wellbeing of our students is paramount as we prepare them for life beyond school. Senior School staff, including Head of Wellbeing, Heads of House and Class Tutors, and our career counselling service and centre are all able to provide guidance with individual learning pathway choices.

Students are encouraged to develop the all-round skills needed to make their own decisions, set their own goals and lead responsibly by example. Our approach is to nurture positive self-esteem, confidence, leadership skills, integrity, character and resilience in our Senior School students, allowing them to feel safe and valued when undertaking risks and challenges in their learning environment.

Individually or collectively, the student voice is respected and encouraged through School Leaders, the Student Representative Council (SRC) and peer to peer support network.

Students are encouraged to develop leadership qualities in all areas of their life. We encourage independence in preparation for their schooling and their future. There are many opportunities for leadership: Sport, Performing Arts, Tours, School Leadership positions in Year 12, Outdoor Education, and through the House System. All Year 12 students are generally considered leaders of the Senior School student group on campus. In the Year 12 cohort there are between 30 and 40 students who are formally appointed to Leadership positions primarily by a vote from Senior School students and teachers. These leadership opportunities include School and House leadership, sporting teams, drama, music, dance, musicals, plays, agriculture, international experiences, tours, excursions, pastoral care and community service – locally and globally. Part of a Year 12 student’s opportunity for a well-rounded year is balancing their studies with taking responsibility for others and participation in sport and/or the arts through peer mentoring.

We are a member of Round Square, a group of international schools, who include taking responsibilities for others through leadership.