Senior School Subject Selection
Introduction to subject selection
Our young people are graduating into a world that is rapidly changing. To create an educational experience that is both stimulating and demanding, we collaborate with students to understand their unique abilities, motivations, attitudes, and aspirations. This understanding allows our teachers to tailor the learning experience, making it more engaging, dynamic, and personalised.
We proudly deliver the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE). A certificate which through a wide range of subjects, has at its core, the knowledge, skills and capabilities to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Our curriculum is diverse, comprehensive, and designed to address the needs of a modern society. An innovative, captivating, and positive approach to teaching and learning sparks enthusiasm and lays a solid foundation for continuous development.
We encourage every student to embrace being a creative, open-minded, lifelong learner who views failure as an opportunity for growth. Each student is ultimately responsible for their own learning journey. Teachers support each individual in developing independent thinking, intellectual resilience, and self-awareness as a learner.
Staff members in the Senior School are enthusiastic and committed to providing quality contemporary education, promoting academic excellence. We expect each student to achieve their personal best, not only academically but also in the wide variety of co-curricular activities available. Through this, they gain valuable leadership experience, learn the benefits of a balanced lifestyle, and appreciate the pursuit of passion.
I commend this guide to our students and their families as a valuable resource. It will assist you in making informed subject choices, ensuring a strong foundation for a successful future.
Mr Zac Savage
Head of Senior School
The Pulteney Learner Compass
Things to consider when you are choosing your subjects include:
AUTHENTIC
Connected to genuine interests and passions and suited to your individual strengths and capabilities.
PURPOSEFUL
Choose subjects that are connected to your pathway, skill development or interests, not what your friends are doing, or that you think will be easy or because of the teacher. Multiple options exist beyond school, including vocational training, apprenticeships, or university via ATAR or non-ATAR pathways, so choose subjects to support your pathway. When you give your best effort, you’re more likely to do well. If you’re choosing a subject because it’s a prerequisite, reflect on whether your previous learning indicates you’re likely to succeed.
ASPIRATIONAL
Challenging to achieve your personal best while at the same time being realistic about your skills and abilities.
CAREFULLY RESEARCHED
Speak to the subject teachers, read the curriculum handbook, talk to students taking the class and attend the subject expo, so you really know what each subject involves and if it’s for you. Research the career areas you are keen to explore further – What does the career you want really entail? Are there tertiary entry requirements? What skills will you need to succeed in your future study and career? What subjects will help to prepare you for this?
Choosing subjects for one ninety is a decision best made with thought and careful planning. We offer you the Ikigai principle as a framework for decision making. A balance between your strengths and interests, and carefully researched planning into careers and post-school study options.
The most important part of this principle is knowing yourself. Being honest about your academic strengths and weaknesses and being able to make choices that connect authentically with your strengths and passions. This is your personal journey and there is no one the same as you! When planning your senior school subjects, you should have a general idea of the subjects you enjoy and are good at, plus possible career paths you might be interested in exploring and work backwards from this. Understanding the university or vocational/TAFE courses that will help you move into these possible careers, and their entry requirements, will also help you to choose wisely. You should investigate the entry requirements to the course, prerequisites and assumed knowledge and the alternate entry pathways. But we also encourage you to think carefully about the skills and capabilities required for success in each course and which subjects at Years 10, 11 and 12 will help you to develop these.
IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER
You are planning your next step, not the rest of your life! The research shows that employment is becoming more flexible – you will have many jobs over several careers. Considered planning will ensure your senior school subject choices set a foundation that opens up boundless possibilities for your future!
As a summary, choose subjects that:
- You enjoy/are interested in
- You are good at
- Are aligned with your future pathways (and meet pre-requisites)
- Keep your options open
To explore career options and post-school study pathways: Visit the Pulteney Futures website.