CARDIJN COLLEGE
Senior School Curriculum Guide
2025
Cardijn College offers a broad variety of subjects in the senior years giving all students the opportunity to choose a course of study that caters for their individual interests and talents. We are proud to be a College delivering the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), an internationally recognised qualification, which acts as a passport to employment or tertiary study.
Our aim in the senior years is to provide a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for employment or tertiary study. We are also proud to provide multiple pathways to students while still at school, making available Vocational and Educational Training opportunities.
The world our students will live in is characterised by rapid change and as such we recognise that the future of our students is not found in our past.
As a community we are committed to learning, understanding and applying, as distinct from simply knowing and reproducing.
Cardijn College strives to develop our students’ capabilities in literacy and numeracy while developing their information and communication technology skills.
Our students are taught to be critical and creative thinkers, have well developed personal and social skills, which are underpinned by an understanding of ethical and intercultural understanding.
Our students have so many opportunities available to them; all of which play a part in their personal development. This Curriculum Guide details the course offerings at Cardijn College for 2025.
For further information please contact:
Ashleigh Taylor
Director of Teaching and Learning
Chris Burrows
School Quality & Performance
SACE & Higher Education
The SACE Defined
The SACE (South Australian Certificate of Education) is a certificate awarded to students who successfully complete their secondary education.
The Requirements of the SACE
To gain the SACE, students complete about two years of full-time study, which most students spread over three years.
There are two stages:
- Stage 1, which most students undertake in Year 11, apart from EIF, which most students undertake in Year 10.
- Stage 2, which most students undertake in Year 12.
Each subject or course successfully completed earns ‘credits’ towards the SACE, with a minimum of 200 credits required for students to gain the certificate.
Students will receive a grade from A to E for each Stage 1 subject and A+ to E- at Stage 2. For compulsory subjects they will need to achieve a C grade or better.
The compulsory subjects are:
- Exploring Identities and Futures (10 credits at Stage 1)
- Literacy – at least 20 credits from a range of English subjects or courses (Stage 1)
- Numeracy – at least 10 credits from a range of mathematics subjects or courses (Stage 1)
- Activating Identities and Futures (Formerly Research Project)* – an in-depth major project (10 credits at Stage 2)
- other Stage 2 subjects totalling at least 60 credits.
The remaining 90 credits can be gained through additional Stage 1 or Stage 2 subjects or SACE Board of SA recognised courses (such as VET or community learning) of a student’s choice.
| Requirements | Credits |
| Year 10 | |
| EIF # | 10 |
| Year 11 (Stage 1) | |
| Literacy (from a range of English subjects and courses) # | 20 |
| Numeracy (from a range of mathematics subjects and courses)# | 10 |
| Year 11 or 12 (Stages 1 or 2) | |
| Other subjects and courses of the student’s choice * | up to 90 |
| Year 12 (Stage 2) | |
| Activating Identities and Futures ^ | 10 |
| Other Stage 2 subjects and courses ^ | 60 or more |
| Total Credits | 200 |
# Stage 1 compulsory subjects and courses
^ Stage 2 compulsory subjects and courses
* Other subjects and courses
Note: Most students will complete subjects or courses worth more than 90 credits at Stage 1 and 70 credits at Stage 2.
Stage 1
Exploring Identities and Futures (EIF)
Stage 1 of the SACE begins with EIF, which Cardijn College offers as a Year 10 subject. TEIF helps students to plan for their future including:
- the subjects and courses they will study in Year 11 and Year 12
- possible career choices and other goals
- how best to prepare for these aspirations.
Students will also examine their strengths and weaknesses and how to build on these.
EIF is worth 10 credits. As this is a compulsory subject, each student needs to gain a C grade or better to achieve the SACE.
Literacy and Numeracy
The SACE has compulsory literacy and numeracy requirements at Stage 1.
At Stage 1, each student needs to earn 20 credits from a choice of Stage 1 English subjects and achieve a C grade or better.
