IBDP Camp 2026
Three days of community, connection, and campfires In the last week of July, our IB Diploma students headed off for our annual IBDP Camp. The camp is an opportunity for...
Comprehensive Curriculum
Norwood International High School is proud to offer one of the most comprehensive choices of curriculum of any school in South Australia. Students in Years 7 to 10 study the International Baccalaureate: Middle Years Program with the subject content informed by the Australian Curriculum. In Years 11 & 12 students study the South Australian Certificate of Education and have access to over 125 Stage 1 and Stage 2 subjects. Year 11 & 12 students can also apply to undertake the International Baccalaureate: Diploma Program.
The 2027 Norwood International High School Curriculum Guide is now LIVE! You can access our improved digital guide by clicking on the button below.
IB: Middle Years Programme
The IB: Middle Years Program (IBMYP) aims to develop active learners and internationally minded young people who can empathise with others and pursue lives of purpose and meaning. The programme empowers students to inquire into a wide range of issues and ideas of significance locally, nationally and globally. The result is young people who are creative, critical and reflective thinkers.
South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE)
The South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) is the local senior secondary qualification designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge and capabilities to thrive as an engaged global citizen. Students are awarded the SACE if they successfully complete a two-stage course of study that meets the flexible requirements.
The SACE is a two-stage program offering a range of subjects. As students study the SACE, they will gain valuable literacy and numeracy skills in each of the disciplines offered, be challenged to think critically and creatively, problem solve, develop entrepreneurial skills and build upon their intercultural and ethical understanding.
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Most students study Stage 1 in Year 11 and Stage 2 in Year 12, and can support their SACE completion by earning credits for individual and/or community activities e.g. the Duke of Edinburgh, or through recognition of vocational education and training (VET) courses.
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Students will need to complete 200 credits of study to complete the SACE. Each subject is worth either 10 or 20 credits, depending on the length of the subject. Typically, subjects are awarded 10 credits for one semester and 20 credits for a full year.
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Some of the 200 credits required to complete the SACE are awarded through the successful study (C grade or higher at Stage 1 and C- or higher at Stage 2) of the compulsory requirements. They are:
- Stage 1 Exploring Identities and Futures (10 credits)
- Numeracy requirement: a mathematics subject in Stage 1 or Stage 2 (10 credits)
- Literacy requirement: an English subject in Stage 1 or Stage 2 (20 credits)
- Stage 2 Activating Identities and Futures (10 credits)
These compulsory requirements make up 50 credits of the 200 needed to complete the SACE. As part of the remaining 150 credits, a minimum of 60 credits must be awarded at a Stage 2 level.
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What is an ATAR?
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The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is a rank given to secondary school students ranging from 0 to 99.95.
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It is a numerical ranking (not a score) that shows how a student performed in their studies compared to other students completing an Australian Year 12 program.
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Entry into courses at tertiary institutions can be quite competitive, which is cause for a fair and transparent process and tool for ranking applicants. As such, the ATAR is used to compare the results of students nationally for tertiary institutions to determine who will be offered entry into their courses.
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In South Australia, the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC) calculates the ATAR. Click here to find out more information about how the ATAR is calculated.
IB: Diploma Programme
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) at Norwood International High School is an internationally recognised, two-year pre-university programme for students in Years 11 and 12. Designed to develop a whole-rounded young person, the programme combines academic rigour with personal growth, developing knowledgeable, confident and internationally minded young people who are prepared to contribute positively to an increasingly interconnected world.
Students study six subjects across a broad range of disciplines, including languages, humanities, sciences, mathematics and the arts, while tailoring their programme through Higher Level (HL) and Standard Level (SL) subject choices. Alongside their subjects, students complete the unique IBDP Core, developing critical thinking, advanced research skills and personal growth.
IBDP Subject Wheel
The IBDP equips students with the knowledge, transferable skills and learning behaviours that support long-term success in higher education, employment and lifelong learning.
Graduates of the IBDP leave the programme with:
- A globally recognised pre-university qualification, valued by universities across Australia and around the world.
- The confidence and capability to thrive at university, equipped with advanced skills in critical thinking, academic writing, research and independent learning.
- A broad and balanced education, combining depth of subject knowledge across various subject areas.
- Highly transferable skills in communication, collaboration, self-management and problem solving that prepare students for future study, employment and lifelong learning.
- The maturity, resilience and confidence to embrace challenge, adapt to change and contribute positively to their communities.
- A strong sense of personal identity and purpose, developed through academic inquiry, reflection and meaningful engagement beyond the classroom.
For more information, please visit the Diploma Programme (DP) – International Baccalaureate® webpage, read below and/or contact our IBDP Leader by completing the Expression of Interest form.
Discover the IBDP Advantage at NIHS
Unlock the potential of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme with our insightful resources. Start your journey with the IBDP today and see how it can shape your future!
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Vocational Education Training (VET)
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What is VET?
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VET stands for Vocational Education and Training. VET is nationally recognised industry training within the Australian Qualifications Framework. VET enables students to acquire skills, knowledge and training for work through a nationally recognised industry-developed training package or accredited course. VET is assessed and certified by Registered Training Organisations (RTO).
Undertaking VET may benefit students’ exploration of a variety of career pathways. It is not just reserved for a pathway within the trades, such as plumbing, hairdressing, or construction. Students can complete VET qualifications in a diverse range of industries.
VET courses run either during school or after school. Some courses also require the completion of Structured Work Placement.
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Why study VET in SACE?
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VET can be an excellent option for many students. It usually includes practical, hands-on learning, and can lead to further training pathways and employment opportunities in many industry areas. Undertaking VET as part of the SACE gives students a head start on a qualification, apprenticeship or traineeship. It is a great way to fast-track progress towards a rewarding career, while also developing independence, time-management and other employability skills and capabilities.
Students undertaking VET courses can:
- Personalise their learning pathways.
- Develop industry specific skills, often including on-the-job structured workplace learning.
- Get a head start on a career and be more ‘apprenticeship ready’.
- Work to attain a nationally accredited certificate against the Australian Qualification Training Framework.
- Achieve their SACE through diverse learning experiences.
- Use their VET to contribute to an ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) or TAFE SA entry, in the case of full completion of most Certificate III and higher-level courses.
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What VET courses are available?
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Norwood International High School is committed to supporting interested students to identify an appropriate VET pathway suited to their strengths and interests.​
Students can be supported to apply for VET courses that are included in a Flexible Industry Pathway, are listed as Stackable VET or within a school-based contract of training. The school works with a list of preferred providers who will help students make a successful and meaningful post-school transition to further study, training or employment.
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You can find a list of courses on offer here. Please be aware that the list of courses is regularly changing and is periodically updated.
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For more information or to apply, please contact dl.0787.vet@schools.sa.edu.au.
A place to grow, learn and discover
Step into a world where your unique talents are nurtured and celebrated – join Norwood International High School and embark on a journey to personal excellence and global citizenship.