Specialist programs

Agriculture

Our Agriculture program is a dynamic program where students develop practical skills in sustainable farming and agri-technology. Students are prepared for a future in agriculture with our hands-on curriculum covering animal care, crop management, and innovative farming techniques.

Our students are supported to participate in a range of agricultural shows including the Royal Adelaide Show, Mount Gambier and Naracoorte Shows. The Agriculture program supports students to develop skills in managing and working with a range of animals. Students work with animals from their delivery to the school farm ensuring they are cared for and prepared for show or sale.

Arts

Our Arts program is robust and managed by dynamic staff who are artists in their own right. It is meticulously designed to nurture students’ creativity, bolster their self-assurance, deepen their cultural understanding, and refine their critical thinking skills.

Students showcase their art throughout the school and engage in a range of community art shows including Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival, the Penola Show and This is Now, a regional Art show established by Penola High School.

Students also have access to Instrumental Music Lessons where students can choose to learn the violin, trumpet, or recorder, fostering their musical skills and appreciation.

Sports

Our specialist sports program is expertly crafted to foster teamwork and enhance team-building abilities among students. A key element of our approach to sport at Penola High is a belief that all students should have opportunities to participate and engage in sport. We have dedicated teachers who deliver a dynamic program through curriculum and School Sports SA activities. Teachers design curriculum and engage in opportunities which align with student interests and needs.

Key components of the program include:

• A selection of Team Sports such as cricket, Australian Rules football, soccer, netball, volleyball, tennis, and basketball, providing a well-rounded physical education experience.
• An exciting Sports Day and Swimming Carnival, which are annual highlights that encourage school spirit and healthy competition.
• Swimming and Aquatics Lessons that not only teach vital life skills but also promote water safety and confidence.

Additionally, we offer a Lunchtime Training Activities to prepare students for participation in varied sporting competitions.

Languages

Students currently access languages as an elective component through Open Access College.

The benefits of learning a language extend far beyond the classroom:

• It broadens students’ cultural perspectives, fostering a global outlook and an appreciation for diversity.
• It opens up future career pathways, providing a competitive edge in the increasingly global job market.
• It promotes social cohesion and cross-cultural understanding, equipping students with the empathy and skills necessary to navigate a multicultural world.