Frequently Asked Questions | The Studio School

Who is a TSS student?

At The Studio School, our students are naturally curious and independent thinkers with a passion for exploration and creativity in various forms. TSS is a dynamic and unique learning environment and, therefore, our students possess a strong sense of self and are unafraid to challenge norms and follow their interests. Our students not only thrive on creativity but are also driven by a genuine desire to grow intellectually and personally. Collaboration and community are at the heart of what we do, and our students embrace this by forming meaningful connections with their peers and mentors, all with the aim of making a positive difference in their community. They're dynamic individuals who celebrate diversity, curiosity, and a spirit of innovation.

How do I apply?

If you are ready to submit an application form for enrolment, please click HERE

Is there a waitlist?

With limited spaces available, we encourage families to make contact early to secure a place.

What are the tuition fees?

TSS is a mid-tier fee school. To view our Fee Calculator, please click HERE.

For further information, please click HERE to read our Fees & Charges Information and Business Conditions.

Please note that additional charges will apply for those students choosing to undertake ‘Fee for Service’ VET courses off-campus.

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Is an endowment fee required upon enrolment?

Yes. On confirmation of enrolment, families are asked to pay an endowment fee totalling 15% of TSS's Year 10 or Year 11 tuition fee.

For entry at Year 12, an endowment fee of 10% is due. To learn more, please read the Fees & Charges Information and Business Conditions HERE.

This payment goes to the Foundation. More information about the Foundation can be found here.

Is there an IT levy?

No. As The Studio School supports student choice regarding the best device to support their learning, the IT levy does not apply and students can bring the device of their choosing.

Does a student have to be an Anglican to attend TSS?

While TSS is proudly an Anglican learning institution, in line with All Saints’ College, we welcome students of all faiths and no faith.

Is TSS a selective school?

No, students do not need to pass an entrance test to enrol at TSS. There is, however, a process which includes an interview to discuss the ways in which The Studio School can most effectively partner with each student to ensure for him / her a positive educational outcome and experience.

Are there scholarships available?

Yes. Applictions for scholarships in 2024 have now closed. More information about the next round of scholarships will be updated in due course. To learn more, click HERE.

Can the students achieve a WACE?

Yes. All students at TSS will achieve a WACE upon completion of their individual study plan.

Can students achieve an ATAR at TSS and, if so, what ATAR courses are available to them?

Yes, TSS students can achieve an ATAR. The following ATAR courses are available to students:

- ATAR English

- Mathematics Applications

- Business and Enterprise

- Applied Information Technology

How many projects do students undertake in their studies?

Students are encouraged to undertake a variety of projects, all which are co-designed with their Mentor teacher. These might have completely different foci, developing a variety of skills, knowledge and understandings or, for those students who have a singular passion, all of the projects may be part of a broader project with a number of component parts.

Do students have a timetable?

Yes. There are two parts to this answer: (1) Students’ timetables have structured blocks of time that are set aside for explicit teaching and instruction. Working with Mentor teachers, some students may find it helpful to have shorter blocks of time, whereas others may find the ‘deep dive’ useful on occasion. Timetables are part of the students’ Individual study plan - regularly reviewed and updated in collaboration with mentor teachers. (2) While we are used to school timetables having rigid ‘periods’ where students attend specific classes, at TSS students have a more flexible timetable which can accommodate fewer but larger blocks of time: this helps students to achieve ‘flow’ in their work, and is part of the nature of a truly integrated program.

What if a Mentor, placement or project does not work well for either party?

Mentor teachers and students review the progress of your projects on a weekly basis, along with your Mentor teacher having regular communication with your project Mentor. Any issues that are raised by you or by the project Mentor are worked through to find the best possible solution - this may include deciding to terminate the project or find a different Mentor who is better suited.

What courses are offered online?

A suite of ATAR courses is available, through ASC online/AS@H including:

- ATAR English

- ATAR Mathematics Applications

- ATAR Applied Information Technology

- ATAR Business Management and Enterprise

What facilities are available to the students?

