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Senior School Drawing upon their values and educational experiences, Senior School students begin to explore and seek support for their pathways beyond graduation.
Learning > Senior School

In Senior School our Year 10 students complete their final year of the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), whilst Year 11 and 12 students choose to study either the IB Diploma or the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

Within both curriculum models students choose subjects from the essential areas of learning: the Arts, English, Languages, Physical Education, Mathematics, Science, Societies, Technology, and Religious Education. Wellbeing models are also provided through Home Group classes.

MYP Learning Areas (Year 10)

In Year 10, the final year of the Middle Years Programme, students study across a diverse range of subject areas, with several elective selections to tailor their learning to possible future pathways.

The core subject areas identified within the MYP are:

  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Language and Literature
  • The Arts
  • Design
  • Individuals and Societies
  • Language Acquisition
  • Physical and Health Education
  • Religious Education

Detailed subject information, as well as an explanation of the Growth and Personal Skills Programme (GPS), grading structure, and more, is available in the Mercedes College MYP Curriculum Handbook.

IB Diploma and SACE Learning Areas (Year 11 and 12)

In Year 11 and 12 students choose the IB Diploma or SACE pathways of study. Those who begin the IB Diploma in Year 11 and choose to transfer to SACE in Year 12 must still meet the criteria that completes Stage 1 SACE, and all students get guidance to ensure their subject selections will equip them for this option.

IB Diploma Programme

IB Diploma students select six courses from six distinct groups with at least three (and not more than four) subjects are taken at higher level (HL), of 240 recommended teaching hours, with the remaining taken at standard level (SL), of 150 recommended teaching hours).

  1. Studies in Language and Literature
  2. Language Acquisition
  3. Individuals and Societies
  4. Sciences
  5. Mathematics
  6. The Arts

Students may replace the Arts subject with a second subject from Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, or Sciences if they wish.

At the core of the IB Diploma, all students must also complete the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).

SACE

Students who choose to study the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) choose subjects that suit their interests and career goals, building 200 credits across Stage 1 and 2, with 10 credits representing one Semester of study in one subject.

There are 50 credits of compulsory subjects.

  • Stage 1 Exploring Identities and Futures (most students complete this in Year 10) | 10 credits
  • Stage 1 Numeracy Requirement (part of Mathematics) | 10 credits
  • Stage 1 Literacy Requirement (part of English) | 20 credits
  • Stage 2 Activating Identities and Futures (most students complete this in Year 11) | 10 credits

In addition, students must complete at least 90 credits of other subjects of their choice at Stage 1 or Stage 2 (or equivalent), and 60 credits of Stage 2 or Vocational Education and Training (VET) studies.

 

Detailed subject information, as well as an explanation of the Growth and Personal Skills Programme (GPS), grading structure, and more, is available in the Year 11 and 12 Curriculum Handbook

Growth and Personal Skills (GPS)

From Middle into Senior School, students participate in GPS, one component of the College's approach to pastoral care. There are four pillars for the GPS programme that explore strong relationships, healthy lifestyles, positive emotions, and personal resilience. Topics under these pillars evolve with the age and stage of the students.

Year 10: Step in

...to Senior School life and all that it offers.

  • Investigating respectful relationships
  • Exploring contemporary inforamtion about alcohol + Understanding the connection between sleep and health
  • Understanding happiness + Connection to community
  • Defining wellbeing + Mapping support networks

Year 11: Step up

...as a Leader of the College, shape your future path.

  • Respectful and positive relationships + Conflict resolution
  • Safety and self care
  • Making good decisions + Self awareness
  • Mindfulness + Purpose

Year 12: Step out

...into the world after graduation and be leaders of self and others.

  • Cyber literacy and safety + Consent
  • Drug and alcohol education + Healthy movement
  • Recognising abuse, bullying and harrassment + Building safety networks
  • Decision making and personal responsibility