Likewise, each student must earn 10 credits from a range of Stage 1 Mathematics subjects and achieve a C grade or better.
Stage 1 Assessment
At Stage 1, schools access student performance against SACE approved learning and assessment plans. The SACE Board may moderate EIF and the compulsory English and Mathematics subjects at the C/D borderline. The Board will also monitor student results to support teacher understanding of the consistent application of performance standards.
Stage 2
The Stage 2 requirements are described below.
Activating Identities and Futures (Formerly Research Project)
Activating Identities and Futures (AIF) is a compulsory Stage 2 subject, worth 10 credits and students will need to gain a C- grade or better in the Research Project to achieve the SACE.
AIF gives students the opportunity to study an area of interest in depth. It allows students to use their creativity and initiative, while developing the research and presentation skills they will need in further study or work.
Other Stage 2 requirements
In addition to AIF, students must achieve at least 60 credits in their choice of Stage 2 subjects or courses and achieve a C- grade or better in those courses to achieve the SACE.
To be eligible for an ATAR students must:
- qualify for the SACE
- complete at least 90 credits of study in Tertiary Admissions Subjects and Recognised Studies at Stage 2*
(* at least 60 credits of study must be from 20 credit Tertiary Admissions Subjects)
Stage 2 Assessment
At Stage 2, assessment will be 70 percent school-based, with the remaining 30 percent assessed externally. SACE Board Moderation will confirm that school-based assessment levels are consistent with each subject’s performance standards.
Qualification Requirements of the SACE
Higher Education Selection
Comprehensive information is available from the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC) and is detailed in the booklet, Tertiary Entrance in South Australia and the Northern Territory 2023, 2024, 2025. Information is also available on the SATAC website by visiting www.satac.edu.au/satac-publications.
University Entry
In brief, students applying for university entry must:
• complete the SACE
• complete at least 90 credits of SACE Stage 2 subjects of which at least three 60 credits must be from 20-credit Tertiary Admissions Subjects (TAS) – for details of the remaining 30 credits, see the SATAC Tertiary Entrance booklet
• complete any prerequisite subject requirements for their chosen university course
• obtain an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR)
• avoid precluded subject combinations.
For further information regarding university courses visit their websites:
University of Adelaide: www.adelaide.edu.au
University of South Australia: www.unisa.edu.au
Flinders University: www.flinders.edu.au
Note: Some 10 credit subjects in the same area, when studied in pairs, can substitute for a 20 credit subject. These are called Valid Pairs. Such subjects are identified in the SATAC Guide.
Stage 2 Community Studies A & Stage 2 Community Connections cannot be used to gain University entry
Assumed Knowledge
Many university courses/programs recommend that commencing students have background knowledge in one or more specified Stage 1 or Stage 2 subjects or have an identified skill which will enhance the student’s understanding of the course/program content. This is known as assumed knowledge.
Assumed knowledge is not compulsory and is not used in the selection process for entry to university courses/ programs. Statements of assumed knowledge are intended purely to assist students in understanding course/program content and to allow them to make subject choices which may be of benefit to them in their future tertiary studies.
Prerequisite
A SACE Stage 2 subject or equivalent in which a student must achieve a minimum grade of C- (or equivalent) to be eligible for selection into a course.
Subject Selection Guide
There are a number of factors to consider in making subject choices.
Planning for the future
Students need to consider their future aspirations in broad areas such as:
- their aim for further education
- completing the SACE and entering the workforce
Preparation for life
A balanced course should not only provide the prerequisites for career paths beyond school, but also prepare students to be better-informed citizens and provide opportunities to follow and build on personal interests.
Making informed decisions
Students should consider their past strengths and weaknesses in:
- particular subjects
- particular learning situations eg: theoretical, practical
- particular assessments eg: research assignments, tests and examinations.
They should also explore their level of commitment to further study, their past reports and assessment results, and seek support from teachers and family members who can help students in these considerations.
