| Australian Science and Mathematics School | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
| Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042 |
|
| Information | |
| Type | Public |
| Established | 2002 |
| Principal | Susan Hyde |
| Faculty | 35 |
| Enrolment | Approx. 350 |
| Information | (08) 8201 5686 |
| Website | http://www.asms.sa.edu.au |
The Australian Science and Mathematics School (or ASMS) is a coeducational public senior high school for Years 10 - 12 located in Adelaide, South Australia on the campus of Flinders University. As the school is unzoned, it attracts students from all across the Adelaide metropolitan area as well as some regional locations, in addition to international students. The goal of the school is to prepare its students for university, particularly in the fields of mathematics and science. The ASMS is unconventional in its approach to education, emphasising a love of learning in both students and teaching staff; students are given the freedom to take control of their own education.
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The Australian Science and Mathematics School was opened in 2003 and is only one of two in Australia. As the school is designed to provide an adult environment for senior school students, there is no school uniform policy, which promotes a variety of culture and social styles and structures. A key feature of the ASMS is the productive relationship between the school and the Flinders University, on which the campus is located; the ASMS shares many resources with the university, including a library, cafeteria, student services, transport, recreational areas and car parks, in addition to booked access to lecture theatres and specialist science and support facilities. Furthermore, students at the ASMS in collaboration with Flinders University's Science and Technology Enterprise Partnership (STEP) may be involved in research projects in the business, industry and university sectors.
The ASMS is a specialist science and mathematics school, however it offers a comprehensive curriculum which covers all learning areas necessary for students to achieve their South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) qualification. If the ASMS does not offer a desired subject, the student will be transported by government-paid taxi to a neighbouring (or "Alliance") school for their lessons in that subject. The Year 10/11 curriculum is organised into interdisciplinary Central Studies; these alternate every year to ensure that a student will not do the same subjects twice. The Year 12 curriculum consists of standard SACE Stage 2 subjects, such as the various Mathematics, Science, English and Humanities subjects.
The ASMS also provides special activities for Year 10 and 11 students in the form of University Studies. Examples of these include Dance, Robotics, Aviation, Paramedical Pathways, Electronics, Creative Writing, and Paleontology. While these are not assessed, they do provide a sense of interaction with university life, especially the programs that involve Flinders University staff and students as well.