Preparing for Post School Life

The Western Australian Curriculum provides teachers and supporting staff information to help plan student learning programs, assess student progress and report to parents. The curriculum is established by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA). 

In the Senior School years of 11 to 13, the focus is on career-based learning through fostering independence and developing resilience, social and work-related skills.  Students may also participate in practical work placements and independent living skills within the local and wider community, as well as participating in Certificate I courses. 

At Kalamunda Secondary Education Support Centre, we encourage partnerships with families and support agencies to assist in the development of productive transition pathways.

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Certificate Qualifications

KSESC deliver Certificate I qualifications to upper school students that provide basic, fundamental and technical skill development required to function effectively in a workplace under supervision. 

Students completing certificate qualifications participate in the Authority Developed Workplace Learning (ADWPL) program. This supports on-the-job training, recording training hours and workplace skills developed.

 In 2023, KSESC delivered BSB 10120 Certificate I in Workplace Skills under an auspice arrangement with the Registered Training Organisation, ACTIV Pathways (RTO code: 51960). Due to a small student cohort in 2023, three students in Year 12 were enrolled in this qualification. KSESC has a qualified trainer and assessor on site who facilitates unit delivery.

Four students in year 12 were enrolled in a Certificate II School Based Traineeship (SBT) in either the Automotive or Transport and Logistics industries in 2022. These qualifications were to be completed over an eighteen-month period, resulting in students continuing their enrolments into 2023. Three of the four students achieved the full qualification in their Certificate II SBT. The remaining student received a Statement of Attainment for the Units of Competence achieved before withdrawing and enrolling in a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education with an external RTO. Achievement data for VET in 2022 was 56% across all units of competence, this increased to 85% in 2023. This was the result of completion of continuing Units of Competence from 2022 to 2023. All students enrolled in the Certificate I qualification achieved 100% competence in all units and the full qualifaction. 

ASDAN – Workright

Workright provides a framework for students in Year 11 to develop a range of basic transferable employability skills. The program has been developed for young people who are following a work-based/work experience program of study. It can cater for a wide range of abilities. Employers want people who are punctual and reliable, can work with other people and can complete tasks safely to the required standard. These are accredited within the four Workright units:

• Health and Safety in the Workplace
• Being Responsible in the Workplace
• Working with Others in the Workplace
• You at Work

Each unit is divided into three sections. Units can be undertaken in any order and certification is available for all four units or for individual units.

Workplace Learning

Workplace Learning provides students the opportunity to attend placement in a variety of industries for work experience or work shadowing as part of an accredited Workplace Learning Program (WPL). 

At KSESC offers work experience, that aligns with the ASDAN Workright program, and ADWPL for students participating in a certificate qualification.

Depending on student level ability and staffing, small groups attend weekly placements in supported workplace environments.

Students who have developed more advanced employability skills can access possible opportunities, when they arise, through School Based Traineeships in their chosen career path or industry area. These students attend WPL and training independently.

All students complete a WPL Logbook, recording on-the-job training hours and site-specific job tasks. Students participating in ADWPL complete up to four employability skills journals, answering questions that relate to their current workplace.

Preliminary Courses

Preliminary Courses focus on the practical application of knowledge, skills and understandings to a range of environments that will be accessed by students with special education needs. Grades are not assigned for these units. Student achievement is recorded as ‘completed’ or ‘not completed’. These courses provide the opportunity for students to prepare for post-school options of employment and further training.

KSESC currently offer Preliminary Courses (Units 1 – 4) in Mathematics and English. Course content is designed to develop real life skills and experiences for out in the community, in the home and employment options post school.

OLNA - Online Literacy and Numeracy Assessment

The Online Literacy and Numeracy Assessment (OLNA) is designed for secondary students to successfully meet the minimum standard of literacy and numeracy. 

At KSESC, selected students are given the opportunity to complete their OLNA. Students can access the testing windows twice a year, giving them up to six opportunities to meet the minimum standard in reading, writing and numeracy between years 10 to 12.

Students are supported in this process by classroom teachers and a subscription to online practice tests.