Year 11

Every subject you study will have two-hour classes each week. These are longer sessions than most secondary schools and allow you to explore your learning in more depth. The USC school day begins at 8:00am and on most days ends at 5:00pm. This extended day has the benefit of a flexible timetable structure, based upon two-hour blocks. 

Outside of scheduled classes, you’ll study independently either on the USC campus or on the Adelaide University campus. This is a key skill to learn before you start University, and by the time you leave USC, you should have the time management, personal organisation skills and confidence to succeed in the unique environment of university. 

You can view all details of the curriculum in our  Curriculum Handbook.

To achieve Stage 1 of your SACE, you must complete:

• The Exploring Identities and Futures (EIF), which is usually completed in Year 10
• 20 credits (2 semesters) of English
• At least 10 credits (1 semester) of Mathematics
• Activating Identities and Futures (AIF)

Generally at Stage 1, you undertake a total of 120 credits which is equivalent to 12 single semester courses, each of 10 credits, in addition to the EIF. If you have not completed your EIF at your previous school, we provide an opportunity to complete.

You will undertake six subjects in each semester. For most students, one of these six subjects is the Activating Identities and Futures (AIF).

At Stage 1, a few subjects are offered as pairs of units, both of which are seen as prerequisites for Stage 2. Subjects in this category include English, Mathematical Methods, Specialist Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and General Mathematics. However, most of the subjects offered at Year 11 are offered as single units. These provide the opportunity for you to try a range of subjects before making a commitment at Year 12.

You’ll have formal examinations in each semester in most subjects. We see the examination experience as an important aspect of our program.