Thebarton Senior College

## 1. Overview Thebarton Senior College is a public senior secondary college in the western suburbs of Adelaide (South Australia), providing flexible learning for Years 10–12. The school focuses on practical, real-world pathways that lead toward further study, apprenticeships and employment, with strong links to local industry and community partners. School type: public School size: medium Class size: small to medium Atmosphere/culture: inclusive, supportive and focused on equity, with an emphasis on personalised learning and positive outcomes for each student. --- ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: English, Mathematics, Science and Humanities are taught with a focus on SACE progression; there are opportunities to develop leadership skills and language studies through tailored programs and electives. - Special programs: flexible and blended learning options, VET/career-training pathways, bridging and transition programs to support students returning to study or preparing for work. - NAPLAN / Ofsted trends (not scores — trends): NAPLAN data is not the focus for senior colleges; the school tracks progress toward SACE milestones, completion rates and post-school destinations, with emphasis on improving attainment and pathways into most suitable futures. - Student-teacher ratios: class sizes are generally small to medium, supporting more individualized attention (typical ratios around 1:10 to 1:15, depending on year level and subject). - Support for diverse learners: strong support for EAL learners and students with additional learning needs, including targeted tutoring, mentoring and access to learning support staff. --- ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: a broad program including basketball, soccer (football), netball and other local team-based activities through school and community partnerships. - Strong teams or achievements: competitive participation in local leagues and inter-school events; emphasis on teamwork, resilience and personal development. - Music, arts, drama programs: active performing arts offerings, school productions, music opportunities and ensemble participation. - Clubs: robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other student-led or staff-supported clubs; leadership opportunities and project-based clubs are encouraged. - Partnerships: connections with local community clubs, academies and industry partners to support events, competitions and work-based learning experiences. --- ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: clear anti-bullying policies and a supportive school culture with active monitoring and reporting processes. - House system: a house-based structure to foster belonging, healthy competition and peer mentoring. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: access to dedicated wellbeing staff and guidance counsellors to support mental health, study planning and personal development. - Transition support for new students: orientation programs, peer mentoring and targeted transition assistance to help new students settle in smoothly. --- ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: available for gym, field activities and outdoor recreation. - Libraries: on-site library with study spaces and resources. - Science labs: dedicated laboratories for practical experiments and hands-on learning. - Music/performing arts centers: spaces for music rehearsal, theatre and performances. - Tech/innovation labs: practical rooms for ICT, design, digital media and fabrication activities. - Cafeteria: on-site canteen or café-style options for students. - Updated playgrounds: modern and safe outdoor spaces for breaks and socialising. --- ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: student-centred education with a commitment to equity, employability and pathways to further study; emphasis on respectful, responsible and resilient learners. - Leadership style: collaborative and inclusive, with opportunities for student voice in learning choices and school initiatives. - Behaviour expectations: clear codes of conduct emphasizing respect, integrity and accountability. - Community reputation: generally viewed as a welcoming, student-focused environment that supports diverse learners and practical pathways. - Diversity & inclusion: strong focus on inclusion, cultural respect and providing access to opportunities for all students. --- ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: typical day runs during standard school hours; specific start/end times are set term-to-term. - Before/after school care: some levels of after-school academic support or supervision available; check local arrangements for tutoring or extension programs. - Uniform requirements: uniforms are typically required in SA public schools; details and suppliers provided by the school. - Transport (train/bus routes): well-served by public transport; school community resources can help families plan routes. - Canteen availability: on-site canteen or food options available for students. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): as a public school, fees are generally low, with potential charges for materials, activities or elective programs; family concession options may apply. --- ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Submit an expression of interest or formal application when applications open. - Attend information session or meet with staff to discuss pathways and options. - Complete any required assessments or discussions focused on learning needs and goals. - Receive an offer of placement if spaces are available; confirmation of enrolment; orientation for new students. - Timeline varies by intake period (Year 10–12 entries) and term. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - If the college is at capacity, a waiting list may operate. Offers are prioritised based on available spaces, educational needs, and cohort balance. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Eligibility typically includes enrolment in Year 10–12, residency/attendance considerations, and submission of prior school records. Some electives or pathways may require short discussions or interviews to tailor learning plans. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Yes, mid-year transfers are possible if there is space and a suitable learning plan can be accommodated; families should contact the school to discuss options and timelines. --- ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - Flexible, student-centred learning paths, strong pathways to vocational and TAFE options, and supportive pastoral care in a public school setting. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students seeking practical, flexible learning options, strong support services, and clear pathways to further study, training or employment. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - SACE subject offerings, VET and career-training options, clubs in robotics/coding/debating, music and drama programs, leadership roles and sport opportunities. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Newsletters, emails, school portal or app, parent-teacher conferences and regular updates from key staff. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - Student-centred, project- or task-based learning with a focus on real-world applications; flexible timetabling and personalised learning plans. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted tutoring, learning support staff, EAL support, access to counsellors and transition programs. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Dedicated learning support, mentoring, subject-specific assistance and referral pathways to specialist services. - How does the school communicate with parents? (Duplicate question) - See above: regular updates, portals, meetings and direct outreach from teachers and counsellors. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes are small to medium, enabling more individual attention from teachers and more tailored feedback. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A range of sports (basketball, soccer, netball, etc.), plus clubs in robotics, coding, chess and debating, plus music and drama. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, library, science labs, performing arts/music spaces, tech/innovation labs and a canteen. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integration of ICT and digital learning into the curriculum, with access to computer labs and supported by school-wide platforms. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Access via public transport with local bus routes; information is provided to help families plan journeys. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Public schooling generally incurs low fees, with possible charges for materials, activities or elective programs; financial support options may be available. --- ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Small to medium class sizes enabling more individual attention - Flexible learning paths tailored to student goals - Strong wellbeing and pastoral support - Clear pathways to SACE completion and VET/work opportunities - Broad range of clubs, sports, arts and tech activities - Cons - May have fewer large-scale, highly resourced facilities compared with larger schools - Mid-year transfer availability depends on space - Uniform requirements and some material costs apply (as with many public schools) - Summary - Thebarton Senior College offers a supportive, inclusive public schooling option focused on flexible senior learning, practical pathways and strong student support — a good fit for students seeking personalised attention and clear routes to further study or work.