learning at ashdale
Curriculum
Aligned with the Western Australian curriculum, our curriculum emphasises academic excellence and practical skills, preparing students for future success by promoting critical thinking, creativity, and real-world problem-solving. By integrating innovative teaching methods and offering diverse learning opportunities, Ashdale ensures students can explore their interests, excel academically, and develop a strong foundation for future endeavours.
overview
At Ashdale Secondary College, the curriculum is designed to inspire and challenge students, providing a comprehensive education that balances core subjects with enriching electives.
QUICK LINKS
our CURRICULUM
Learning Areas
At Ashdale Secondary College, Learning Areas are designed to provide a well-rounded education, combining core subjects with specialised fields. Students gain essential academic skills while exploring their unique interests, preparing them for diverse future opportunities.
Mathematics
In secondary school, Mathematics begins to cover more abstract ideas than earlier learning. From Year 7, teachers guide students to deepen their understanding of mathematical ideas and how they interconnect.
Class structure
Years 7 to 10 | All students take a Mathematics class four (4) times a week. |
Years 11 and 12 | Students can study one (1) or more of the courses below and will attend each course four (4) times a week. Please see the Curriculum Handbook for details on acceptable and mandatory Mathematics course combinations for Years 11 and 12.
|
English
Studying English in secondary school helps students build confidence, enhance literacy skills, and gain cultural knowledge for the future.
The goal is to develop students’ understanding of the English language, literature, and literacy. Students learn to apply their English skills effectively in a variety of authentic and increasingly complex contexts.
Class structure
Years 7 to 10 | All students take an English class four (4) times a week. |
Years 11 and 12 | Year 11 and 12 students must choose to study one (1) of the below courses and will attend each course four (4) times a week:
|
Science
Studying science in secondary school helps students develop critical thinking skills. The science curriculum also promotes awareness of science’s impact on the environment and society.
Class structure
Years 7 to 9 | All students take a Science class four (4) times a week. |
Year 10 | All students take a Science class four (4) times a week. Optional elective:
|
Years 11 and 12 | Year 11 and 12 students may choose to study any of the below courses and will attend each course four (4) times a week:
|
Humanities and Social Science
In secondary school, studying Humanities and Social Sciences (HaSS) provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the world and how to engage as active and informed citizens in the 21st century.
The HaSS curriculum encourages students to consider and respond to global issues, fostering an understanding of essential historical, geographical, political, economic, and societal factors and their interrelations. Students develop crucial skills for real-world engagement, including communication, research, analysis, teamwork, and critical thinking.
Class structure
Years 7 to 8 | All students take a HaSS class four (4) times a week. |
Year 9 | All students take a HaSS class four (4) times a week. Optional electives:
|
Year 10 | All students take a HaSS class four (4) times a week. Optional electives:
|
Years 11 and 12 | Year 11 and 12 students may choose to study any of the below courses and will attend each course four (4) times a week:
|
Health and Physical Education
In secondary school, the study of Health and Physical Education (HPE) empowers students to embrace confident and sustainable participation in healthy and active lifestyles. Through HPE, students acquire analytical skills such as data interpretation, communication, and collaboration skills applicable to the workplace and future educational endeavours.
Class structure
Years 7 to 9 | All students take an HPE class two (2) times a week. Netball or Soccer Academy students take Academy classes instead of HPE two (2) times a week. |
Year 10 | All students take an HPE class two (2) times a week. The below elective class is held two (2) times a week:
|
Years 11 and 12 | Year 11 and 12 students may choose to study one (1) of the below courses and will attend each course four (4) times a week:
|
The Arts and Languages
In secondary school, exploring Arts captivates and motivates students as they create artwork. Through immersive educational programs, students are encouraged to express themselves, nurture creativity, and hone problem-solving skills. The study of Languages educates students about different cultures and customs, effective communication in various contexts, and how to address global challenges in the future
The Arts and Languages Learning Area at Ashdale Secondary College offers dance, drama, music, languages and visual arts courses. The College also has a Music Academy.
Class structure
Years 7 to 8 | All students will rotate between Performing Arts (Music, Dance, Drama), Visual Arts and Languages by Semester and take a class two (2) times a week. |
Year 9 | Year 9 students may choose to study any of the below courses and will attend each course two (2) times a week:
|
Year 10 | Year 10 students may choose to study any of the below courses and will attend each course two (2) times a week:
|
Years 11 and 12 | Year 11 and 12 students may choose to study any of the below courses and will attend each course four (4) times a week:
|
Technologies
Design & Technology
Design and Technology at Ashdale Secondary College allows students to engage in STEM-orientated subjects that utilise cutting-edge technologies and techniques. Students learn how to work in a collaborative environment and solve the problems of tomorrow. Students develop a sense of design that leads to tested, evaluated, and redesigned prototypes. These skills will make the students highly employable in jobs that will be created in the future.
