Brighton Secondary School offers a comprehensive curriculum which helps our young people to become successful learners, confident and creative individuals, and active and informed citizens.
In line with the purpose for public education set out by the Department for Education, we want our children and young people to enter the world beyond the classroom with the knowledge, skills, and capabilities that will enable them to create opportunities to live a satisfying and fulfilling life of their choosing.
Students in Years 7 to 10 study courses aligned to the Australian Curriculum, with an increasing number of choice subjects available as students move from the Middle School into the Senior School.
In Year 10, students are introduced to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) as they undertake their first compulsory component, Exploring Identities and Futures (EIF).
In Years 11 & 12 students have access to a broad range of Stage 1 and Stage 2 subjects from which to construct a personalised study pathway, which must include the compulsory Research Project, English and mathematics subjects.
ln the Senior School we provide a range of authentic learning opportunities and experiences to empower all young people to explore, pursue and make informed decisions about their individual pathways and future aspirations.
We strive to ensure our young people enter the world beyond the classroom with the capabilities, skills and knowledge they need to thrive socially, emotionally and academically.
NOTE: Alternative patterns of study may be negotiated for students with individual learning or wellbeing needs, or students on flexible learning pathways. Students and families are encouraged to contact the relevant Year Level or Wellbeing for Learning Leader for individual advice and support.
Throughout Term 3 each year, students work closely with their home group teacher to explore their interests, skills, and career aspirations and how these connect with the available subject options.
Students currently in Year 9, 10 and 11 will be provided with information through year level assemblies, optional subject information sessions, and through reading the Curriculum Guide.
Students are encouraged to reach out to their subject teachers and learning area leaders for more specific information about subjects and pathways.
We encourage families to engage in regular conversations with your young person during this period to understand their emerging career and study aspirations at school and beyond, and to contact the school with any questions that you may have.
We hope the Curriculum Guides and supporting resources will provide you with the information you need to make informed choices.
Students selecting Stage 1 and Stage 2 subjects should consider the pre-requisite subjects and recommended background to be successful.
For English, mathematics, science, and Outdoor Education subjects, students must also be guided by the subject recommendations provided by semester 1 subject teachers. Recommendations are published on Daymap.
While every effort will be made to accommodate student choices, subject demand, timetable constraints, and staffing and physical resource limitations may preclude some requests.
The materials and/or services required in compulsory Australian Curriculum and SACE subjects are covered by the Material and Services Fee (i.e., School Fees).
Some subjects provide opportunities for practical experiences which enrich the learning outcomes, which may incur additional costs. Please read the subject information carefully in the Curriculum Guide to identify the full costs associated with each subject.
NOTE: Should there be outstanding monies owed to the school, students may not be permitted to enrol in subjects or VET courses where there are significant additional costs.
In Term 3 students will receive a unique username and password allowing them to log in to the online Web Preferences course selection program from school or at home.
On completion of the course selection process, an authentication slip must be printed and signed by the student’s parent or caregiver and returned to the student’s home group teacher.
Key event or process | Date |
Curriculum Guide released on the website | Week 1, Term 3 |
SACE & Pathways Parent Information Evening | Wednesday 14 August - Week 4, Term 3 |
Subject Information Sessions for students | Week 4, Term 3 |
Web Preferences Open for Student Selections | Monday 19 August - Week 5, Term 3 |
Web Preferences Closed for Student Selections | Friday 30 August - Week 6, Term 3 |
The South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) is a modern, internationally recognised secondary school qualification designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge, and personal capabilities to successfully participate in our fast-paced global society.
To complete the qualification, you will need to attain 200 credits from a selection of Stage 1 and Stage 2 subjects. A 10-credit subject is usually one semester of study, and a 20-credit subject is usually over two semesters.
More information about the SACE, including detailed information about each subject, is available at www.sace.sa.edu.au/studying
Students Online contains information about an individual student’s SACE. It can help students to plan their SACE, consider different subjects and course combinations, check their progress towards completing the SACE, and access their results.
Students can log into Students Online using their SACE registration number and pin at www.sace.sa.edu.au/students/assessment-and-results/students-online
The Student Pathways website offers a range of resources designed to support students to explore careers, learn direct from industry and employers and find out about different industries, jobs and training options that you can start while still in school.
State government secondary students and teachers have access to MyCareerPortal which is a great place to start planning your career journey and includes resources to build your CV and develop a portfolio of work experiences.
VET Pathways provides information about Flexible Industry Programs which highlight VET pathway options that can be undertaken at school while completing the SACE, that lead to real jobs in key growth industries in South Australia.
The Connect with Employers tool allows employers to post work experience, school-based apprenticeships and traineeship and immersion opportunities for students.
The My future website provides resources to explore career pathways and tools to develop self-knowledge to help with career decision-making. Students discover and explore their own interests, values, skills and see how they relate to career and study options.
Students interested in combining their SACE studies with Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses are encouraged to review the information on our website at www.brightonss.sa.edu.au/curriculum/vocational-education-and-training including the links to further information about the 26 Flexible Industry Pathways (FIPs) that are subsidised by the State Government.
Students and their families are also encouraged to read the information relating to VET in SACE available on the SACE website at www.sace.sa.edu.au/web/vet
Students interested in pursuing further studies at university after the completion of Year 12 are encouraged to research courses aligned with their interests and career aspirations. Universities provide up-to-date information about their courses via their websites, and students in the Senior School have opportunities to hear about the offerings of each South Australian university through presentations and one-to-one consultations via the home group program each year.
Flinders University: www.flinders.edu.au
University of Adelaide: www.adelaide.edu.au
University of South Australia: www.unisa.edu.au
Enrolment into undergraduate courses typically requires the completion of SACE with an ATAR (Australian Tertiary Entrance Rank), although some universities and courses have flexible or alternative entry pathways. Most courses have a minimum ATAR requirement, and some courses also have pre-requisite subjects or additional requirements.
Your application for university and TAFE courses is handled by SATAC. To be eligible to apply for university, you must:
- complete the SACE
- complete at least 90 credits at Stage 2, of which at least 60 credits must be from 20-credit Tertiary Admissions Subjects (TAS), and the other 30 credits from TAS, and up to 20 credits of Recognised Studies
- complete any prerequisite subjects or scores required for your chosen university courses
- comply with the rules regarding subject combinations and preclusions
- obtain an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR).
More information about the ATAR and university entrance requirements can be found on the SACE website www.sace.sa.edu.au/studying/your-sace/planning-beyond-sace or the SATAC website www.satac.edu.au
For information about ...
Year 7 – 10 Australian Curriculum subjects | www.australiancurriculum.edu.au |
Stage 1 and 2 subjects and the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) | www.sace.sa.edu.au/studying |
VET courses and recognised learning in SACE | www.sace.sa.edu.au/web/vet |
Applying for university and TAFE. Understanding the ATAR. | www.satac.edu.au |
TAFE courses | www.tafesa.edu.au |
Exploring careers and futures. | https://myfuture.edu.au |