COURSE GUIDE 2026

Aboriginal students from years 7 to 12. Our team comprises three Aboriginal Secondary Education Transition Officers (ASETO), an Aboriginal Education Senior Leader, Aboriginal Education Coordinator and 1 Teacher.

Celebrating Culture

Every year we celebrate important events such as Reconciliation and NAIDOC weeks. This is a great opportunity to share Aboriginal history and culture with the whole school.

Community Partnerships

We actively involve outside organisations to come into the school to support staff, students and families to overcome any barriers towards education and have successful outcomes based on this approach. The Aboriginal Education room is open every morning from 8:30am-9:30am for all parents to come in and chat with the Aboriginal Education team and discuss their students’ learning and any wellbeing issues. Parafield Gardens High School also utilises outside organisations such as the Workabout Centre to come in and assist students gaining qualifications and employment and The Wyatt Trust to assist financially. If you are experiencing any difficulties, please contact a member of the team.

SAASTA

The South Australian Aboriginal Secondary Training Academy (SAASTA) offers young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a range of highly engaging learning and personal development opportunities.

The SAASTA Academy program is a key component of the Department for Education’s 10-year Aboriginal Education Strategy aiming to improve outcomes and success for Aboriginal families and students. It builds on the education offered in schools, giving students opportunities for ongoing personal growth and cultural experience.

Our SAASTA students are encouraged to aim high and raise the bar of expectation they place on themselves and their peers, particularly in the areas of attendance, participation, educational performance and behaviour. Both male and female 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 a maximum of 20 SACE credits studying 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 or Stage 2 Health and Wellbeing.

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.

PGHS has dedicated arts spaces to enable students to learn in purpose built environments. The Performing Arts facility includes a state of the art theatre, music classroom and practice rooms, a dance theatre and second dance teaching space. Visual art, Visual design, Creative Arts and Media  art teaching areas are in an open space environment with access to practical spaces and computer labs.

Our curriculum is based on the South Australian Curriculum and SACE with an emphasis on developing the capabilities and dispositions. Learners develop skills in the various arts forms and present their work using individual creative expressions. There are many opportunities to create work for a purpose, perform publicly and exhibit their artwork.

The arts spark imagination and curiosity giving learners opportunities for self-expression and inspiring them to think, act and communicate creatively. All arts subjects prepare learners for the 21st century with transferable skills, critical and creative thinking, problem solving, teamwork and collaboration skills and the confidence to express themselves.

PGHS has dedicated arts spaces to enable students to learn in purpose built environments. The Performing Arts facility includes a state of the art theatre, music classroom and practice rooms, a dance theatre and second dance teaching space. Visual art, Visual design, Creative Arts and Media  art teaching areas are in an open space environment with access to practical spaces and computer labs.

Our curriculum is based on the South Australian Curriculum and SACE with an emphasis on developing the capabilities and dispositions. Learners develop skills in the various arts forms and present their work using individual creative expressions. There are many opportunities to create work for a purpose, perform publicly and exhibit their artwork.

The arts spark imagination and curiosity giving learners opportunities for self-expression and inspiring them to think, act and communicate creatively. All arts subjects prepare learners for the 21st century with transferable skills, critical and creative thinking, problem solving, teamwork and collaboration skills and the confidence to express themselves.

PGHS has dedicated arts spaces to enable students to learn in purpose built environments. The Performing Arts facility includes a state of the art theatre, music classroom and practice rooms, a dance theatre and second dance teaching space. Visual art, Visual design, Creative Arts and Media  art teaching areas are in an open space environment with access to practical spaces and computer labs.

Our curriculum is based on the South Australian Curriculum and SACE with an emphasis on developing the capabilities and dispositions. Learners develop skills in the various arts forms and present their work using individual creative expressions. There are many opportunities to create work for a purpose, perform publicly and exhibit their artwork.

The arts spark imagination and curiosity giving learners opportunities for self-expression and inspiring them to think, act and communicate creatively. All arts subjects prepare learners for the 21st century with transferable skills, critical and creative thinking, problem solving, teamwork and collaboration skills and the confidence to express themselves.

PGHS has dedicated arts spaces to enable students to learn in purpose built environments. The Performing Arts facility includes a state of the art theatre, music classroom and practice rooms, a dance theatre and second dance teaching space. Visual art, Visual design, Creative Arts and Media  art teaching areas are in an open space environment with access to practical spaces and computer labs.