Students are also offered traditional courses that develop skills, knowledge, and understanding of using metal, wood, plastics, and carbon fibre materials while applying the design process to produce individual products. These skills and knowledge can be used for recreational purposes or as a stepping stone to a career. The Design and Technology courses develop concepts that prepare students for the changes and advances that the modern world will present.
Class structure
Years 7 to 8 | All students take a Design and Technology class two (2) times a week for one (1) semester. |
Year 9 | Year 9 students may choose to study any of the below courses and will attend each course two (2) times a week:
|
Year 10 | Year 10 students may choose to study any of the below courses and will attend each course two (2) times a week:
|
Years 11 and 12 | Year 11 and 12 students may choose to study any of the below courses and will attend each course four (4) times a week:
|
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at Ashdale SC is vital in advancing the STEM initiative. It focuses on exploring the structure and functionality of digital technologies and their application to enhance students’ cross-curricular experiences.
Class structure
Years 7 to 10 | All students take an ICT class two (2) times a week for one (1) semester. |
Year 9 | Year 9 students may choose to study any of the below courses and will attend each course two (2) times a week:
|
Years 11 and 12 | Year 11 and 12 students may choose to study one (1) of the below courses and will attend each course four (4) times a week:
|
Home Economics
Home Economics is an interdisciplinary subject that focuses on the well-being of individuals and families in everyday life. It is a hands-on, practical subject in which students demonstrate creativity and independence in various life situations.
At Ashdale Secondary College, all Year 7 and 8 students will study a set course in Home Economics. In Years 9, 10, 11 and 12, they can explore a variety of Home Economics courses.
Class structure
Years 7 to 8 | All students take a Home Economics two (2) times a week for one (1) semester. |
Year 9 | Year 9 students may choose to study any of the below courses and will attend each course two (2) times a week: Optional electives:
|
Year 10 | Year 10 students may choose to study any of the below courses and will attend each course two (2) times a week: Optional electives:
|
Years 11 and 12 | Year 11 and 12 students may choose to study any of the below courses and will attend each course four (4) times a week:
|
Business
Real-world experiences are central to the Western Australian Business Curriculum. Students learn to manage small businesses and explore marketing, gaining insight into business operations.
The General Business Management and Enterprise course focuses on starting small businesses in Australia, discussing factors impacting innovation, success, and legal aspects.
The ATAR Business Management and Enterprise course covers business planning, marketing, growth, technology, and globalisation. It teaches students to manage organisations strategically for optimal performance.
Lower School Financial Literacy and Business electives aim to enhance financial literacy and entrepreneurial spirit. Semester One includes concepts from Scott Pape, The Barefoot Investor, teaching effective money management for independence. Students learn employment skills, financial management via the ‘three bucket system,’ and saving for investments. In Semester Two, they engage in the Ashdale Markets challenge, developing business plans and potentially bringing their business to life at the Ashdale Showcase event.
In a business-driven society, financial and business literacy are essential. Studying business prepares students to engage responsibly and demonstrate integrity in the business world.
Class structure
Years 9 and 10 | Students may choose to study:
|
Years 11 and 12 | Year 11 and 12 students may choose to study one (1) of the below courses and will attend each course four (4) times a week:
|
VET and Workplace Learning
Vocational Education and Training (VET) encompasses the delivery of national qualifications (Certificates) in specific industry areas. At Ashdale, VET courses are growing in reputation and the number of enrolments. Students realise the importance of working towards a vocational qualification while at school. This gives them a head start over students without certificate qualifications when they graduate by enabling them to attend full-time TAFE or other further education or transition directly into employment.
By offering VET courses for students throughout Years 11 and 12, Ashdale Secondary College helps students meet the requirements of the WACE and gain valuable workplace skills and experience.
Vocational courses continue to expand, with more and more teachers identifying that they may be more relevant to students and provide better outcomes. These courses are either delivered as part of the timetable (“internal”) OR at an “external” RTO provider.
The cost of VET programs varies. Internal VET courses attract charges for learning resources and RTO certification. External VET courses may be supported by government funding (under profile hours); some have a cost for resources, and a few charge tuition fees.
Internal VET Courses
Through third-party agreements with Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), Ashdale Secondary College teachers, qualified trainers, and assessors deliver a comprehensive range of VET courses. Click here for the list of VET Courses offered at the College.
External Training Opportunities
Information about external VET training opportunities usually becomes available in mid-July. Students can access various courses and qualifications in industries with identified skill shortages. This includes options for completing school-based traineeships or pre-apprenticeship qualifications and introducing students to different trade pathways. Some training organisations also offer fee-paying places to school students. These costs will be the responsibility of the parents.
As information becomes available, external VET opportunities will be posted on Connect. Students can then apply for courses delivered at an RTO for 1-2 days each week. Students and parents must understand that if a student chooses to participate in an external VET program, the student may miss classes at Ashdale Secondary College. It is a condition of participation that the student keeps up with all aspects of their program of study.