Know the requirements of particular higher education courses or occupations
Students should carefully research pre-requisites or preferred subjects now, to ensure they choose a Stage 1 and Stage 2 course, which will provide the opportunity to meet all requirements.
Link Stage 1 and Stage 2 together
When choosing Stage 1 subjects, have in mind possible choices at Stage 2. Read the preferred background of Stage 2 courses when deciding on Stage 1 subjects. Finally, the course of subjects that students choose should be the one that suits their abilities, interests and aspirations. The senior secondary years should be a positive learning experience in which students can reach their potential and be successful.
SACE unit at another school or institution
Some students may undertake to study a SACE unit at another institution, Open Access College or the SA Secondary School of Languages. The cost involved in this enrolment will need to be covered by the student.
Selection For Stage 1
As outlined in Section 2.2, students must satisfy the SACE curriculum pattern.
The table below will assist students in identifying their initial subject choices.
Stage 1 Subject Pattern
10 credits Exploring Identities and Futures
(Year 10) Compulsory
10 credits Religious Education Compulsory at Cardijn
(enrolled over the full year)
20 credits English/ Essential English Compulsory
10 credits Mathematics Compulsory
90 credits Free Choice – Teachers and family members can help students in these considerations.
Note: While it is not compulsory, it is recommended that students undertake a whole year (20 credits) of Mathematics.
Selection for Stage 2
Students must satisfy the SACE curriculum pattern. The following information will assist students in identifying their initial subject choices.
Stage 2 Subject Pattern
• 10 credits Religious Education
• 80 credits Free Choice
• 10 credits Activating Identities and Futures if undertaken in Year 12
Subject Outlines
The subjects offered at Cardijn College are presented in three separate sections, Year 10, Stage 1 and Stage 2.
Each subject is presented in a similar format:
Duration of course
Length of course to be taught, ie semester and/or full year.
Entry point (Stage 1)
Indicates when a student can start their study of a subject.
Recommendations (Stage 2)
Preferred previous study or particular skills or interests which prepare the student for a subject.
Subject description
The aims or objectives, which guide learning and assessment in the subject.
Content
The topics, themes or types of learning that should occur in the subject.
Evidence of learning
The types or categories of assessment for the subject.
Other information
Any further information that may assist in choosing the subject.
Note: This guide identifies subjects which are initially offered to students. Some subjects may have to be cancelled due to insufficient numbers of students. If subjects are cancelled, students will be counselled in a subsequent selection.
Flexible Learning Options
Vocational Education and Training (Years 10 – 12)
Cardijn College supports students in gaining nationally recognised Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications. VET is a significant component of the SACE. At Cardijn College we are committed to providing students with a wide variety of VET opportunities.
VET aims to
- Allow students to graduate with dual qualifications (VET & SACE) effectively future proofing post-school options.
- Prepare work-ready students whose agility allows them to explore multiple career and study pathways.
- Assist in the transition of students from school into the workforce or further study.
- Provide a gateway for a school-based apprenticeship while still at school.
- Provide a transition option of a full-time apprenticeship where student learn and earn.
- Provide knowledge, skills and dispositions required for tertiary studies at universities. All VET courses listed can be used for the Flinders University Non-ATAR Entry Pathway. Note – for some degrees specific SACE subjects are required.
Factors your family must consider in deciding if your child should undertake VET;
- Some VET courses are offered on Cardijn campuses and are timetabled into lessons.
- Some of the above courses are delivered as one full day. Where this occurs, your child will receive a study line to support their learning for lessons missed on their training day. This will occur at the discretion of Mr Chris Burrows and in consultation with the student’s family.
- Some VET courses are off site. Transport arrangements to and from these off campus courses are a family responsibility.
All VET courses count towards SACE.
Information about VET in SACE can be found at: www.sace.sa.edu.au/web/vet/what-is-vet/vet-in-sace
Download the 2025 VET handbook
To discuss options relating to Vocational Education & Training or post school pathways such as employment, apprenticeships or university entry, please contact the VET & Pathways Coordinator Mr Matt Kempson via email at [email protected] or phone 8392 9497.
