In 1979, Adelaide High School was designated as South Australia’s only Special Interest Language School, enabling students to enrol to study two of the seven languages on offer. Complementing the Languages Other than English specialisation is a strong program in English as a Second Language.
Uniting all elements of the school is an appreciation of, and respect for, a diversity of cultures and practices. Its curriculum, school processes and student groupings challenge, engage, enrich, support and accelerate student learning. Pastoral Care programs provide opportunities for students to learn about themselves and to develop skills to contribute positively to our school and local and global communities. The school motto “non scholae sed vitae” (not only for school but for life) underpins the school’s vision and priorities.
Facilities: State-of-the-art new wing with general learning areas, a drama workshop, PE laboratory, three science laboratories, and resource centre, IT helpdesk and an Infotainment/recording booth; refurbished building containing Languages, Art and Home Economics and a Mathematics Centre; air-conditioned classrooms; modern, well-equipped Design and Technology suites, as well as computer suites housing networked PCs; wireless network for use by lap-top computers; the school’s science labs and lecture theatres have been upgraded to be amongst the best in the state; The Resource Centre contains areas for class research and resource based learning, small group research, quiet reading and Senior School private study; the parklands provide additional facilities to the modern gymnasium and weights room; upgraded tennis, basketball and netball courts, several ovals; boatshed on the banks of the River Torrens; second boatshed at West Lakes; Performing Arts Centre for music and drama; Language Centre; Senior School Centre; STEM facilities; hall with state-of-the-art sound and lighting equipment; Centre for Hearing Impaired.
Subjects/Electives Years 7 to 10: Core Learning Areas – English or ESL, Languages, Mathematics, Science, The Arts, Health & PE, Society & Environment, Technology.
Language electives – Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Italian, Modern Greek, Spanish.
Subjects/Electives Years 11 and 12: Digital Art, Moving Image Media, Theatre Production Design & Management, Drama A & B, Design C – Product Innovation, Music Performance, Music Technology, Painting & Drawing, General Art, Design A & B, Business and Enterprise, Accounting, Textiles, Fabric, Fashion, and You, Design and Technology, CAD, Digital Photography, Electronic Systems & Control, Furniture Construction, Welding & Fabricating, Systems and Web Programming, Multimedia & Dynamic Web Programming, Information Processing & Publishing, Community Studies*, Integrated Learning, Personal Learning Plan, Research Project, English, English as a Second Language, English Pathways, Literacy for Work and Community Life, Health, Food and Hospitality, Food Processing Pathways (VET), Outdoor Education, Fitness & Coaching Principles, Physical Education A (Mixed Group), Physical Education B (Mixed Group), Physical Education C (Girls only), Ancient Studies, Economics, Geography, History, Legal Studies, Philosophy, Society & Culture, Tourism, Beginners Italian, Continuers Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Modern Greek, and Spanish, Background Speakers Chinese, Numeracy for Work & Community Life, Mathematical Applications, Mathematics Studies, Specialist Mathematics, Sciences, Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Physics, Psychology.
Sport: Girls sport – Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Cricket, Cross Country, Football, Hockey, Indoor Soccer, Netball, Rowing, Soccer, Softball, Squash, Swimming, Touch Football, Table Tennis, Tennis, Volleyball. Boys Sport – Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Cricket, Cross Country, Football, Hockey, Rowing, Rugby, Soccer, Squash, Swimming, Touch Football, Table Tennis, Tennis, Volleyball.
Extracurricular activities: Tournament of Minds, debating, chess, Greek dancing, Greek Band, Premier’s Reading Challenge, Premier’s “Be Active” Challenge, Adopt a Grave, Ecovision, Interact, Birthing Kit packing.
Welfare and personal development: Transition program for Year 8, Transition Portfolio and Personal Learning Plan, Pastoral care teachers, House Managers, Student Counsellors, the Leadership Team, Peer Leaders’ program, Aboriginal Community Education Officer, Student Counsellors, VET and Enterprise Coordinator.
Special features: Special Interest Language Program, selective Rowing and Cricket programs, Associate School for Students with High Intellectual Potential, Centre for Hard of Hearing and Deaf students.