Make a splash and get ahead

Lauren Ahwan reveals the various ways students can gain credits for their high school certificate

SURF lifesaving training, music examinations, ballet classes and driving school are among activities being undertaken by school students that count towards their Certificate of Education.

The Duke of Edinburgh Awards, horse riding and basic firefighting instruction can also be used to gain credit by senior school students.

Experts suggest the approaching school holidays offer an ideal opportunity for young people to get ahead for Years 11 and 12.

The South Australian Education Department’s Secondary Learners director Panayoula Parha says “community learning’’ activities are popular among school students and can often lead to increased student engagement.

“It’s an authentic learning experience — it links directly to the community and it’s linked to an individual’s passion or sense of service or sense of being connected to their community,’’ Parha says.

“I’ve seen boys who worked together to weld and fabricate a new trailer from scratch [and gained credit for their Certificate of Education], or there’s been other schools that get their kids involved in youth sailing voyages.

“It appeals to students who might not be as successful in a traditional classroom, and also to those kids that contribute to organisations like the Country Fire Service or Surf Life Saving and they want that to be recognised.’’

Parha says there are lists of approved activities.

However, students may also negotiate non-listed endeavours, so long as they can demonstrate that it meets defined learning outcomes.

She says using community activities for the Certificate of Education is just as legitimate as undertaking traditional school subjects.

Parha says activities do not need to be undertaken while in Year 11 and 12, allowing students to get in early to lessen the workload during their senior schooling.

“The school holidays would be a very good time to do [some community activities for school credit],’’ Pahra says.

“I would do it that way, many very savvy students would do it that way, and that’s the great thing about the flexibility of this.’’

Curriculum expert Chris Rider says driver awareness training is a popular option, followed by the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award and participation in a business education program, such as ABW Enterprise Education.

“These recognised studies give students flexibility in what, where and when they study and can improve pathways to further education, training and work,’’ Rider says.

“They are also an effective way to re-engage students who may have lost interest in learning.’’

Year 10 student Kaitlin Dale is completing her Bronze Medallion swim qualification through Surf Life Saving, which can provide four points towards obtaining her high school certificate.

“The skills learned through this program, I believe, will benefit me more than other subjects I could have chosen at school,’’ Kaitlin says.

“Already having the points from lifesaving gives me an advantage of already having a headstart in gaining the required points to complete the Certificate of Education.

“If, for whatever reason, I was unable to earn those points through a subject at school, I would have these as a back-up.’’