Support for individual learners

In Senior School, students select subjects that are aligned to their interests and capabilities and with their future pathways. The SACE offers multiple pathways to cater to different learning styles and aspirations. The SACE allows for flexibility in assessment methods, giving students the opportunity to demonstrate their learning in various ways. This can include written assignments, exams, practical demonstrations, group projects or presentations, multi-modal elements, depending on the subject and the student’s preferences and strengths.  The SACE Board entrusts these decisions to the expert teaching staff at a school site. 

The SACE has a policy for Special Previsions that schools refer to and arrange as required. Special Provisions are reasonable adjustments in curriculum and assessment that enable eligible students to participate in SACE curriculum and assessment on the same basis as other students. They are designed to ensure that no student is disadvantaged due to disability, misadventure or circumstances beyond their control. Adjustments might, for example, include; extension of a deadline, additional time for a test or examination, the use of a reader or scribe, an adjustment to font size or paper colour or the use of assistive technology. Special Provisions in the SACE require a formal application process facilitated through the school. 

Further information on Special Provisions from the SACE Board can be found here: https://www.sace.sa.edu.au/web/special-provisions 

For more information on the flexibilities of the SACE or applying for special provisions for your child please contact our SACE Coordinator Ms Nadia Maglica Nadia.maglica@pulteney.sa.edu.au or Head of Inclusive Education (7-12) Ms Carrie Phillis carrie.phillis@pulteney.sa.edu.au  

Headstart is not available to Year 11 students, however, planning for application begins with Year 11 subjects.  

Headstart provides gifted and highly motivated Year 12 students with a challenge beyond the Year 12 curriculum as they combine secondary school and university studies. Students accepted into Headstart can choose to replace or supplement their Year 12 subjects with university courses (subjects). University grades are recorded, and students are able to credit these grades towards their SACE Stage 2 level studies and ATAR. Headstart students may also receive credit towards their university degree if they enrol in a University of Adelaide program after attending Pulteney Grammar (one ninety), enabling them to complete their university study early or study a wider range of courses than usual. Successful Headstart applicants will also receive a scholarship from the University of Adelaide exempting them from both tuition fees and the student services and amenities fee for one course per semester. 

There are strict guidelines that Year 11 students will need to adhere to, and meet should they wish to apply. In the first instance, the students need to fill in a proforma outlining their study and career path. Students also need to submit a personal statement outlining why they should be considered for the Headstart program. The following evidence will also need to be provided: 

• Any evidence, such as letters of reference from experts in the subject specific field, competitions, etc. placing the student in the top tenth percentile. 

• A portfolio of practical evidence, i.e. Art portfolio. 
• A- grade in accelerated Stage 2 subject/s and/or A- grades from semester 1 and current grades at the time of application. 

The School’s standard for the selection process for Headstart is purposely set high to ensure that students can successfully combine their studies. While students undertake the course independently, schools are required to provide a recommendation which is why it is crucial that we have a rigorous selection process; exemplary behaviour is also an expectation. 

Once applications have been received, the Head of one ninety and the Gifted and Talented Coordinator and Teacher, will meet and decide if further evidence or tests are required. Results will be collated with the student’s formal application and a vetting process will take place to shortlist those who will be invited to apply for Headstart. 

Entrance is highly competitive and is solely managed and awarded at the discretion of the University of Adelaide. 

For successful applicants, the school will arrange a meeting with the Coordinator of Headstart, from the University of Adelaide. Students will then be advised how and when to submit their application online which occurs the following year. 

Further information about Headstart can be found at https://www.adelaide.edu.au/headstart/ or you can contact Sue Mavropoulos, Gifted and Talented Coordinator and Teacher and Coordinator of Headstart at Pulteney: sue.mavropoulos@pulteney.sa.edu.au