SACE

SACE | Pinnacle College
Senior Years · Years 11 & 12 · Pinnacle College

SACE
AT PINNACLE

The South Australian Certificate of Education — an internationally recognised qualification paving the way for university, TAFE, apprenticeships and careers.

About SACE → View Subjects →
📜About SACE 📊Stage 1 & 2 📚Subjects 🎓Pathways 🤝Support
Senior Years Curriculum

What is the SACE?

Your Pathway to the Future

The Senior Years curriculum at Pinnacle College is delivered through the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE). The SACE is an internationally recognised qualification that paves the way for young people to move from school to work or further training and study.

The qualification helps students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed — whether they are headed for further education and training, university, an apprenticeship or straight into the workforce.

At Pinnacle College, we take great pride in the ATAR results that our Year 12 students achieve at the end of their SACE journey. We also acknowledge that success means different things for each individual — which is why we aim to provide a range of opportunities to make success attainable for all students in their senior years.

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Internationally recognised qualification accepted by universities and institutions worldwide.
SACE at Pinnacle College
Certificate Structure

Stage 1 & Stage 2

The SACE is built on two stages of achievement, providing students with a structured and flexible pathway through their senior years.

1
Year 11
Stage 1
Typically studied in Year 11
Stage 1 builds foundational knowledge and skills across a student's chosen subject areas. It includes the Personal Learning Plan (PLP) and Integrated Learning, both typically completed in Year 10. Stage 1 prepares students for the more demanding Stage 2 studies. Students also complete the Literacy and Numeracy requirements at this stage.
2
Year 12
Stage 2
Typically studied in Year 12
Stage 2 represents the senior SACE, with results contributing to the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). While some subjects require Stage 1 as a prerequisite, others can be studied at Stage 2 for the first time — giving flexibility for students whose aspirations change during Year 11. External and school assessments are weighted to produce the final grade.
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Did you know? Students also complete Stage 1 Integrated Learning and the Personal Learning Plan (PLP) as part of the SACE, but these are completed in Year 10 at Pinnacle College.
As of 2023

Subjects Offered at Pinnacle

We offer a broad and growing range of subjects across Stage 1 and Stage 2 — from traditional academic disciplines to newer elective options.

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English
  • English
  • EAL (English as an Additional Language)
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Mathematics
  • General Mathematics
  • Mathematical Methods
  • Specialist Mathematics
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Sciences
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Psychology
  • Nutrition
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Humanities & Business
  • Business Innovation
  • Society & Culture
  • Research Project
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Health & Physical
  • Physical Education
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Arts & Creative
  • Visual Arts
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We are always willing to offer new subjects in addition to the ones listed above. For the full list of possibilities, please contact the SACE Coordinator to request a copy of the SACE handbook.
After SACE

Your SACE Pathway

The school provides multiple pathways for students and caters for individual needs — because success looks different for every student.

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University
SACE Stage 2 results contribute to the ATAR — the key to university admission. Pinnacle students are supported to achieve their best possible ATAR result.
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TAFE
Technical and Further Education programs offer practical, vocational qualifications. SACE provides a recognised pathway into TAFE courses across South Australia.
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Apprenticeship
Many trades and industries value SACE alongside apprenticeships. The certificate demonstrates a student's readiness and commitment to their chosen field.
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Workforce
Students entering the workforce directly benefit from the skills, confidence and credentials the SACE provides — valued by employers across all industries.
Student Support

How We Support SACE Students

Guided Every Step of the Way

Work experience, a careers expo and an extensive course counselling process involving parents, staff and students ensure that each individual student's academic and career aspirations are explored so their future pathway is based upon an informed choice.

The College offers a variety of subjects at Stage 1 and 2 and aims to cater for the needs of all students when selecting their combination of subjects.

We are always willing to consider offering new subjects — though sometimes subject numbers limit feasibility. Contact the SACE Coordinator to discuss your options.

Contact SACE Coordinator →
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Course Counselling
An extensive subject selection process involving students, parents and staff — ensuring informed, personalised subject combinations aligned to each student's goals.
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Work Experience
Structured work experience opportunities help students explore careers and industries of interest, informing their subject selection and future pathway decisions.
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Careers Expo
Our annual careers expo connects students with employers, universities, TAFE and training providers — opening doors and inspiring future career exploration.
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Parent Information Nights
Dedicated SACE parent sessions each year keep families informed and involved in their child's senior years journey and subject selection process.
SACE & ATAR Results
PROUD OF OUR
YEAR 12 RESULTS.
At Pinnacle College, we take great pride in the ATAR results our Year 12 students achieve. We also believe success means different things for each individual — and we provide a range of pathways to make it attainable for every student.
Y12
SACE Graduates
ATAR
University Entry
SACE at Pinnacle
Your Future Starts Here
YOUR SACE.
YOUR PATHWAY.
Enrol at Pinnacle →

Ready to Start Your SACE Journey?

Enrol at Pinnacle College or contact our SACE Coordinator.

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