Specialist programs

SPORT

Our specialist sports program is all about teamwork, skill-building, and having fun.

Led by an experienced sports teacher, the program helps students grow both on and off the field—developing confidence, coordination, and strong team-building skills.

Students can get involved in a wide range of activities, including:

• Team sports such as cricket, Aussie Rules, football, netball, volleyball, tennis, and basketball
• School events like Sports Day and the Swimming Carnival
• Competitive opportunities through interschool and Adelaide cross-country events
• Athletics meets at both interschool and Adelaide levels
• Volleyball School’s Smash – including an exciting Adelaide-based camp

We also run lively lunchtime activities in the school hall, which change each week—ranging from basketball to dancing and more!

AGRICULTURE

At Waikerie High School, the Agriculture program aims to equip students with practical, hands-on skills through a wide range of engaging activities, while delivering theoretical knowledge through dynamic classroom learning and immersive excursions. These excursions also serve to expose students to potential career pathways in the agricultural sector.

Areas of Study

Students gain real-world experience across key areas of agriculture:

• Animal Husbandry – Sheep, pigs, poultry, bees, and yabbies
• Horticulture – Citrus, stone fruit, cropping, vegetables, and grapes
• Agribusiness – An introduction to the business side of agriculture

Competitions

To extend learning beyond the classroom, students are encouraged to participate in various agricultural competitions, including:

• Schools Wether Competition
• Junior Judging – Sheep structure, wool, grain, and soil
• Sow ‘n’ Grow – Wheat growing competition
• Schools Egg Laying Competition
• Schools Pig Competition

‘Paddock to Plate’ Philosophy

The concept of paddock to plate is embedded in the program. Students are involved in the full production cycle, including:

• Growing vegetables for use in cooking
• Collecting eggs for use in a range of dishes
• Processing meat from pigs and sheep for sausage making and other recipes
• Harvesting wheat and turning it into flour for pasta and pizzas
• Harvesting and preserving olives or pressing them into oil
• Making wine from harvested grapes
• Using fruit from the horticulture plot to create value-added products for sale

TECHNOLOGY

Woodwork at Waikerie High School

The Woodwork program offers students a practical and creative environment to develop valuable hands-on skills. Through engaging projects and structured lessons, students learn to work safely and effectively with timber, building both foundational and advanced skills in design, construction, and finishing techniques.

Learning by Doing

Students gain experience in:

• Timber Selection and Preparation
• Hand and Power Tool Use
• Joinery and Construction Techniques
• Project Planning and Design
• Surface Preparation and Finishing
• Workplace Health and Safety

Metalwork at Waikerie High School

The Metalwork program provides students with the opportunity to develop real-world skills in metal fabrication, welding, and design. With a focus on safety, precision, and creativity, students gain experience working with a range of tools, materials, and processes used in the metalworking industry.

Hand on Learning

Students explore a variety of metalworking techniques including:

• Welding – MIG, arc, and oxy-acetylene
• Sheet Metal Work – Cutting, bending, shaping
• Fabrication and Assembly – Creating functional and decorative items
• Machining – Use of lathes, drills, and grinders
• Technical Drawing and Design – Planning projects using industry standards
• Finishing Techniques – Grinding, painting, and protective coatings

Through structured lessons and guided projects, students learn to interpret drawings, measure accurately, and use tools responsibly.

Electronics at Waikerie High School

The Electronics program introduces students to the exciting world of circuits, components, and modern technology. With a focus on practical learning, students develop hands-on skills in building, testing, and troubleshooting electronic devices—while also gaining an understanding of the theory behind how systems work.

Engaging and Practical Learning

Students explore key concepts and skills, including:

• Basic Circuit Theory – Voltage, current, resistance, and Ohm’s Law
• Electronic Components – Resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors, LEDs
• Soldering Techniques – Through-hole and surface-mount soldering
• Breadboarding and Prototyping – Designing and testing circuits
• Microcontrollers and Coding – Introduction to Arduino or similar platforms
• Troubleshooting and Testing – Using multimeters and diagnostic tools

Learning is delivered through hands-on activities supported by real-world examples, ensuring students not only understand concepts but can apply them.

Setting Students Up for Success – Whether students go on to pursue a trade, further study, or simply enjoy working with their hands, the Woodwork, Metalwork and Electronics programs provide a strong foundation in practical skills, craftsmanship, and personal pride in a job well done.