SAASTA Pathways Programs
The South Australian Aboriginal Secondary Training Academy (SAASTA) -Years 10, 11 and 12 students
The Le Fevre South Australian Aboriginal Secondary Training Academy (SAASTA) is a cluster academy with Findon High School and Woodville High School. The Academy runs once a week for a day in our Tirkanthi Kuu Room (Learning place in Kaurna language) and includes a variety of valuable cultural and learning experiences for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
The SAASTA program runs for the entire year and is divided into two focus semesters, the ‘Aboriginal Power Cup’, focusing on Aboriginal culture and various aspects of AFL and the ‘SAASTA Shield’, which could focus on any variety of any two sports. Through the SAASTA Academy, students gain access to a variety of invaluable experiences including learning and performing a cultural dance on Adelaide Oval, designing and wearing a personalised guernsey for the Aboriginal Power Cup and cultural workshops with AFL players.
The SAASTA senior program is open to years 10, 11 and 12 students and offers 20 SACE Credits.
SAASTA ACE Aboriginal Careers Exploration Program - Year 10 students
The Aboriginal Career Exploration ‘ACE’ program is available to Aboriginal and Torres strait Islander students in year 10. This course offers 10 additional SACE Credits. Students in the ACE program participate in several components of the Senior SAASTA program including the Aboriginal Power Cup.
The ACE program runs for one year, is designed to support Aboriginal students to be successful on their pathway to becoming ‘work ready’ and provides opportunities to learn directly from employers about work and identify skills that are valued in the workplace.
Through participation in industry/employer immersion, work readiness training, and VET skills clusters, students will participate in culturally responsive experiences which provide a stronger understanding of pathways through vocational training and towards employment and/or further education.
The ACE Program consists of the following components
- 1 line of lessons per week to complete essential tasks and content
- 6 half day career development workshops
- 2 half-day workshops each term, delivered by Workabout Centre staff including an Aboriginal perspective across work readiness and employability activities, e.g. resumes, interviews, body language, perception from employers, rights and responsibilities in the workplace, essential identification, and career exploration.
By the end of the course, students present a completed folio of evidence including career match activities, industry targeted resume and cover letter, response to job advertisements and questions, Career Action Plan Career Expo attendance and Industry immersion activities.
Please contact the SAASTA coordinator, Nicole Adji, at Le Fevre High School with any enquiries about the SAASTA program.
SAASTA Specialist Academies
SAASTA offers a variety of specialist academies to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander senior students via individual application. Students with a special interest in particular focus areas are encouraged to apply. These academies are run over the entire year and are held at a variety of host sites including St Clair Recreation Centre and the University of SA.
Entrance to these academies occurs through an application and trial process which is scheduled during term 4 of each year. Participation in these academies allows students to develop their skills in their chosen field with the assistance of specialised teachers and coaches.
Specialist SAASTA Academies include:
- The Aboriginal Basketball Academy (ABA) - St Clair Recreation Centre
- The Aboriginal Netball Academy (ANA) - Netball SA
- The Women’s Aboriginal AFL Academy (WAAA) - Port Adelaide Football Club
- Aboriginal STEM Academy (ASA) – The University of Adelaide
Our SAASTA staff will inform students as to when the SAASTA specialist academy application process is open.
From the SAASTA information guide
“SAASTA offers young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander South Australians a range of highly engaging learning and personal development opportunities. SAASTA builds on the education offered in our schools, giving students opportunities for ongoing personal growth and cultural experience.
SAASTA provides Aboriginal school students with a unique sporting and educational program. Our academies work with school leaders and local communities across South Australia to provide students with the skills, opportunities and confidence to dream, believe and achieve in the areas of sport, education, employment, healthy living and connection with their culture.
SAASTA is available to both male and female students in years 10, 11 and 12 who are studying the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).
Enrolment is open to any Aboriginal student who is committed and passionate about pursuing success in education and building a strong foundation for their future. Every academy student is encouraged to aim high and to raise the bar of expectation they place on themselves and their peers, particularly in the areas of attendance, participation, educational performance and behaviour. Because of this approach academy students are widely considered as role models for their schools, families and communities”.