Our curriculum is based on the South Australian Curriculum and SACE with an emphasis on developing the capabilities and dispositions. Learners develop skills in the various arts forms and present their work using individual creative expressions. There are many opportunities to create work for a purpose, perform publicly and exhibit their artwork.

The arts spark imagination and curiosity giving learners opportunities for self-expression and inspiring them to think, act and communicate creatively. All arts subjects prepare learners for the 21st century with transferable skills, critical and creative thinking, problem solving, teamwork and collaboration skills and the confidence to express themselves.

EALD caters for students for whom English is a second language or dialect. Students may undertake this subject from Year 7 through to Stage 2 but must meet eligibility criteria in Stage 1 & 2.

In EALD lessons, students are provided the skills to comprehend and analyse a variety of texts and are given supported opportunities to create written, oral and multimodal texts for different purposes. The goal is to increase student skill as measured by LEAP levels, so that students can choose and use English effectively in a range of different contexts. Students are supported to learn and use tier 2 and 3 vocabulary, and to understand and participate confidently in class and group discussions. The skills learned in EALD will help students with their learning across all subject areas.

Languages

Being able to speak more than one language is a powerful skill, opening doors for a whole range of social and vocational pathways.

Whether it is learning a completely new language, or maintaining a language of your home country, family or culture, we encourage all students to study Languages! In year 7, students will engage in introductions to German and Japanese language and culture, as well as learning about First Nations History and Culture, and Intercultural Understanding. This ‘taster’ year will help students to identify which language they would like to study in year 8. From year 8, students can choose either German or Japanese. In studying a language, students interact with others and share information, ideas, feelings, and experiences.

International exchanges and study partnerships are now possible again, providing students with the opportunity to use their language skills in real life situations. Students analyse and interpret meaning and texts by examining culture, language, and identity through the intercultural capability. Within the study of languages, students focus on language and culture in order to make meaning and to make learning valuable and fun.

PGHS students are also able to study a language offered by the School Of Languages, for a small additional fee. In 2026, it is likely that Vietnamese and Khmer classes will continue to be held at PGHS after school. Other languages, including Nepali, Khmer, Punjabi, Persian, Arabic and others, can be studied at various locations. See the School of Languages website for information about the range of languages that are available.

EALD caters for students for whom English is a second language or dialect. Students may undertake this subject from Year 7 through to Stage 2 but must meet eligibility criteria in Stage 1 & 2.

In EALD lessons, students are provided the skills to comprehend and analyse a variety of texts and are given supported opportunities to create written, oral and multimodal texts for different purposes. The goal is to increase student skill as measured by LEAP levels, so that students can choose and use English effectively in a range of different contexts. Students are supported to learn and use tier 2 and 3 vocabulary, and to understand and participate confidently in class and group discussions. The skills learned in EALD will help students with their learning across all subject areas.

Languages

Being able to speak more than one language is a powerful skill, opening doors for a whole range of social and vocational pathways.

Whether it is learning a completely new language, or maintaining a language of your home country, family or culture, we encourage all students to study Languages! In year 7, students will engage in introductions to German and Japanese language and culture, as well as learning about First Nations History and Culture, and Intercultural Understanding. This ‘taster’ year will help students to identify which language they would like to study in year 8. From year 8, students can choose either German or Japanese. In studying a language, students interact with others and share information, ideas, feelings, and experiences.

International exchanges and study partnerships are now possible again, providing students with the opportunity to use their language skills in real life situations. Students analyse and interpret meaning and texts by examining culture, language, and identity through the intercultural capability. Within the study of languages, students focus on language and culture in order to make meaning and to make learning valuable and fun.

PGHS students are also able to study a language offered by the School Of Languages, for a small additional fee. In 2026, it is likely that Vietnamese and Khmer classes will continue to be held at PGHS after school. Other languages, including Nepali, Khmer, Punjabi, Persian, Arabic and others, can be studied at various locations. See the School of Languages website for information about the range of languages that are available.

The study of English enables students at Parafield Gardens High School to develop skills in literacy, critical thinking, communication, analysis and evaluation.

Student literacy capabilities are crucial to their success in all facets of school and working life, and students develop this skill throughout their English studies.

