Our international students are an integral part of the school community, learning alongside local students in mainstream classrooms, participating in house athletics and clubs, and building strong academic foundations as they work towards their educational goals. Blackwood High School values cultural diversity and provides a supportive environment where all students can thrive both academically and socially.
Why Families Choose Blackwood High School’s International Program
Blackwood High School offers a high-quality International Program that prioritises both the wellbeing and academic success of our students. Our dedicated international team includes specialised academic support staff who provide in-class assistance, one-to-one academic guidance, and ongoing academic monitoring. Students are also supported by a specialist wellbeing counsellor and an International Student Program Manager who oversees the program and ensures each student is well supported.
When international students need help, our team responds quickly. Students can access the International Homework Club from Tuesday to Thursday afternoons for additional academic support, participate in social activities such as Monday afternoon badminton, and seek guidance from support staff whenever they are feeling homesick, overwhelmed, or in need of assistance. Together, this team ensures international students are supported academically, socially, and emotionally throughout their time at Blackwood High School.
High-Quality Learning Programs
We follow the Australian Curriculum for Years 7-10 and SACE for Years 11-12. SACE is internationally recognised for university entry, giving your young person pathways to Australian universities and institutions worldwide.
Teachers here have experience adapting their approach for international students. They understand that a student might grasp mathematical concepts perfectly while still struggling with the English language used to explain them. They provide support that addresses actual barriers to learning.
Beyond the Classroom
International students can join our sports programs, music groups, drama club, debating team, and student leadership opportunities. They compete in house athletics, participate in sport, and attend camps and excursions alongside local students.
We also run specialised activities for international students: weekly homework club, international badminton club, monthly challenges, and connections with local youth groups. These create spaces where international students can connect with each other while still being part of the wider school community.
Location and Access
We're in the foothills of Adelaide, close to public transport, national parks, and shopping centres. International students can access what they need independently while still being in a safe, manageable area.
Cultural Experiences Programs
We organise excursions to popular Adelaide locations, wildlife experiences, surf and water safety training, and team bonding activities. International students experience Australia beyond the classroom while building connections with peers.
If your young person needs to strengthen their English before joining mainstream classes, ISEC provides focused language support in a nurturing environment.
Small class sizes allow teachers to work closely with each learner. The program focuses on English Literacy, Australian culture, and intercultural understanding. Students attend specialised ISEC classes for English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, PE Health, and Technology Arts.
Duration is flexible based on your young person's needs, ranging from one to four terms. When they're ready, they transition into mainstream classes with continued support.
For students completing their secondary education in South Australia, we offer the full Years 7-12 pathway.
Years 7-10 follow the Australian Curriculum. Years 11-12 focus on SACE, which provides internationally recognised qualifications for university entry worldwide.
Students receive personalised subject selection and pathway planning. One-to-one academic support happens both in class and through homework club. Wellbeing support addresses the social and emotional challenges of studying far from home.
The range of curriculum opportunities means international students can pursue their interests and strengths, whether that's sciences, humanities, arts, or vocational pathways.
Some students want to experience Australian high school life for one to four terms without completing their full secondary education here. Our study abroad program provides that flexibility.
Students choose their study length. We can include ISEC if English language support is needed. Subject selections allow students to explore areas of interest. Cultural excursions provide broader Australian experiences beyond the classroom.
Local students act as buddies to international students, helping them settle in and navigate school life. This benefits everyone involved. International students get peer support from someone who understands the school culture. Local students develop cross-cultural friendships and leadership skills.
Some of the strongest friendships at Blackwood High cross cultural boundaries. Students stay connected years after international students return home.
Host families welcome international students into their homes, providing cultural exchange and often forming bonds that last well beyond their time at Blackwood High School.
Families who've hosted tell us it changes their own young people's worldview. They develop appreciation for different cultures, learn to communicate across language barriers, and often maintain relationships long after students return home.
For more information visit: https://www.internationalstudents.sa.edu.au
Questions About Our International Program
If you want to know more about enrolling your young person at Blackwood High School as an international student, contact the International Education Services.
You can also download our Curriculum Prospectus to understand subject offerings, SACE requirements, and how the Australian education system works.