Best High Schools in SA

high-schools-in-sa-crunchgrade

Children between the ages of 6 and 16 attend high school in South Australia. In Years 11 and 12, students compete for the South Australia Certificate of Education (SACE). Students can attend state schools (government schools), independent schools (private schools) or Catholic schools based on their preferences. Even the top government high schools in SA charge minimal fees and provide high-quality education to the students.

There are around 605 State Government schools, 106 Catholic schools, and 94 Independent sector schools in SA. Most Private schools have a religious affiliation, but some are non-denominational. All South Australian State schools are non-denominational.

In the Private sector, there are co-educational and single-sex schools at the Secondary level. Government schools are all co-educational, except for two girls’ Government Secondary schools.

Area Schools in South Australia is a term for some schools that are mainly found in country regions, and cater to students from surrounding country areas.

Top High Schools in SA 2022

  1. St Peter’s Collegiate Girls School, Stonyfell, SA
  2. Glenunga International High School, Glenunga, SA
  3. The Hills Montessori School, Aldgate, SA
  4. Walford Anglican School for Girls, Hyde Park, SA
  5. Wilderness School, Medindie, SA
  6. Pembroke School, Kensington Park, SA
  7. Heritage College, Oakden, SA
  8. St Peter’s College, St Peters, SA
  9. St Ignatius College, Athelstone, SA
  10. St John’s Grammar School, Belair, SA
  11. St Dominic’s Priory College, North Adelaide, SA
  12. Emmaus Christian College, South Plympton, SA
  13. Immanuel College, Novar Gardens, SA
  14. King’s Baptist Grammar School, Wynn Vale, SA
  15. Prince Alfred College, Kent Town, SA
  16. Pulteney Grammar School, Adelaide, SA
  17. Mount Barker Waldorf School, Mount Barker, SA
  18. Loreto College, Marryatville, SA
  19. Seymour College, Glen Osmond, SA
  20. Pedare Christian College, Golden Grove, SA
  21. Marryatville High School, Marryatville, SA
  22. Mitcham Girls High School, Kingswood, SA
  23. Willunga Waldorf School, Willunga, SA
  24. Southern Montessori School, SA
  25. Adelaide Botanic High School

*This ranking is based on the 2021 results of these schools for Years 7-10.

Curriculum Followed by Top High Schools in SA

Until Year 10, high schools in South Australia follow the Australian curriculum to plan student learning programs, monitor their assessments, report their progress and support their wellbeing.

The Australian Curriculum areas include the following:

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Humanities and social sciences – history, geography, economics and business, civics and citizenship
  • The arts – dance, drama, music, media arts, visual arts
  • Technologies – Design and technologies, Digital technologies
  • Health and physical education
  • Languages

Year 9 and Year 10 students also get an elective subject, Work Studies. It is a future-oriented curriculum that covers key work-related issues facing young people today and into the future. This subject makes them aware of the professional work culture, its challenges and opportunities.

The Australian Curriculum also includes 7 general capabilities that help students in developing their overall skills.

These general capabilities are:

  • critical and creative thinking
  • literacy
  • numeracy
  • information and communication technology capability
  • personal and social capability
  • ethical understanding
  • intercultural understanding

The best high schools in Adelaide and other parts of SA also focus on 3 cross-curriculum priorities that provide global, national and regional dimensions to develop student’s knowledge, understanding and skills relating to:

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures
  • Asia and Australia’s engagement with Asia
  • Sustainability.

From Years 10 to 12, students in SA study the SACE curriculum and prepare for the SACE or South Australia Certificate of Education. The SACE curriculum combines the Australian Curriculum by ACARA for several subjects in the following areas:

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Humanities and Social Sciences.

SACE provides different pathways to the students toward higher qualifications offered through vocational education and university.

Senior secondary school students in SA, that is students in Years 10 to 12 can also opt for vocational Education and Training while studying towards SACE.

