Katanning Senior High School enjoys outstanding academic success and has a proud record of success in the TEE, with a vast majority of students progressing to TAFE or University. In Years 8 and 9 there is a heavy emphasis on the fundamentals, but the students are also exposed to languages, computing, art, drama and music.

Forty-one secondary subjects are offered in a rigorous academic program. At Years 11 and 12 vocationally orientated courses are also offered and students may complete paid traineeships.

Full details of the Academic program are contained in the Katanning Senior High School Academic Handbook.

The well-stocked and professionally staffed library not only supports the academic program but also seeks to foster the interest of students beyond the focus of the formal curriculum. The students at the Katanning Senior High School have a large range of facilities and equipment for their use.

The library is the centre for all electronically delivered information. Students use electronic and traditional sources side by side and learn that they are complementary rather than mutually exclusive.

Katanning Senior High School is aware of the importance of technology in education and has invested heavily in resources and gathered together teachers who have been recognised as outstanding contributors in their fields of expertise. The school boasts two satellite dishes and has Internet access in the library and all offices and most classrooms. Two computer laboratories are supported by a number of computers in other classrooms. Additional technological equipment includes digital cameras, digital video, scanners and multimedia projects. A wide range of industry-based software available for student use and a large selection of CD ROMs assist students’ with their research.

A variety of Technology and Enterprise courses are offered across all years and make effective use of the latest technological equipment available. The Katanning Residential College is linked to the high school satellite Internet service and provides the residential college with full Internet study facilities.

A significant number of subjects offered at Katanning Senior High School are related to specific career pathways. To complement the various programs offered by the school and to give students recognition for the skills they develop within the workplace, the school also offers students the opportunity for accreditation for nationally recognised Units of Competencies presented within Curriculum Council subjects. In 2005, Katanning Senior High School will work in partnership with the Great Southern Regional TAFE College, our Registered Training Organisation. As such, we will be able to present material leading to a nationally recognised Certificate, or Statement of Attainment, for students who successfully complete these extra qualifications. This enables them to attain course exemptions and advanced standing for programs of study at TAFE and other programs such as apprenticeships or traineeships.

A student who successfully completes both Years 11 and 12 at this school is given the opportunity to achieve a full Certificate I or II, or partial completion in either Metals and Engineering, Hospitality, Tourism, Business and Office Administration, or Sport and Recreation.

The importance of literacy and numeracy are recognised and special programs are developed to meet the needs of students who require extra assistance. Opportunities also exist for academically able students to participate in extension.

Student Academic Achievement

Due to new and innovative strategies more Katanning Senior High School students are meeting university entrance requirements than ever before. In 2004 the average TER for Katanning Senior High School improved 12 points to 74 which was on par with senior high schools in Geraldton and Busselton.

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