More scope for university

Outdoor education, psychology, aviation and children, family and the community are among subjects studied by Capes region students to gain entry into university and TAFE.

The subjects were previously more likely to be studied after secondary school but have become increasingly available at local high schools following the introduction of new WACE courses two years ago.

The reforms have allowed senior school students to take courses at three levels of difficulty, with stages two and three contributing towards university entry.

Georgiana Molloy Anglican School principal Ted Kosicki said outdoor education, psychology and aviation were among stage two and three subjects newly available at the school.

Mr Kosicki said the increasing number of subjects offered in Busselton schools was positive for students and showed regional students were not disadvantaged.

“It caters for a lot of individual needs,” he said.

“If you look at the studies, some people are left-brained, some people are right-brained. It gives you more breadth.”

MacKillop Catholic College principal Chris Wallace said senior subjects offered included PE studies, business and finance, and children, family and the community.

Busselton Senior High School acting associate principal Kerry Stacey-Fucile said the school offered manufacturing and industry studies, business studies and marine and recreation through its vocational education and training program.