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South Australian Certificate of Education | SACE

The South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) is a qualification awarded to students who successfully complete their senior secondary education (Years 11 and 12).

The SACE is designed to meet the needs of students, families, higher and further education providers, employers and the community. The SACE helps students develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed – whether they are headed for further education and training, university, an apprenticeship or straight into the workforce.

The certificate is based on two stages of achievement: Stage 1 (mostly undertaken in Year 11) and Stage 2 (mostly undertaken in Year 12). Students will be able to choose from a wide range of subjects and courses as part of the SACE.

Achieving the SACE

SACE studies begin in Year 10 and continue through Year 11 and Year 12. To gain the certificate, students must earn a minimum of 200 credits. 10 credits are equivalent to one semester of study in a particular subject or course. Some students accrue more than the compulsory 200 credits during Senior School studies. Some elements of the SACE are compulsory. These are detailed below.

  • The Exploring Identities and Futures (previously Personal Learning Plan): 10 credits at Stage 1, completed in Year 10.
  • Stage 1 English courses: At least 20 credits from a range of English courses studied at Stage 1.
  • Stage 1 Mathematics courses: At least 10 credits from a range of Mathematics courses at Stage 1.
  • The Activating Identities and Futures (previously Research Project): A major in-depth study worth 10 credits at Stage 2, completed in Year 11.
  • Stage 2 subjects and courses: At least 60 additional credits in Stage 2 subjects and courses.

Features of the SACE

  • Students may earn credits for different forms of education and training including academic subjects, learning a trade, TAFE, vocational training and community service, provided they are recognised by the SACE Board. At TVCS students contemplating these options must first consult with the Head of Senior School Pathways.
  • Students can return to their studies at any time in the future to complete the SACE without losing credit for work already undertaken.
  • Students are expected to gain and demonstrate essential skills and knowledge for their future, focusing on the SACE capabilities.
  • Students are eligible to receive A to E grades in every Stage 1 and Stage 2 SACE subject. Students receive A to E grades in every Stage 1 subject and A+ to E- grades in every Stage 2 subject.
  • 30% of work in every Stage 2 subject is externally assessed. This is completed in various ways including investigations, exams, practical performances and presentations.
  • Outside moderators check the school-assessed tasks of Stage 2 subjects to ensure consistent grading across the State.

More information is available on the SACE website.

Requirements for the SACE

Students must achieve a minimum C grade in compulsory subjects to complete the SACE successfully.

In addition to the compulsory elements, students must complete a minimum of 60 credits at a Stage 2 level, although most students complete more than a total of 60 credits at Stage 2 level.

Students choose from a wide range of either Stage 1 or Stage 2 subjects and courses to earn the remaining 90 credits required to complete the SACE.

Additional Opportunities & Support

Additional Course Options

Torrens Valley Christian School allows students to access a range of additional courses that can contribute to the SACE.

These include:

School of Languages: German, French, Afrikaans, Chinese. Other languages may be studied off campus.

Other external SACE subjects: If students require a particular subject that is not available at Torrens Valley Christian School, other learning opportunities may be available. This is organised directly with the Head of Senior School Pathways

Helpful Resources

In addition to the valuable experience of our teaching staff who welcome your questions about their subject specialities, the following resources are helpful to families in their personal investigations and planning.

Senior School Education Support

The Education Support team at Torrens Valley Christian School has a strong commitment to supporting students in their academic, social and emotional development. We support students with a comprehensive system of tiered intervention, addressing the full range of student needs.

This includes:

Level 1 Subject Teacher Support | Students are supported at this level by ssubject teachers who take responsibility for differentiating the curriculum to meet the educational needs of students.

Level 2 Diverse Learning Support | With guidance from subject teachers, Diverse Learning staff and volunteers are allocated to classrooms and provide one to one small group assistance. This support is reviewed at the end of each semester. Where possible, Diverse Learning Support are assignes to the same Level 2 students and in-class support for continuity.

Level 3 Strategic Support | In consultation with parents and teachers, students can enrol in Essential English in Years 11 and 12. Class sized are kept small to ensure access to more individualised assistance. Students are able to enrol in high interest elective subjects that allow for greater success. Timetable loads can also be negotiated to allow for additional time to be spent on existing subjects and is timetabled as FLO.

Level 4 Flexible Learning Options (FLO) | FLO is designed to support students with the engagement and management of existing school based subjects. Student numbers in the FLO class are heavily restricted, allowing for explicit and personalised instruction and clarification with both research and practical support.