TSS students have full access to the facilities at the TSS campus, including the full co-working space and services, WIFI for all devices, printing facilities, meeting spaces etc.

In partnership with the Fremantle City Council, students also have access to swimming pool, gym and tennis facilities and access to the Fremantle Library as well as local Universities.

What cocurricular opportunities are available?

There is a wide-range of cocurricular opportunities on offer at the Bull Creek campus and these might include being a part of the orchestra, engaging in sports programs, visiting artist workshops and so on.

Via what pathways can students enter university?

Students are able to access university via the ATAR pathway, the VET Pathway (by including in their studies the completion of a Certificate IV and English ATAR) and via portfolio entrance to a range of universities and courses. (Please note that direct pathway access to a course such as Medicine would not be an option for a TSS students.)

How do I arrange a tour?

We offer the opportunity to attend an information session, usually held once or twice a Term to hear from our key staff and students, or a personal tour either during or after school hours. We encourage the student to attend and get a feel for the TSS difference themselves. To book a personal tour, submit the enquiry form here. View a list of our upcoming information sessions here.

Do TSS students wear a uniform?

Yes. Students are required to wear the TSS uniform which is a TSS polo shirt and jeans when on campus. When visiting partners offsite, students will wear other attire that is suitable to that environment (eg business attire, PPE, etc.).

How do parents know how students are progressing?

Communication with your student’s Mentor teacher is an important vehicle for ensuring that families are kept informed regarding progress. With small cohorts, each student has an individualised study plan that is reviewed and monitored by their Mentor teacher. SEQTA is the platform used by TSS to record all marks and feedback for assessment. SEQTA Engage is the parent platform that enables families to review progress at any time.

Can students participate in an Outdoor Learning Program?

Yes. In Years 11 and 12, options are available for students to engage in Outdoor Learning Programs, on a user-pays basis.

Is there an alumni network?

Yes. Upon completion of a full year at TSS, a student becomes a member of our alumni. Our alumni coordinator organises regular reunions and networking opportunities for TSS alumni.

Are students able to go off-campus during the school day?

Yes. Under clearly explained policies and guidelines, and via a pass-tab process, students are able to leave the campus during the day for specific purposes.

How many students are in each year group?

Numbers are capped at 40 students per year group.

How is the School’s Studio space used?

The program revolves around explicit instruction in the ‘classroom’ spaces, and collaborative and creative work in the ‘co-working’ spaces – this is very similar to many contemporary learning spaces in schools. The central area of the site is the co-working spaces which include precincts – for example, a Year 10 precinct, Year 11 precinct and so on. Around this central workspace is a series of meeting spaces in which students engage in explicit instruction in groups and / or individually as well as workstations for focused individual work and online learning.

How are students assessed?

The learning outcomes for all subjects/courses are assessed using a range of assessment strategies with mandated assessment programs and structures for all Year 11 and 12 WACE courses. These assessments are undertaken by the teaching staff at The Studio School in collaboration with the Heads of Department and teaching staff at ASC’s Bull Creek campus. All assessment items and outcomes are monitored and moderated by the ASC Academic Team. The learning outcomes for the students’ projects are assessed against negotiated and agreed criteria and will be presented to an authentic audience for feedback. Student projects are documented in an e-portfolio and mapped against the General Capabilities.

How does the program differentiate for the different levels of student ability?

Each student has a bespoke program that is designed around his / her specific interests and abilities. The unique mentoring support provided by TSS staff means that programs and support can be differentiated for all ability levels - from those students who need support to those who are gifted in particular domains.

Are students able to return to ‘mainstream’ schooling if they wish?

Yes. As the student’s program of study aligns (albeit in an integrated way) with WACE courses, students are readily able to re-integrate into a ‘mainstream’ WACE pathway with any accumulated credits, as per any student who currently changes school during their studies in Years 11 and 12.

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Do students work with other students?

There are many opportunities for collaboration with fellow TSS students. Such collaboration may be simply supporting each other in studying for an upcoming test or it may be that like-minded or complementary groupings of students collaborate on a project. eg a group of students may take on the project of designing a website, with one student focusing on photography, another on creating the copy and a third making the sound design elements for inclusion.