Courses vary in location, length and standard. Below are vocational opportunities on offer:
- Automotive
- Business
- Construction
- Electrotechnology
- Engineering (metal fabrication)
- Individual Support (Aged Care and Disability)
- Early Childhood Education and Care
- Fitness
- Hospitality
- Kitchen Operations
- Hair
- Makeup
- Beauty
- Photography
- Sport & Recreation
- Screen & Media
- Information Technology
- Plumbing
- Animal Care
Interested students and families need to make contact with the VET & Pathways Coordinator, the year prior to course commencement.
School-based Apprenticeships
School-based Apprenticeships are a combination of:
- Formal lessons at school, which allow students to complete their SACE
- School lessons which are reduced through negotiation with Mr Burrows and supplemented with VET study time, in a dedicated study room
- External employment with a guaranteed minimum eight hours employment per week; students usually have one day off a week for employer contact
- External training through TAFE or another Registered Training Organisation; this training is at a Certificate III or higher standard and occurs as block training throughout the academic year.
Students will need to organise a school-based Apprenticeship directly with the employer. Cardijn College can assist with organising an Australian Apprenticeship Centre contact in cases where the employer is unable to do so.
School-based Apprenticeships commence at the beginning of Year 11, however some industries can take students sooner. Successfully completed external training is credited towards the student’s SACE.
Vocational Education Programs
Qualifications
Cardijn College is committed to ensuring that our graduates have a diversity of skills for a dynamic and ever-changing world. We support all of our students to undertake vocational training as part of their learning journey.
Nationally accredited qualifications in Vocational Education and Training (VET) open up a myriad of employment and study opportunities. Students can utilise VET for direct employment pathways or use completed qualifications to gain access to further tertiary studies.
Balancing a program of VET and SACE can be challenging but ultimately rewarding. Our Vocational Education Students are supported with the offering of; VET study periods, assistance with both VET theory and SACE work and ongoing Careers Counseling. The College reserves the right to remove students from their training when academic requirements are not met.
VET students have the opportunity to work in adult learning environments and gain valuable industry experiences. As a result, they develop resilience, adaptability and the skill set to work in an evolving employment landscape.
Vocational Education and Training is recognised as a valued component of the South Australian Certificate of Education. The majority of completed Certificate III qualifications, can be counted as university entrance subjects in the calculations of a student’s Australian Tertiary Admissions Ranking (ATAR). Increasingly, universities see a diversity of student skills as an advantage to their prospective graduates; with some universities accepting completed VET as a pathway into varying courses.
Qualifications are completed within one year and students train on-site at our campuses and in some cases, at off-site locations.
In addition to qualifications delivered by the College’s RTO – MTC Training, Cardijn College also supports students undertaking external vocational training available to secondary school students provided by Registered Training Organisations. Students may have to pay fees and will be required to make their own transport arrangements for these courses if the training is held off-site. To discuss the option of other vocational training, please contact the Pathways Hub.
R – 9
GALILEE
ALDINGA
At Cardijn College Galilee in Aldinga, we offer education from Reception to Year 9, creating a nurturing environment where each student feels a unique sense of belonging. This campus is known for its focus on ecological awareness and community involvement.
7 – 12
MARIAN
NOARLUNGA DOWNS
Cardijn College Marian, located in Noarlunga Downs, educates students from Years 7 to 12. It is celebrated for its comprehensive curriculum and vibrant extra-curricular program that caters to a diverse student body, providing varied learning pathways that meet individual needs and aspirations.
10 – 12
MARCELLIN
CHRISTIE DOWNS
Cardijn College Marcellin in Christie Downs is focused on providing extensive vocational education and training opportunities for students in Years 10 to 12 and beyond. Our strong industry partnerships help extend relationships into our students’ future careers, offering real-world experiences that are second to none.