Aboriginal Education
Parafield Gardens High School supports Aboriginal students from Years 7 to 12. Our Aboriginal Education team includes three Aboriginal Secondary Education Transition Officers (ASETOs), an Aboriginal Education Senior Leader and an Aboriginal Education Coordinator.
Celebrating Culture
Each year, we recognise and celebrate important events such as Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week. These events provide valuable opportunities to share Aboriginal histories, cultures and perspectives with the whole school community.
Community Partnerships
We work closely with external organisations to support students, families and staff, helping to remove barriers to education and promote successful outcomes. The Aboriginal Education Room is open each morning from 8:00am to 8:30am for families to meet with the Aboriginal Education team and discuss student learning, wellbeing or any concerns.
Parafield Gardens High School also works with organisations such as the Workabout Centre, which supports students to gain qualifications and employment, and The Wyatt Trust, which may provide financial assistance. Families experiencing difficulties are encouraged to contact a member of the Aboriginal Education team.
SAASTA
The South Australian Aboriginal Secondary Training Academy (SAASTA) offers young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students engaging learning and personal development opportunities.
SAASTA is a key part of the Department for Education’s 10-year Aboriginal Education Strategy and aims to improve outcomes for Aboriginal students and families. The program builds on school-based learning by providing opportunities for personal growth, cultural connection and leadership.
SAASTA students are encouraged to aim high and set strong expectations for themselves and their peers, particularly in attendance, participation, achievement and behaviour.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Years 10, 11 and 12 who are studying the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) can apply to join SAASTA.
Year 10 students can gain up to 20 SACE credits through Stage 1 Integrated Learning and Stage 1 Aboriginal Studies.
Year 11 and 12 students can gain a maximum of 20 SACE credits studying Stage 2 Integrated Learning, Stage 2 Health and Wellbeing or Stage 2 Aboriginal Studies, which are offered on a rotating cycle.
** Please note that students can only undertake one Stage 2 Integrated Learning subject towards an ATAR pattern. It is important to check Year 12 subject patterns to ensure there are no preculsions towards achieving an ATAR.
Academy students can expect:
- To be led by quality and engaging teaching staff and mentors.
- Their own academy room, providing a space for academy classes and activities.
- A complete academy uniform, senior’s jumper and playing gear for sports competitions and carnivals.
- Individual support and mentoring.
- Cultural inclusiveness and connectedness.
- To learn leadership skills.
- To increase self-confidence and resilience.
- To be ready for employment or further education.
- To be heard.
- A fee-free place in the program.