All high schools in SA also incorporate FLO (Flexible learning options). This learning strategy supports schools in retaining and engaging young people in secondary schools identified at significant risk of disengaging from a mainstream school-based learning program. FLO enrolment includes:

  • the undertaking of appropriate learning programs (SACE, Australian Curriculum, VET)
  • having a school-managed Flexible Learning and Transition Portfolio (FLTP) in place
  • the provision of individual case management

Flexible Learning Pathways and VET

Flexible learning pathways are VET courses that can be opted for by students who are still at school completing their SACE. VET courses prepare students for jobs after high school. They help in growing the skills and knowledge of students so that they can fit into the job market requirements of South Australia. This includes different pathways like:

  • Health
  • Agriculture
  • Cyber security
  • Construction
  • Mining and space
  • Entrepreneurship

Students can participate in VET courses in two ways:

  • on-the-job training (a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship)
  • off-the-job training (institutional delivery)

Things to Consider while Choosing the Best High School in SA

High school is an important stage of every student’s life. Just enrolling in a high school that is located near your area would not do the trick. You must understand your learning needs first and carefully consider the high school rankings in SA. Here are some tips from CrunchGrade experts that will help you in choosing the best high school in South Australia.

  1. Identify your learning needs

Do you prefer a structured learning environment or do you prefer more control over your learning plan? Check the curriculum and disciplinary policies of different schools to determine whether the learning environment suits your preferences or not. Many high schools in SA stress group projects while some give importance to individual assignments and homework policies. Figure out which environment you would prefer in high school.

  1. What is the average class size? 

There are two things that you must consider while looking for a high school in Adelaide or any other region of South Australia. First, the average class size and second, the student-teacher ratio. The less value both these things have, the better it is for students. Small class sizes ensure better individual attention from teachers, a stronger sense of community and a meaningful learning experience.

  1. Consider college support and student outcomes 

Before choosing the best secondary school in SA, consider three things:

  • College matriculation rates
  • Percentage of seniors getting into their top-choice schools
  • Universities and colleges that accept students from that high school in general
  1. Check the academic program 

You must understand what the academic program would look like. After all, you will be spending almost 4 years in this school, you must make sure what your learning will be like. Make sure that you know whether the school has:

  • The courses that are included in the high school program
  • Electives available for students
  • Unique classes/ courses available in the school
  • Opportunities for independent research or writing
  • Advanced classes

There could be many other factors that may affect your choice of high school in SA like location, cost, transportation, extracurricular activities, mentorship programs and educational philosophy. Figure out which factors seem the most important to you and take your decision accordingly.

Need Guidance for High School? Choose CrunchGrade as your Learning Partner!

At CrunchGrade, we provide online, live, interactive tutoring for high school students in subjects like Maths, Science, English, Humanities and more. Here, you can find the best high school tutors from South Australia who have a complete understanding of the Australian curriculum and SACE preparation. These online tutors provide personalised learning programs based on your learning needs. Check out our tutor profiles to know more about the different tutors available for online learning programs.

Frequently Asked Questions 

  1. What is the best high school in South Australia?

Founded in 1894 by the Community of the Sisters of the Church, St. Peter’s Collegiate Girls School is one of the best high schools in SA. It provides great educational opportunities for students from Early Learning to Year 12 in an engaging, collaborative and dynamic atmosphere.

  1. Is Adelaide high school good? 

Yes, Adelaide high school is one of the best schools in South Australia. It is known for its innovative learning environment. It is also accredited by the International Council of Schools (CIS).

  1. How many public schools are there in South Australia?

There are around 600 public schools in South Australia.

  1. What is the most popular school in Adelaide?

Glenunga International High School, Adelaide High School, Adelaide Botanic High Schools, and a few others are among the top 10 public High schools in Adelaide.

  1. Which is the biggest school in South Australia?

Glenunga International High School is one the largest high schools in South Australia with an enrolment of 1750 students.

Find the best tutors from all across Australia – Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Newcastle, Goldcoast, Canberra, Brisbane.

To make it easier for you to decide, your first session is completely FREE!

Select and book a tutor for Math, Science, English and all the other subjects.

BOOK A SESSION NOW!

November 17, 2022

Book a Free Demo




Skip to toolbar