From Years 7 to 10, our students are exposed to a wide range of texts and consider the interrelationships between text, context, audience, and purpose from a range of different perspectives. Students are provided opportunities to reflect, respond and create oral, written and multimodal texts in a range of genres. These skills enable students to better understand and critically evaluate their own values and the constantly evolving world around them. In Year 11, students beginning their SACE select their preferences in English pathways: Essential, Industry or General. In Year 12, there is also an option to study English in Community Life which explores Community Connections with a Literacy for life approach.

Essential English focuses on building student capacity to respond and communicate effectively in school and life beyond. Industry English prepares them for communication and literacy in the workplace or in vocational education. English provides students with opportunities to analyse the interrelationships within and between texts and examine the language and stylistic features used by authors for a diverse range of purposes and prepares them for further study of English at University.

The study of English enables students at Parafield Gardens High School to develop skills in literacy, critical thinking, communication, analysis and evaluation.

Student literacy capabilities are crucial to their success in all facets of school and working life, and students develop this skill throughout their English studies.

From Years 7 to 10, our students are exposed to a wide range of texts and consider the interrelationships between text, context, audience, and purpose from a range of different perspectives. Students are provided opportunities to reflect, respond and create oral, written and multimodal texts in a range of genres. These skills enable students to better understand and critically evaluate their own values and the constantly evolving world around them. In Year 11, students beginning their SACE select their preferences in English pathways: Essential, Industry or General. In Year 12, there is also an option to study English in Community Life which explores Community Connections with a Literacy for life approach.

Essential English focuses on building student capacity to respond and communicate effectively in school and life beyond. Industry English prepares them for communication and literacy in the workplace or in vocational education. English provides students with opportunities to analyse the interrelationships within and between texts and examine the language and stylistic features used by authors for a diverse range of purposes and prepares them for further study of English at University.

The Health and Physical Education curriculum consists of strands, sub strands, threads, focus areas and the 5 propositions (educative purpose, strength based approach, value movement, health literacy and critical inquiry).

These elements are designed to be integrated throughout learning.

The essence of Health and Physical Education is to provide opportunities for students to: Develop skills, knowledge, and understanding to strengthen their sense of self, and build and manage satisfying, respectful relationships.

Build on personal and community strengths and assets to enhance safety and wellbeing develop the capacity to learn to critique and challenge assumptions and stereotypes and navigate a range of health-related sources, services and organisations.

Acquire movement skills and concepts to enable participation in a range of physical activities confidently, competently and creatively.

Practise and refine personal, behavioural, social and cognitive skills in movement settings develop a foundation for lifelong physical activity participation.

Enhance performance and acquire an understanding of how the body moves.

Develop positive attitudes towards physical activity participation.

Develop an appreciation of the significance of physical activity, outdoor recreation and sport in Australian society and globally.

Health and Physical Education provides students with an experiential curriculum that is contemporary, relevant, challenging and physically active.

At Parafield Gardens High School our Humanities and Social Sciences curriculum is focused on the study of human behaviour and interaction in social, cultural, environmental, economic and political contexts.

We focus on developing essential skills through the investigation of a wide range of phenomena, using argument and reasoning to ensure students become both critical and creative thinkers. Our curriculum is divided into four core subjects from years 7-9 focusing on History, Geography, Civics and Citizenship and Business and Economics. In year 10 students will study a semester of History as well as the compulsory Exploring Identities and Futures.

Mathematics is central to numeracy. Numeracy is the ability to understand, critically respond to and use Mathematics in different social, cultural and work contexts. This includes understanding how Mathematics can be used in other Learning Areas.

Parafield Gardens High School will support our students in becoming confident users of Mathematics, who will choose appropriate and accurate means for exploring and understanding the world around them. Parafield Gardens High School offers a wide range of subjects in Mathematics. From years 7 to 9, students will have mixed Mathematics classes. In years 10-12, students will be able to decide on the level of Mathematics they study based on their pathway.

Our curriculum is driven by the Australian Curriculum for years 7-10 and SACE for years 11-12, with a focus on building students’ capabilities in areas of critical and creative thinking, literacy, numeracy, personal and social capability, ethical understanding, digital literacy and intercultural understanding. Students will develop their understanding, problem-solving, reasoning, analysis and fluency in a wide range of topics in Mathematics.

