Curriculum programs
Our curriculum programs, and the resources and support we provide, are designed to make a difference to students’ lives. We do this by providing students, teachers and schools with access to high quality, relevant curriculum that maximises students' future opportunities.
International schools can be licensed by the SCSA to deliver the following Western Australian curriculum programs:
- Western Australian Curriculum and Assessment Outline (the Outline) – Kindergarten to Year 10
- Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) – Years 11 and 12, two-year senior secondary school
- Australian Matriculation (AUSMAT) – Year 12, one-year senior secondary school.
The Western Australian curriculum offered by the SCSA addresses the diverse learning needs and aspirations of students from Kindergarten to Year 12. The SCSA has adopted and adapted Western Australia’s curriculum from the Australian Curriculum:
- for Pre-primary to Year 10 in eight learning areas
- for Years 11 and 12, by reviewing our established courses as part of a syllabus reform and affirming our focus on rigour and education standards.
The SCSA provides integrated Kindergarten Curriculum Guidelines and resource materials to support learning in the early years based on nationally endorsed frameworks. The Kindergarten Curriculum Guidelines provide for an effective transition into Pre-primary to Year 10 education.
Kindergarten to Year 10
The Outline provides schools with comprehensive information to:
- plan student learning programs
- assess student progress
- report to parents.
It clearly sets out the knowledge, understandings, skills, values and attitudes that all students are expected to acquire by completing the curriculum set out in the Outline. Successful completion of the curriculum provided within the Outline ensures students are well placed to progress to the WACE program. Visit the following links to explore some of the materials and resources that the Outline provides.
The Principles of Teaching, Learning and Assessment focus on providing students with school and class environments that are intellectually, socially and physically supportive of learning. These principles assist schools with their whole-school planning and individual classroom practice.
The Pre-primary to Year 10 Western Australian curriculum provides a coherent and comprehensive set of year-level syllabuses that incorporate achievement standards, which schools use to plan student learning programs, assess student progress and report to parents.
Access the Western Australian Curriculum for Pre-primary to Year 10 »
The Teaching Support Materials page contains sample teaching and learning outlines that exemplify the elements of a teaching and learning program.
The Assessment section of the Outline contains information and resources about assessment for Pre-primary to Year 10. Follow the links below to explore the various sections.
Assessment Principles and Reflective Questions »
Assessment Snapshots »
Assessment Activities »
Judging Standards »
The Policy section of the Outline includes the Pre-primary to Year 10: Teaching, Assessing and Reporting Policy and Pre-primary to Year 10: Teaching, Assessing and Reporting Policy Standards, including information for curriculum planning. Explore this area using the links below.
Pre-primary to Year 10: Teaching, Assessing and Reporting Policy »
Pre-primary to Year 10: Teaching, Assessing and Reporting Policy Standards »
Years 11 and 12
Students who successfully complete the WACE or AUSMAT programs will receive an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) that provides a seamless transition into:
- Western Australia’s universities
- Australia’s universities, including the group of eight
- leading universities around the world, including in the United States of America and the United Kingdom
- a wide range of career opportunities.
Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE)
The WACE is the Western Australian senior secondary school certificate of education. It is recognised nationally and internationally by universities and other tertiary institutions, industry and training providers.
The SCSA's Years 11 and 12 website provides comprehensive information, syllabus materials and teaching resources. Visit the following links to explore some of the materials and resources that the website provides. Note: many SCSA resources are available for teachers and require a password to access.
The WACE Manual describes policies and procedures to be followed in relation to achieving the WACE.
The WACE ManualRead more about the WACE requirements »
International schools will have access to a range of syllabus and support materials relevant to available senior secondary courses. Please contact the SCSA for a list of available courses. Syllabus and support materials can be accessed through individual course pages.
Information about assessment can be found in the Assessment section of the SCSA Years 11 and 12 website. Follow the links below to explore the various sections.
School-based Assessment »
Examinations »
Externally Set Tasks » (for General and Foundation courses only)
Online Literacy and Numeracy Assessment »
The SCSA’s moderation processes help ensure the comparability of school marks and grades, which helps ensure the fair marking and grading of students. It also maintains the credibility of school marks and grades.
Student achievement, in the form of marks and grades, is reported to the student and their parents, guardians or carers.
The Certification section of the SCSA website contains information about certification, including the Western Australian Statement of Student Achievement (WASSA), Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) course examination results, exhibitions and awards. Follow the links below to explore the various sections.
WASSA »
ATAR Course Examination Results »
Exhibitions and Awards »
Australian Matriculation Program (AUSMAT)
The AUSMAT program is a world recognised pre-university program.
The AUSMAT program provides a seamless transition into universities across Western Australia, Australia and around the world, including leading universities in the United States of America and the United Kingdom.
AUSMAT opens pathways to a wide range of career opportunities.
The one-year AUSMAT program is the same as the Year 12 program offered in Western Australia. Successful students will receive the WACE certification, issued by the SCSA on behalf of the Western Australian Government.