Adelaide Secondary School of English

## 1. Overview Adelaide Secondary School of English is a public, co-educational secondary school designed to support students from diverse linguistic backgrounds as they transition into mainstream high school study. The school focuses on delivering strong English language development and core subject literacy to enable students to participate confidently in broader curriculum and community life. The campus has a medium-sized student body and is known for an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere that values diversity. Class sizes typically sit in the low-to-mid 20s for core subjects, with targeted EAL/D and support classes helping students progress. The environment is community-oriented, prioritising individual needs, continuity of learning, and pathways to mainstream schooling. --- ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: English language development, literacy and numeracy, core science and mathematics, with strong emphasis on helping students transition to mainstream secondary study and subject success. Languages and cultural learning are supported through targeted programs. - Special programs: EAL/D (English as an Additional Language/Dialect) support, bridging and transition supports to mainstream classes, and targeted literacy/numeracy assistance. Some students may access accelerated or pathway options within the public system as appropriate. - NAPLAN / trends: Public reporting shows a trend of steady improvement in English and numeracy as students move from language-focused support into mainstream subjects, with ongoing emphasis on building foundational skills. - Student-teacher ratios: Typical class group sizes are in the low-to-mid 20s, with additional smaller-group support for EAL/D and SEN to maximise individual attention. - Support for diverse learners: Strong focus on diverse learner needs, including EAL/D support, Individual Education Plans where required, access to specialist teachers, and inclusive teaching practices to help every student progress. --- ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: Common secondary-school options such as basketball, soccer, athletics, cricket, and netball; opportunities to participate in district competitions. - Strong teams or achievements: Students regularly participate in local and regional competitions; achievements vary by year, with emphasis on teamwork, participation, and sportsmanship. - Music, arts, drama programs: School music ensembles, choir, and drama productions contribute to a vibrant performing arts culture and opportunities to perform in community events. - Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating and other academic or interest-based clubs provide additional ways to learn and compete. - Partnerships: Engagements with local community clubs, regional athletic and arts partnerships, and participation in local contests and showcases to extend student experiences beyond the classroom. --- ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: Clear anti-bullying policies, pastoral care frameworks, and restorative practices to support safe, respectful school life. - House system: A house-style structure (where applicable) supports belonging, community events, and peer mentoring; where not used, strong year-level mentoring provides similar support. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school counsellors and wellbeing staff to support academic, social, and emotional needs. - Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems, and targeted transition support help new students settle in quickly and build connections. --- ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: On-site sports fields or shared facilities for outdoor activities. - Libraries: A learning hub with access to books, digital resources, and study spaces. - Science labs: Modern laboratories for biology, chemistry, and physics activities. - Music/performing arts centers: Spaces for rehearsal and performance, including music rooms or drama spaces. - Tech/innovation labs: Dedicated areas for technology, coding, and digital learning projects. - Cafeteria: On-site or nearby canteen facilities offering light meals and snacks. - Updated playgrounds: Safe, functional spaces for break times and informal learning opportunities. --- ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: A focus on inclusion, respect, resilience, and progressing through learning, with a commitment to helping students integrate into broader school life. - Leadership style: Student voice and leadership opportunities via student councils or representative structures; opportunities for student leadership in projects and events. - Behaviour expectations: Clear norms around respect, responsibility, and safety; consistent expectations across year levels with supportive consequences and restorative approaches. - Community reputation: Recognised for supporting families and students from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, with a reputation for welcoming new arrivals and helping students build confidence. - Diversity & inclusion: Strong emphasis on inclusivity and equitable access to learning opportunities for all students. --- ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Typical school day runs from the morning start through to mid-to-late afternoon, with a lunch break and period breaks; exact times may vary by term. - Before/after school care: Availability often coordinated with external providers or community services; some schools offer wraparound care options or partner with local programs. - Uniform requirements: School uniform is standard, with guidelines on acceptable attire and any seasonal adjustments. - Transport (train/bus routes): Accessible by public transport with nearby bus routes or train options; school travel support information available from the transport authority or school administration. - Canteen availability: Canteen or snack facilities commonly available on school grounds. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): As a public school, standard core education is provided at low to moderate cost; there may be voluntary contributions or materials charges for certain activities. --- ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Submit an enrolment application through the Department for Education process. - Provide required documents (proof of identity/residency, immunisation records, previous school reports if applicable). - The timeline typically includes intake periods at the start of the school year, with notifications of enrolment decisions as space allows. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Some year levels may have waiting lists depending on capacity and enrolment demand. - Offers are made when spaces become available, prioritising eligibility criteria and residence considerations as defined by the governing education department. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - For local applicants, entry is generally based on age/grade placement and space. - EAL/D and international students may undergo language assessments to determine appropriate support levels. - Interviews are not routinely required for all applicants but may occur in some circumstances to clarify needs. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Yes, mid-year transfers can be considered subject to space and compatibility with the student’s learning plan and support needs. - Transfer arrangements typically involve coordination with the receiving school and the enrolment team. --- ## 9. Frequently Ask Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A welcoming, inclusive environment with strong English language support and a clear pathway to mainstream study, plus a focus on individual learning needs and transitions. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who are building English language proficiency, transitioning to mainstream study, or seeking a supportive environment within a public secondary setting. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - English language development plus core subject study, a range of clubs (robotics, coding, chess, debating), performing arts and music, and participation in local sports and competitions. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular updates through meetings, newsletters, emails, and digital platforms; formal reporting on progress and opportunities to engage with teachers and support staff. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - A balanced approach combining language development with core academic learning, differentiated instruction, and targeted supports to meet diverse learner needs. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - EAL/D support, small-group or targeted literacy/numeracy assistance, access to specialist teachers, and transition programs to mainstream classes. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Individual or small-group tutoring, learning support plans, and collaboration between teachers, family, and support staff to tailor strategies. - How does the school communicate with parents? (duplicate) - See above: regular updates via meetings, newsletters, emails, and parent portals. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes are generally in the low-to-mid 20s, with additional small-group support for EAL/D and SEN to provide targeted attention. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A range of sports (basketball, soccer, athletics, cricket, netball), plus music, drama, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, and debating. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, canteen, and common learning environments. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integration of digital learning tools and resources to support English language development and core subjects, with opportunities for project-based technology learning. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Access via public transport routes; information on nearby bus/train options and accessibility features is provided by the school and transport authorities. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - As a public school, core education is provided with minimal fees; some activities or materials may involve voluntary contributions or charges. --- ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Strong English language and literacy focus to support transition to mainstream studies - Inclusive, diverse environment with targeted support for EAL/D learners - Broad range of extracurriculars and clubs - Caring wellbeing and pastoral support - Clear pathways into broader secondary education within the public system - Cons - May have fewer niche programs compared with specialist private or IB schools - Class sizes and facilities are comfortable but not expansive due to the school’s size - Availability of certain programs or clubs can vary by year based on student interest and staffing