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South Australian Aboriginal Secondary Training Academy

The South Australian Aboriginal Secondary Training Academy (SAASTA) is a unique educational program that supports the continued high achievement of Aboriginal secondary learners. The program provides students with access to a culturally safe and responsive curriculum that is connected to culture, resulting in future generations of confident Aboriginal leaders who excel at school and beyond.

SAASTA school-based and specialist academies are available to students in years 10, 11 and 12 who are studying the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

The SAASTA Connect program is available to South Australian students in years 7, 8 and 9 who attend schools that have their own Connect program.

School-based academies

School-based academy students study SACE subjects each year developed specifically for SAASTA participants. The subjects are delivered by SAASTA teachers with the assistance of Aboriginal Secondary Education Transition Officer in South Australia (ASETOs) and relevant community members.

Subjects included

Stage 1 Integrated Learning – Aboriginal Power Cup

10 SACE credits

This subject works towards the annual Aboriginal Power Cup carnival, a three-day sporting event focusing on cultural activities, career pathways and the much anticipated nine-a-side round robin AFL competition.

Stage 1 Aboriginal Studies – SAASTA Shield

10 SACE credits

This subject works towards a two-day multi-sport event with teams competing to claim the annual SAASTA Shield. There are individual and team tasks, with each team gaining points through strong attendance at school and successfully completing their curriculum tasks. The two highest-ranked male and female teams will compete in the grand final on day three, before a Port Adelaide Football Club AFL game at Adelaide Oval.

Stage 2 Aboriginal Studies

20 SACE credits - full year

This subject has been developed for Year 12 students as an extension to the Aboriginal Power Cup and SAASTA Shield. Enrolled students are eligible to participate in the Aboriginal Power Cup and SAASTA Shield carnivals as competitors, coaches or event officials at both the

Specialist Academies

Specialist Academies support students in years 10–12 to succeed in sport, education, arts, and connection with culture.

Sporting academies

Specialist Sporting Academies combine education, sporting excellence, cultural pride and leadership development. Through connection with Elders, cultural leaders and community members, combined with professional coaching and leadership activities, students develop teamwork, personal skills and pride in their identity.

There are currently three Specialist Sporting Academies:

football (soccer) in partnership with North Eastern MetroStars Football Club
basketball in partnership with Brooks Basketball Services & Consultancy
netball in partnership with Netball SA

STEM academy

The Specialist STEM Academy, delivered by staff at Adelaide University’s Adelaide City Campus, combines STEM learning, cultural pride and leadership development. You will engage in hands-on, culturally focused studies lead workshops with STEM professionals at the annual STEM Aboriginal Learners Congress.

Covering topics such as:

the science of native foods
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ecosystem management
marine monitoring methods

Creative arts academy

The Specialist Creative Arts Academy supports students to complete SACE Stage 1 and 2 Creative Arts while exploring future pathways in the creative arts industry. Hands-on workshops are facilitated by professional Aboriginal artists.

Schedule and locations

The SAASTA Specialist Creative Arts Academy runs every Monday of the term from 8.45am–3pm, at the following locations:

Term 1 – Botanic Gardens and Flinders University City Campus
Term 2 – Adelaide Central School of Art
Term 3 – Adelaide Festival Centre
Term 4 – Flinders University

SAASTA Connect

SAASTA Connect provides education for years 7–9 that embeds Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives throughout the curriculum.

This encourages authentic, meaningful connections through a range of topics, including:

land, place, and sustainability
contemporary aboriginal voices
storytelling and knowledge systems
innovation and technology
music, dance, and performance
politics, rights, and social change
food, agriculture, and science
astronomy and the skies
language and identity
art, symbols, and communication

The SAASTA Connect program encourages strong school attendance and engagement, positive participation in cultural, leadership, and sporting activities, and a deeper understanding of identity.

Student recognition and celebration

Students’ achievements are recognised through program rewards and participation in special events. Each year, selected students are invited to attend the Winter Carnival and SAASTA Connect Carnival, state-wide celebrations of culture, learning, and sport.