International Programs at PGHS

Parafield Gardens High School has a growing international program. The school greatly values its cultural diversity, with staff and students from over 40 non English-speaking backgrounds, and many cultural events acknowledged and celebrated. International students are made to feel welcome and their Australian experience at PGHS is a truly multicultural one. With many local students studying EALD (English as an Additional Language or Dialect), international students are supported with English language learning in EALD classes from years 7-12. In addition, teachers from all subject areas have been trained to provide some EALD support.

The school enrolls students into several programs available for overseas students.

These include:

The Graduate Program for long-term international students.
Students choose the Graduate Program if they wish to complete their senior studies in South Australia and gain the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE). International students stay in government-approved and managed homestay accommodation, or with nominated homestays who are family friends or relatives.

Students with a beginning level of English are enrolled in our Intensive Secondary English Course (ISEC) class for the first 6 months of their time here. This course provides four subjects of explicit English teaching (English, Australian Studies, Maths and Science) and also provides support with transition to studying in an Australian school context and with becoming a part of the PGHS school community.

Occasionally, students who are at the very beginning stages of learning English may be referred to the Adelaide Secondary School of English so that they can build a stronger foundation for learning English.

Once students have completed their ISEC course, they join mainstream classes, while continuing to receive extra support in English through their English as an Additional Language (EALD) classes.

Study Abroad Program.
Students choose the study abroad program if they wish to spend a short time studying in Australia before returning to complete their secondary education in their home country. Students may choose a three, six, nine or twelve-month course. Students stay in government-approved and managed homestay accommodation.

Students study in mainstream classes (including EALD where required) to improve their use of the English language and to learn about life and education in Australia.

Short-term Visits.
Small groups of students on study/cultural visits have programs ranging from one to four weeks. Programs include English classes, experience of mainstream lessons in buddy classes and excursions in and around Adelaide.

Connections with schools overseas.
PGHS has a sister school partnership with Hitorizawa High School from Yokohama, Japan. Currently, students are involved in online interactions and it is hoped that exchange visits may recommence soon.

Connections are being developed between PGHS and a school in Germany, with students in 2022 engaging in pen friend letters and online communications. It is hoped that these connections will grow over the next few years.

For more information about studying abroad in South Australia, please contact:

International Education Services
Department for Education
GPO BOX 1152, Adelaide SA 5001
GFW, 31 Flinders Street, Adelaide SA 5000

Telephone: +61 8 8226 3402 | Fax: +61 8 8410 4842,
Email: decd.isp@saugov.sa.gov.au
Website: Studying abroad in South Australia

South Australian Government Schools can help you enrol to study abroad at our school. For other enquiries about studying abroad please contact the International Education Services office at decdisp@sa.gov.au or call (08) 8226 3402 .