At Harrisdale Senior High School, we proudly celebrate our rich cultural and linguistic diversity. Our community speaks 87 languages, includes over 1,700 EALD students, and welcomes approximately 140 international new arrivals each year. This makes our school a truly multicultural and multilingual learning environment.
We believe that inclusive learning and cultural diversity are the responsibility of every staff member. Our whole-school commitment to CALD and EALD curriculum pathways sets us apart. Our excellence in EALD teaching and learning was recognised when we became a finalist in the 2025 Department of Education Awards for Excellence in Teaching and Learning.
Every EALD student receives English Language Proficiency screening and assessment upon enrolment. Our carefully designed placement system ensures students are matched to pathways that best support their academic English development across all curriculum areas.
Years 7–10: MESH Mainstream Immersion
All Year 7–10 EALD students join our MESH immersive mainstream classrooms, supported by a team of 16 trained staff. Through differentiated language pedagogies, students access the WA curriculum alongside their peers, ensuring equal opportunities for success.
Transition – Bridging Program
For students needing additional language support, our Transition – Bridging Program provides intensive assistance for pre-intermediate learners and IEC exits.
Year 10: EALD Academic Cultural Extension (ACE)
Our unique ACE Program prepares multilingual students for ATAR and university readiness. This extended Year 10 pathway is ideal for those who have completed much of their early education outside Australia.
Years 11–12: EALD ATAR
Eligible students in Years 11 and 12 can undertake EALD ATAR, following criteria prescribed by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA).
Harrisdale Senior High School is committed to extending the learning of our students. Some of our EALD Enrichment programs include:
Empowering students to champion inclusion and diversity.
A space for students to connect and build friendships during break times.
CALD leadership is formally recognised through WACE endorsement via the International Rotary Interact Club.
These programs are designed to deepen understanding, nurture talents, and celebrate achievements in cultural and linguistic diversity.
At Harrisdale Senior High School, we pride ourselves on delivering personalised learning experiences tailored to individual student needs. Our approach ensures that all students—regardless of their level of academic English—are challenged and supported throughout their educational journey.
We offer:
Ensuring students are matched to pathways that best support their English development.
Ongoing, constructive feedback aligned with the WA Progress Map levels of English Language Proficiency.
Opportunities to undertake academic research investigations.
Our students have access to top-tier resources, including:
These resources play a vital role in enhancing the learning experience, providing students with the tools they need to succeed.
At Harrisdale Senior High School, we believe that a strong foundation in English is essential for success in any field. Our EALD support services focus on developing high-level academic English skills that prepare students for senior secondary courses and tertiary education. These skills go beyond conversational fluency and address the language demands of academic contexts, including:
We emphasise oral academic communication, helping students develop seminar and presentation skills, engage in discussions and debates, and refine pronunciation. Our program also builds research and inquiry skills, including problem-solving, data interpretation, and accurate use of academic vocabulary.
To support higher-order thinking, we teach language for critical thinking, such as evaluative language, logical connectors, and advanced sentence structures to elevate academic tone. Finally, students gain exam and assessment literacy, learning to interpret tasks and manage time effectively.
For more information about our English courses and curriculum, please contact the EALD Learning Area. We look forward to welcoming you to our vibrant learning community.
