learning at ashdale
Senior School
At Ashdale Secondary College, various courses cater to students’ interests and needs. These courses:
- Build upon prior subjects and programs
- Ensure that Ashdale students can access similar courses to those offered across Australia
- Provide multiple pathways to university, vocational training organisations, and employment
- Contribute towards university entrance requirements.
overview of SENIOR school
All courses have specific outcomes aligned with Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) guidelines. They cater to students pursuing an ATAR for university entrance and those completing General WACE courses for further study at TAFE or preparation for the workforce.
SENIOR school
Courses & Classes
At Ashdale Secondary College, we are committed to providing a comprehensive and flexible curriculum that prepares our senior secondary students for a smooth transition beyond school, whether they pursue university, TAFE, further training, or employment. Our College’s Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs offer unique opportunities to complete VET courses and engage in Workplace Learning, further enhancing their future readiness. Led by highly skilled specialist teachers, our wide range of courses is supported by tailored motivational strategies and comprehensive student services, ensuring each student reaches their full potential and is thoroughly prepared for the next stage of life.
WACE Requirements
The Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) is awarded to secondary school students who satisfy its requirements. Students generally complete two years of senior secondary study, and if they demonstrate the required levels of achievement, they will be awarded the WACE.
All Year 11 and 12 course results are reported annually to the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA). Students who discontinue a certificate course will be credited with the units of competency achieved.
General Requirements
- Demonstrate a minimum standard of literacy (reading and writing) and a minimum standard of numeracy
- Complete a minimum of 20 units, or equivalents
- Complete:
- at least four Year 12 ATAR courses; OR
- at least five Year 12 General courses and/or ATAR courses or equivalent OR;
- a Certificate II (or higher) VET qualification in combination with ATAR, General or Foundation courses
Breadth and DepthÂ
Complete a minimum of 20 units, which may include unit equivalents attained through VET and/or endorsed programs.
This requirement must include at least:
- A minimum of ten (10) Year 12 units, or the equivalent
- Four (4) units from an English course, post-Year 10, including at least one (1) pair of Year 12 units from an English learning area course
- One (1) pair of Year 12 units from each of List A (arts/languages/social sciences) and List B (mathematics/science/technology) subjectsÂ
Achievement Standard
Achieve at least 14 C grades or higher (or equivalents) in Year 11 and Year 12 units, including at least six (6) C grades (or equivalents) in Year 12 units.
Unit Equivalent
Unit equivalents can be obtained through VET qualifications and/or endorsed programs. The maximum number of unit equivalents available through VET and endorsed programs is four Year 11 units and four Year 12 units with a maximum of four units with endorsed programs – two in Year 11 and two in Year 12
For further information, visit the School Curriculum and Standards Authority website.
Positive Futures Initiative
The Positive Futures Initiative provides financial assistance to students with exceptional academic performance, good behaviour, and a willingness to achieve a positive future. The fund aims to help outstanding students reach their full potential and succeed in their senior schooling. However, students must meet specific criteria to be eligible. The applying student must:Â
- Address their future aspirations;
- Address how they will achieve their goals
- State the positive impact they wish to make within society
- Have positive longitudinal course achievement
- Demonstrate consistent progress in their academic progress
- Provide a College-based referee
Students must complete an application form and address each eligibility criterion. Once the application has been reviewed, the panel will advise students of the outcome.Â
Applications open | Weeks 4 – 7 | Term 2 | |
Applications close | Friday | Week 7 | Term 2 |
SSO opens (Year 10 into 11) | Monday | Week 9 | Term 2 |
Course counselling and interviews | Wednesday – Friday | Week 9 | Term 2 |
Panel review | Friday | Week 9 | Term 2 |
Notification of outcomes | Week 10 | Term 2 | |
Subject selections close | Week 1 | Term 3 |
Year 10
Year 10 is a transitional year in which students continue studying compulsory subjects and enjoy electives as they select their pathway for Year 11 and beyond.
Results achieved in Year 10 determine which Year 11 courses are available to students the following year.
At Ashdale Secondary College, the Year 10 curriculum fulfils the requirements of the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA) and the Department of Education.
The Year 10 curriculum builds on the foundation from Year 9, ensuring continuous learning progress and preparing students for their chosen pathways in Year 11.
Subjects and Classes
Year 10 students at Ashdale Secondary College take courses in compulsory subjects and choose four (4) elective subjects.
Compulsory Studies
Year 10 students take classes in the following compulsory subjects:
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- Humanities and Social Sciences (HaSS)
- Health and Physical Education
Elective Studies
Year 10 students may take classes in the following subjects:
- The Arts and Languages
- Design and Technology
- Home Economics
- Business
- Information and Communication Technology
Year 11
Year 11 students at Ashdale Secondary College study a personalised combination of programs and courses that collectively contribute to their Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE).
Courses and Classes
Students are guided by their designated Course Counsellor to select courses that best align with their interests, aspirations, and abilities. This selection process occurs in Year 10, in preparation for Year 11.
The Curriculum Handbook outlines the many courses and programs available to Year 11 students at Ashdale.
More information
Year 12
Year 12 students continue to pursue their personalised combination of programs and courses that collectively contribute to their Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE).
WACE
Achievement of a WACE signifies that you have successfully met the breadth and depth requirement, the achievement standard requirement and the literacy and numeracy standard requirement in your senior secondary schooling.
To understand the requirements to achieve a WACE, please visit https://www.scsa.wa.edu.au/publications/year-12-information.
The Curriculum Handbook outlines the many courses and programs available to Year 12 students at Ashdale.
More information
