Curriculum

Teaching and learning occurs in the eight areas of study and in accordance the Australian Curriculum and is also guided by the requirements of SACE in years 11-12+ and the vocational education needs of students. At each year level students will have a pattern of subjects designed to complete the prescribed curricula.

In addition to the more traditional means of education, Kapunda High also offers a range of learning opportunities, both inside and outside of the classroom. Such activities include Youth Opportunities program, Doorways 2 Construction, Community Learning in SACE and much more.

Alternative Pathways

Some students may be engaged in alternative options of studies and these can be found in the Curriculum+ section of this website. These courses may take the place of some of the more traditional modes of study or simply enhance the learning programme.

Community Learning in the SACE

Students are able to earn SACE credits for learning undertaken in the community. Information on community-based courses can be found:

Click here for more information

Students can also count recognition for learning gained through informal community activities such as coaching a sporting team, being the primary carer of a family member, or leading an environmental project in the community. Students will need to provide evidence of their learning for assessment so that the SACE Board can recognise these other kinds of community learning. You can get recognition for community learning in two ways:

Community-Developed Programs
If you have a current award or certificate of a community-developed program, e.g. Royal Life Saving Society, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Choices for Indigenous Secondary Students Program.
Personal learning Programs
If you are involved in personal learning, such as taking care of a family member, supporting a refugee family or volunteering for a community project.

Community learning can occur at any time and at any place for example: at the same time as your SACE studies, after school, at home, on weekends, prior to commencing your SACE. These subjects do not count towards an ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admissions Ranking).

More information about Community Learning is available from the KHS Flexible Pathways Co-ordinator, SACE Co-ordinator or from the SACE website.

Year 7

(information available soon)

Year 8

At year 8 level, students study a prescribed combination of subjects to ensure a broad experience of
all curriculum areas.

The subjects include:

English (full year)
Maths (full year)
Science and Agriculture (full year)
History and Social Sciences (full year)
Physical Education and Health (1 semester)
Language other than English (1 semester)
Home Economics (1 semester)
Design and Technology (1 semester)
Visual Arts, Music, Drama, Digital Technologies (1 term each)

Year 9

At Year 9 level, students are required to study a core group of subjects. These are:

English (full year)
Maths (full year)
Science (full year)
Health and Physical Education (full year)
History (1 semester)

Students may then choose from a variety of learning areas to broaden their knowledge and experiences. They may choose 7 other areas of study which may include:

Agriculture
The Arts (Music, Drama and Visual Arts)
Languages other than English (Japanese)
Design and Technology (Woodwork and Metalwork)
Digital Technologies
Home Economics
Geography

Year 9 students can also choose to participate in many of the school’s extra curricula opportunities. In Year 9 there is an opportunity to attend the Bush Walking Camp at Mambray Creek in the Flinders Ranges.

Year 10

At Year 10 level, students are required to study a core group of subjects. These are;

English (full year)
Maths (full year)
Science (full year)
History (1 semester)
Health and Physical Education (1 semester)
Personal Learning Plan (1 semester).

Learning Areas

Students may then choose from a variety of learning areas to broaden their knowledge and experiences. They may choose 7 other areas of study which may include

Agriculture
The Arts (Music, Drama and Visual Arts)
Languages other than English (Japanese)
Design and Technology (Woodwork and Metalwork)
Digital Technologies
Home Economics
Media Studies
Physical Education
Doorways 2 Construction

Year 10 students can also choose to participate in many of the school’s extra curricula opportunities such as the Year 10 Aquatics Camp.

Year 11

At Year 11 level, student begin Stage 1 studies in the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE). SACE Completion is attained through the completion of 200 credits over both Stage 1 and Stage 2 (Year 12). Overall stage 1 subjects are school based, with the compulsory subjects moderated to ensure results are comparable across the state.

At Stage 1 level students are required to complete the following with a ‘C’ grade or better:

Stage 1 Essential English (full year)
Stage 1 Specialist Maths, Maths Methods, General Maths, Essential Maths (1 Semester)
Personal Learning Plan (Completed in Year 10)

Students may then choose subjects from other learning areas such as:

Arts
Business, Enterprise and Technology
Health and Physical Education
Humanities and Social Sciences
Mathematics
Sciences
Cross Disciplinary

In addition to this students may choose to complete their SACE through Vocational Education and Training (VET). This may include:

Doorways 2 Construction
Automotive Studies
Other courses through Registered Training Organisations.

Students may also be able to receive credits through community learning. See Community Learning in the SACE.

Extra Curricula

There are a range of extra-curricula activities offered at Year 11 level. These include subject specific excursions, camp, Australian Business Week, Peer Support, Driver Awareness Programs and much more.

Year 12

At Year 12 level, student will be working towards Stage 2 completion of the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE). SACE Completion is attained through the completion of 200 credits over both Stage 1(Year 11) and Stage 2. To qualify for SACE, students must have at least 90 credits at Stage 2 level, this equates to 3 full year subjects in Year 12 and the successful completion of the Research Project. Typically, if students are wishing to go onto further university or TAFE options they must complete 4 stage 2 level subjects as well as the Research Project.

Course Outline

At Stage 2 level students are required to complete the following with a ‘C’ grade or better:

Research Project (10 credits)

Students may then choose subjects from other learning areas such as:

Arts
Business, Enterprise and Technology
Health and Physical Education
Humanities and Social Sciences
Mathematics
Sciences
Cross Disciplinary

Curriculum guides list specific courses and information. They are accurate at time of production, however some changes may occur. Seek further advice and detail from Deputy Principal, Tracy Warner.

Click here to view the 2024 Curriculum Prospectus

In addition to this students may choose to complete their SACE through Vocational Education and Training (VET). This may include: Doorways 2 Construction, Automotive Studies and other courses through Registered Training Organisations.

Further Education Options

There are special requirements for entry into tertiary courses and the handbook specific to the particular institution must be consulted carefully. This may give information on the required subjects, any prerequisites and/or the ATAR score, which may need to be achieved in order to be accepted into a particular course. Students are advised to seek clarification from University and TAFE handbooks, the SATAC Guide on Tertiary Entrance (see website www.satac.edu.au), SACE Board publications and the current ‘Job Guide’.

Extra-Curricula

There are a range of extra curricula activities offered at Year 12 level. These include subject specific excursions, school drama production, Australian Business Week, Peer Support, Sports House Captains, Student Representative Council and much more.