Students are delivered an engaging curriculum by experienced teachers who have high standards and expectations using the latest technology including the online learning platform, Google Classroom for 24/7 learning. There is a key focus on inquiry-based learning promoting collaboration, constructive feedback and making links to innovations in Science and STEM. All major fields are offered to Year 12 including: Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Psychology. Year 11 Scientific Studies specialises in one semester courses: Forensic Science and Sports Science. In Year 12 there is a Health Care course offered which prepares students for a future career in Nursing, midwifery or any other Health Care field. This involves mentoring from professionals as well as hands-on experience at hospitals and universities.

Our new STEM facilities showcase the best resources and technology available for teaching and learning using a future focused approach. This enables our specialist Science teachers to demonstrate best practice to build powerful learners that have strong problem solving skills to prepare them for an ever changing technological world.

This includes a strong focus on:

• Increasing links with current research and innovations in Science and STEM. Deconstructing and designing investigations and experiments.
• Being exposed to and having the opportunity to use new and current technologies through online learning environments and collaborative teams.
• Improving literacy and numeracy skills to support the development of students as ‘citizen scientists’.
• Developing critical and creative thinking skills to solve real and local problems.

STEM Science Highlights:

• Year 11 and 12 UniSA Connect practical workshops and Booster Program.
• Year 9 Girls in STEM in collaboration with SA Universities.
• Year 10 Pre-SACE course.
• STEM Club at lunchtimes.
• National Science Week.
• STEM scholarship recipient program (Years 11-12)
• Year 7/8 STEM middle school pedagogy.
• Inspiring the Futures Excursions and STEM Expo.
• NASSSA Science Olympiad

Technologies include a range of dedicated specialist-teaching spaces that enable students to develop knowledge, understanding, skills, and applications using technologies to problem solve, innovate, and create. Students investigate, analyse, and develop ideas in response to problems or needs, develop skills to communicate ideas, produce solutions and evaluate the effectiveness of product, systems, and solutions. Developing student’s problem-solving skills contributes to their critical thinking skills and their ability to deal with the demands of a rapidly changing world, and ability to understand implications of emerging technologies and sustainable practices and processes.

Students explore and incorporate a range of resistant materials (wood, plastic, metal), systems and controls (electronics), food and hospitality, and digital solutions (web design, software, programming to create design solutions with real world applications).

Students completing year 10 Technology subjects have the opportunity to continue their studies into a VET course such as Kitchen Operations, Hospitality, Electro-technology (career start) and Engineering (metal trades).

Technologies include a range of dedicated specialist-teaching spaces that enable students to develop knowledge, understanding, skills, and applications using technologies to problem solve, innovate, and create. Students investigate, analyse, and develop ideas in response to problems or needs, develop skills to communicate ideas, produce solutions and evaluate the effectiveness of product, systems, and solutions. Developing student’s problem-solving skills contributes to their critical thinking skills and their ability to deal with the demands of a rapidly changing world, and ability to understand implications of emerging technologies and sustainable practices and processes.

Students explore and incorporate a range of resistant materials (wood, plastic, metal), systems and controls (electronics), food and hospitality, and digital solutions (web design, software, programming to create design solutions with real world applications).

Students completing year 10 Technology subjects have the opportunity to continue their studies into a VET course such as Kitchen Operations, Hospitality, Electro-technology (career start) and Engineering (metal trades).

Technologies include a range of dedicated specialist-teaching spaces that enable students to develop knowledge, understanding, skills, and applications using technologies to problem solve, innovate, and create. Students investigate, analyse, and develop ideas in response to problems or needs, develop skills to communicate ideas, produce solutions and evaluate the effectiveness of product, systems, and solutions. Developing student’s problem-solving skills contributes to their critical thinking skills and their ability to deal with the demands of a rapidly changing world, and ability to understand implications of emerging technologies and sustainable practices and processes.

Students explore and incorporate a range of resistant materials (wood, plastic, metal), systems and controls (electronics), food and hospitality, and digital solutions (web design, software, programming to create design solutions with real world applications).

Students completing year 10 Technology subjects have the opportunity to continue their studies into a VET course such as Kitchen Operations, Hospitality, Electro-technology (career start) and Engineering (metal trades).