Director of Teaching and Learning, Nadia Maglica
Opening Doors: New Opportunities at Pulteney
At Pulteney, we want students to pursue learning that inspires them, challenges their thinking, and opens doors beyond school. Our new strategic alliance with Flinders University for 2027, alongside the success of our first onsite VET Certificate III in Sports Coaching, reflects our commitment to broad subject offerings and personalised pathways.
From 2027, Year 12 students will have the opportunity to begin university Criminology studies as part of their SACE program. Studying Introducing Crime and Criminology in Semester 1 and Criminal Justice System in Semester 2, they will examine crime, justice and the institutions that shape our society. This offers an exciting next step for students interested in Legal Studies and Forensic Science, extending their learning into university-level analysis and debate.
What makes this alliance particularly significant is how students will experience it. Pulteney will be the only school offering this Flinders University Extension Program onsite, with university lecturers coming to our campus to deliver workshops within our school timetable. Students will learn directly from academics, encounter challenging ideas, and experience the expectations of higher education before leaving school. Richard Boe, our Head of Humanities and a qualified lawyer, will support the online learning component and help students develop the independence and study habits needed to succeed.
Together, the two topics will replace one Year 12 subject and contribute towards SACE completion. Successful completion of both at Credit level or above also provides guaranteed entry into more than 20 Flinders degrees, with opportunities for credit towards future university study. It is a substantial head start, bringing university learning and future possibilities directly into students’ final year at Pulteney.
This partnership builds on the strong progress of our first VET Certificate III in Sports Coaching cohort, whose students are now approaching completion of their nationally recognised qualification. Supported by senior Physical Education teachers Matthew Down, Bronte Pickett and Hugh Hopton, they have connected their passion for sport with practical skills in planning, communication, and leadership.
Coaching asks students to put their knowledge into action: to explain clearly, adapt to different needs, provide constructive feedback, and help others improve. These capabilities extend well beyond sport, preparing students for further study, employment and meaningful contributions to school and community life. The qualification also creates opportunities to connect with sporting clubs, build networks and explore future career interests. We congratulate our inaugural cohort on their commitment and thank Matthew, Bronte and Hugh for their guidance.
Both programs offer acceleration opportunities that contribute towards SACE and, subject to eligibility and successful completion, can strengthen ATAR outcomes. Just as importantly, they give students purposeful reasons to stretch themselves, linking their interests with tangible achievements and opportunities beyond school.
Delivering these pathways within our timetable is a deliberate choice. Students can take on new challenges while remaining connected to their teachers, peers and the wider life of Pulteney. Reduced travel protects learning time across their subjects, while coordinated support helps them manage the demands of advanced study.
Through the expertise of our teachers and partnerships with the broader community, we are expanding what students can achieve while at school, and helping them approach their next steps with confidence, experience and ambition.
Applications for the 2027 Criminology program are now open. Interested students are encouraged to email Nadia Maglica, Director of Teaching and Learning, or Richard Boe, Head of Humanities, to express their interest.
Nadia Maglica
Director of Teaching and Learning