Can students study university courses, whilst studying at TSS?

Yes. Students may wish to apply for our Innovative Scholars Program: a collaboration with Curtin University that sees them taking selected units at Curtin and gaining full credit for their endeavours.

Who are the project Mentors and partners?

Project Mentors and partners may be organisations and individuals who are part of the extensive partnership network of All Saints’ College. Further to existing partners, when students enrol at TSS, the TSS staff seek appropriate partners where there is not an existing relationship. Mentors and partners are onboarded through a clear process that guides them in co-designing the project in collaboration with students and their Mentor teacher.

How does TSS promote independence and cater for students as young adults?

TSS has a ‘young adult ethos’ that is designed to promote independence and encourage students to take increasing responsibility in the management of their studies and their responsibilities. Students are supported to develop time management and planning skills that support them to achieve their goals. Along with the independence afforded to TSS students, there are clear responsibilities that are monitored and checked by the TSS staff.

Are all students on an individual education plan?

Yes. Given the bespoke nature of each program for the individual student, all students will have an individual education plan that details:

- The student’s learning goals and aspirations, including strengths and weaknesses as a learner

- The student’s program of study that will include the subjects/ courses to be completed and assessed, structured workplace learning and endorsed programs all contributing to the WACE

- The planned and potential projects across the years of enrolment

- Any specific learning needs, physical and mental health issues that require support

How do students engage socially - is there a Ball, for example?

As part of the student-centred approach, TSS students design their own social functions and that may include socials, a Ball, charity events, band performances, dinners etc. These events may also form part of some TSS students’ coursework and/or project work.

What are the term dates?

The term dates for The Studio School align with the All Saints' College term dates.

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Term Dates for 2024

Term 1: Wednesday 31 January - Thursday 28 March 2024

Labour Day Public Holiday – Monday 4 March 2024

Term 2: Tuesday 16 April - Friday 21 June 2024

Anzac Day Public Holiday – Thursday 25 April

WA Day Public Holiday – Monday 3 June

Term 3: Wednesday 17 July - Friday 20 September 2024

King's Birthday – Monday 23 September

Term 4: Monday 7October - Monday 2 December 2024

What device does my child use to learn?

Given the nature of The Studio School, we support students across multiple devices. Students will be able to choose the device that best suits their learning.

Do all TSS students engage in project-based learning?

Yes. Project-based learning (PBL) is a teaching and learning method where students learn not only from textbooks or from didactic teaching, but also by engaging in projects in the ‘real world’, solving real problems or answering complex questions. PBL involves students applying and thereby demonstrating their knowledge and skills by creating a product or a presentation for an authentic audience.

What pastoral care is available to students?

TSS has a small cohort of students and a high student:teacher ratio and this is one of the clear ways in which pastoral care is provided. Each student is assigned a Mentor teacher who has the responsibility of monitoring the pastoral care of their group of students. Students can access the expert services of the pastoral care team at All Saints’ College in Bull Creek, including learning support and counselling services if required. Additionally, ASC’s Chaplain is a weekly visitor to TSS.

What research supports project-based learning?

PBL is not a new teaching and learning methodology: the research is vast in support of the impact of PBL in a number of key areas:

• developing not only knowledge and skills, but important capabilities including critical and creative thinking, problem solving, collaboration;

• developing students’ ability to apply their knowledge rather than learning simply for the test;

• developing students’ ability to transfer their knowledge and skills from one context to another;

• developing important life skills such as independent learning skills and self-regulation.

PBL is increasingly a methodology that is used at a tertiary level to ensure that students are work-ready.

Do students receive reports?

Yes. Continuous online reporting through SEQTA is provided, alongside the mandated reports at the conclusion of each semester.

Are students supported with their online learning?

Yes. Students are supported via (i) remote access to Mentor teachers and experts alongside (ii) face to face support from Mentor teachers at TSS.

How are the outcomes of the projects measured and celebrated?

