Duke of Edinburgh International Award
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Office Australia is dedicated to empowering young people to thrive. Through the Duke of Edinburgh program, youth are equipped to conquer new challenges, develop vital life skills, and unlock their full potential.
KSESC introduced the Duke of Edinburgh International Award Program in 2017, and since then, 66 predicants have embarked on this journey. In 2023, seven students registered, all successfully attaining their bronze award. Presently, KSESC boasts 9 students enrolled in the bronze award, all making promising progress. A fruitful partnership with the City of Kalamunda greatly aids students in fulfilling the requirements of the award
As part of the award, students undertake various tasks to earn accreditation. In pursuit of acquiring a new skill, KSESC students have opted to learn Sphero coding during their STEM classes. They commit to one hour of physical activity weekly for the physical component and contribute to the regeneration of the Railway Heritage Trail as voluntary service, supported by the City of Kalamunda.
Additionally, students embark on an “Adventurous Journey” during a four-day camp, engaging in diverse activities such as team building exercises, mid and high ropes courses, orienteering, crate stacking, archery, canoeing, and the flying fox. Beyond fulfilling the requirements for the bronze award these experiences enrich students’ lives and prepare them for future endeavours.
Mini Woolies
Our school has partnered with Woolworths to provide a ‘Mini Woolies’ at our school!
The Mini Woolworths program involves replicating a Woolworths supermarket on a smaller scale designed as a simulated work environment where students can practise real world skills in numeracy, literacy and communication.
Through the ‘Mini Woolies’ incentive, we are providing greater opportunities for students to build their confidence and independence as they prepare for future experiences in the wider community.
Business Centre - Simulated Work Environment
On the whole the Business Centre is a simulated workplace where students can experience hands on jobs and tasks that will benefit them in any future employment opportunities.
Year 12 students also again a Certificate I in Workplace Skills while Year 11's complete ASDAN Workright and other skill sets whilst being introduced to the simulated workplace procedures.
STEM - Lego
Comments from our students :
"The lego is really fun to build and we enjoy playing with it after."
- Mitchell C.
"We had to concentrate hard to build the lego and we found it really interesting at the end to see all of our creations."
- Kaitlyn H.
Independent Living Skills
Students engage in a range of independent living skills such as cooking, sewing and community access.
Authority Developed Workplace Learning (ADWPL)
To complete this endorsed program, a student works in one or more workplace/s to develop a set of transferable workplace skills. The student must record the number of hours completed and the tasks undertaken in the workplace in the Authority’s Workplace Learning Logbook. The student must also provide evidence of his/her knowledge and understanding of the workplace employability skills by completing the Authority’s Workplace Learning Skills Journal after each 55 hours completed in the workplace. Every 55 hours, and completed Skills Journal, gives a student one unit of achievement of their WASSA (WA Secondary School Achievement) certificate.
Workplace Learning continued to be divided over two programs in 2023, ADWPL and ASDAN Workright. In 2022 there were nine students initially enrolled in ADWPL, one student withdrew early due to change of schools. 67% of students achieved 2 units with a minimum of 110 hours, while 22% of students achieved 1 unit with minimum of 55 hours. Students completed the respective logbooks and skills journals to successfully achieve these units. In comparison, in 2023 the numbers enrolled in ADWPL was significantly lower due to a smaller cohort of students. One student withdrew due to a change in schools, 60% achieved two units and 20% of students achieved one unit towards their WASSA.
Auslan
Auslan (Australian Sign Language) is the sign language of the Australian Deaf community. It was developed in Australia by people who are deaf to be able to communicate with others.
This year we have been incorporating Auslan across our school community, by incorporating it in all classrooms, assemblies and special events. We have been able to engage the services of an Auslan Interpreter who has been leading our Auslan Choir as they learnt various songs, poems and narratives.
In 2023, students have been able to join the Auslan choir and learn songs in ASL to perform at school functions.