At Mark Oliphant College, our senior years are guided by our vision and values, ensuring every learner is supported in achieving their potential. By modelling and promoting our core values of respect, belonging, kindness, and responsibility, we create an environment where students feel supported and inspired to achieve their best. These principles underpin every aspect of our senior years philosophy, ensuring that students leave school equipped to navigate a rapidly changing world with confidence and purpose.
Senior Year students consistently achieve outstanding SACE results with 100% of students successfully completing their SACE in 2025, and effective guidance for any student wishing to pursue alternative pathways. Wellbeing is integral in optimising student learning and we aim to develop positive, connected and engaged learners who succeed through resilience and determination. We believe students learn best when they have effective working relationships with their teachers and peers, are highly challenged to achieve their best, and are engaged in authentic learning with real-world connections.
Year 10: Foundations for Success
In Year 10, students engage with the Australian Curriculum and introduction to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE). They do this through building a strong foundation through compulsory subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Health and Physical Education (HPE). They also explore a wide range of electives, including the Arts, Design and Technology, Languages, and personalised curriculum options. A cornerstone of the Year 10 experience is engaging in SACE Stage 1 Workplace Practices and the SACE Stage 1 Exploring Identities and Futures program, both of which encourage self-discovery and planning for future pathways.
Year 11: Expanding Opportunities
As students transition into Year 11, the curriculum provides increased flexibility while maintaining a focus on essential skills through compulsory subjects through English, Mathematics, and SACE Stage 2 Activating Identities and Futures. Students can choose from a diverse array of subjects, including Vocational Education and Training (VET) options, to tailor their learning to their interests and goals. This stage enables students to explore potential career paths and prepare for Year 12.
Year 12: Personalised Pathways to Success
Year 12 offers complete flexibility for students to design a curriculum aligned with their aspirations. Whether focusing on the Arts, Mathematics, Science, Design and Technology, Humanities and Social Sciences, Health and Physical Education, VET, school-based apprenticeships, or other pathways, students have the freedom to pursue their passions. Our programs support seamless transitions into the workforce, tertiary education, or other life pursuits, ensuring students leave school ready to thrive.
Exams occur at the end of semester for subjects which lead to examination style assessment in Year 12. Exams are important as they provide an opportunity for further assessment as well as providing students with essential study skills.
The Senior Years’ curriculum is determined by two frameworks; the Australian Curriculum (concludes at the end of year 10) and The South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) offered with introductory courses in year 10 with full SACE offerings in years 11 and 12.
We are committed to excellence in teaching and learning, through explicitly teaching subject specific content, skills and developing student agency strategies across all curriculum areas. Flexibility in design and delivery leads to creative and collaborative work through Professional Learning Teams to support our young people to strive for their highest potential. We use flexible modes of learning through SACE subjects, VET and Tailored Learning. We provide career focused learning, supporting all student pathway aspirations with staff working collaboratively with students to tailor their SACE completion to their preferred pathway. Teachers focus on providing quality differentiated teaching with modifications, adjustments, special provisions and other intervention strategies for targeted groups of students. Targeted support is offered for students through a number of short and long-term intervention programs and activities.
Year 10 and Stage 1 are school assessed with grading A to E. Stage 2 is a shared responsibility between our school and the SACE board with grading A+ to E-.
A five-week reporting system to monitor and track student learning is used which includes interim reports in the middle of each term and formal reports at the end of semester. Interim reporting outcomes are shared with parents/caregivers via Daymap for on track and at-risk students. Analysis of the data allows students to be case managed and identified for targeted intervention processes in line with the school’s Work Completion and Submission Policy.
Incremental deadlines are used for SACE compulsory subjects to employ support in a timely manner. The Daymap parent portal will allow teachers, students and parents to monitor learning progress as each assessment is completed.
As Head of Senior Years, I am committed to fostering an empowering learning environment where students reach their full potential. Guided by values of Respect, Kindness, Belonging, and Responsibility, I work alongside a dedicated team to nurture curiosity and build confident, capable learners.
Head of Senior School (Years 10 - 12)
Positive Behaviour for Learning Year 10
Positive Behaviour for Learning Year 11 & Cross Disciplinary
Positive Behaviour for Learning Year 12 - SACE, VET, Student Pathways & Careers
Year 11-12 Wellbeing and Engagement
Year 9-10 Wellbeing and Engagement