Special Interest Pathways starting in 2025

Both programs UP and PHHS Arts Company are available to students through an application process. A limited number of places are available for students within and out of zone. Details of the application process will be available soon.

Unlocking Potential (UP) - Available to students in years 7 to 10

Our UP program is designed for students who are passionate about emerging technologies and want to extend their skills in anything form robotics to 3D printing to Virtual Reality, Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence. Students will develop skills such as problem-solving and critical and creative thinking, through exploring how emerging technology can be applied to solve real-world issues. The program has opportunities to be partially delivered off-site at venues like UniSA or Lot14 and students will participate in industry immersion experiences to explore future careers and pathways.

Para Hills Performing Arts Company - Available to students in years 7 to 11

The Para Hills Performing Arts Company provides an opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the diverse and vibrant world of the performing arts. In the program, students will collaborate across year levels to make productions from start to finish. They will have the opportunity to undertake different roles, ranging from off-stage production elements to performance, developing relevant skills and knowledge for performing arts pathways.

The program will see students work closely with the local community and integrate hands on engagement with contemporary practitioners and industry professionals, giving them a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities that the performing arts world has to offer.

What your child will learn in Middle years

As the entry point into high school, years 7-9 (middle school) provide an opportunity to try as many subjects as possible so that students can make informed choices in later years.

In year 7 students study all subjects as a care group. The Arts and Technologies subjects rotate every term to allow students to try as many as possible. Most year 7 and 8 students are taught by their care group teacher for at least 1 subject, helping them to build connections.

From year 8, students start increasing the number of electives which are taught in interest-based groups, rather than care-groups.

A flavour of middle-school experiences, in addition to the standard curriculum include:

• Year 7 camp
• Robotics, technology and Lego clubs
• Choir and dance clubs
• SAASTA Connect
• Literacy and numeracy focus groups to cement basic skills
• Instrumental music tuition (scholarships available)
• School band
• Write a book in a day competition
• Premier’s Reading Challenge
• Inter-school sports carnival and competitions
• Mathematics and Science Olympics
• Student Voice and Student Leadership program
• Homework club

Languages

Japanese as a compulsory language in years 7 and 8, with the opportunity for further study of Japanese in years 9 -12

An Aboriginal language (Ngarrindgerri or Kaurna) as an optional language for Aboriginal students in years 8 -12

What your child will learn in Senior years

Senior school students can expect to complete the necessary requirements to receive the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) by the end of the year 12. A wide range of Stage 1 and Stage 2 subjects are available from which students can select course pathways which lead to tertiary studies, apprenticeships, traineeships or employment. A large proportion of our students gain 30 SACE credits by the end of year 10.

Through our local and broader school networks, students at PHHS can also access over 50 vocational qualifications in a range of industries, as well as school-based apprenticeships.  

Our students achieve exceptionally well in their studies, as our course counselling process is designed to ensure every child can achieve their best in their desired pathway. Over 70% of our students’ grades are A or B grades in their SACE, and 100% complete their SACE.

SACE is made up of

• a range of compulsory subjects, delivered in years 10 and 11: English, Maths, Exploring Identities and Futures (EIF) and Activating Identities and Futures (AIF).
• a range of subjects that are the students’ choice. These can be vocational subjects or academic subjects. Our students elect predominantly academic subjects, and we are proud to offer a full complement for students to choose from, including Physics, Specialist Mathematics, Society and Culture, as well as subjects like Community Connections or Integrated Learning across multiple subject areas.

Extra and co-curricular 

• Artists in residence (Performing Arts and Creative Arts)
• Intra- and inter- school sports
• Maths and Science Olympics
• STEM Projects
• Subs in Schools (design and build a sub)
• Unity and CISCO academy courses (Cybersecurity, hackathons, etc)
• Augmented and Virtual Reality clubs (coding and experiential)
• Homework club
• Performing Arts clubs (choir, dance, vocal training)
• After school sport opportunities

International education

Para Hills is the proud host of a growing number of international students and study tours.  Students come from across the globe to access our world class educational programs for either short visits (1-8 weeks), or long term studies leading to accreditation and University entry (1-2 years). 

Students at Para Hills High School have the opportunity to attend a yearly international trip to Japan, as part of our sister school exchange. Scholarships are available through an application process for students who demonstrate high commitment to their studies. This is a highly successful and sought after opportunity.