One of the most significant and exciting elements of Project Based Learning (PBL) is that students’ work has an authentic, real-world context. The success measures of the project are evaluated by the TSS team in collaboration with the project Mentor and the student. Given the variety of student projects, the presentation of the final outcomes take many forms, however all student projects are celebrated through an exhibition with invited guests and families.

What is the student to staff ratio?

Mentor teachers work with a group of up to 20 students. The unique structure of TSS programs means that many students work with TSS teaching staff within a much smaller ratio and receive highly individualised attention and support.

Can students partake in a service program?

Yes. TSS provides opportunities for students to demonstrate their passion for service. This could also be as part of a project that they are undertaking at The Studio School.

Do students have to do examinations and, if so, where do they sit them?

Yes, all students who are completing ATAR courses through ASC Online do sit exams and sit these at All Saints’ College’s Bull Creek campus.

What are micro-credentials and which ones are available to students?

Micro-credentials and digital badges are increasingly understood by employers and tertiary institutions as an important way of communicating a person’s competence with a particular skill. At TSS, students earn both internal micro-credentials, including the core skills of Design Thinking, Project Management and Writing a Business Case, alongside external online micro-credentials such as:

• Social Media Marketing from Northwestern University via Corsera

• Social Entrepreneurship and Changemaking from HEC Paris via Corsera

• Microsoft Certification in Word, PowerPoint and Excel

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How are Mentors and placements for projects organised?

Our TSS staff have experience in pairing students with relevant ‘real -life’ experiences. When you enrol at TSS, the Mentor teacher seeks, in collaboration with you and your family, suitable partners who can support you in the exploration of your particular passion or idea. The Mentor and placement experience can include the following:

• face to face meetings with your project Mentor;

• project placements - working in your project Mentor’s work environment for a period of time on a particular day during the week;

• Mentor ‘drop-ins’ to the Studio at pre-arranged times;

• online meetings and check-ins;

• field work.

Do Mentors and partners have WWC and child safe training?

Yes. All project Mentors and partners are vetted in accordance with our policies and procedures about structured workplace learning and collaborative projects with partners. This includes Working With Children checks where required and Mentor onboarding processes.

Who monitors the progress of those projects?

Projects are monitored by the staff at The Studio School as well as by project sponsors or partners who are engaged with the students as they progress. Specific Mentors will be identified depending on the nature of the project.

Do students have access to Certificate courses and, if so, which ones?

Yes. Students have access to a range of certificate courses via online offerings and partner RTOs. Students may need to attend these courses off-campus for a day a week. This is planned for and integrated into their individual programs.

Are students required to create e-portfolios?

Yes. All TSS students are required to curate evidence of their learning in an e-portfolio that showcases their skills, achievements and projects. e-portfolios are increasingly being used in recruitment processes for employment and study as a replacement for, and supplement to, a traditional resume or CV.

How does the online learning work?

Online ATAR courses are offered in a blended learning model (that is, a combination of online educational materials as well as the opportunity for interaction with teachers and peers) that includes:

- Asynchronous self-paced learning

- Synchronous lessons in the virtual learning environment (VLE)

- Synchronous support lessons in the VLE

- Face to face support at TSS from mentor teachers.

How do students engage in sport?

The Studio School engages local providers such as Fremantle City Council to give students access to facilities including Pools and Gyms. Students will also be able to join the All Saints’ College Community Sport program which includes sports such as basketball, netball and rowing.

How are students monitored while they are doing their work (ie are they left to their own devices)?

Access to TSS is via a single door, supervised by administrative staff. At all times, access and egress are monitored by TSS staff. Upon arrival each day, the student reports to their Mentor as part of a pastoral check-in at the commencement of the student’s daily learning program.

All spaces within TSS are compliant with the high standards of student supervision and child safety (eg clear lines of sight, Working with Children checks for visiting mentors, monitoring software on computers, glass partitions etc). The open co-working space is supervised at all times by TSS teaching staff. The meeting spaces and individual workstations around the co-working space remain supervised as per contemporary learning spaces in schools/ libraries.

Are there any core units?

All commencing TSS students complete and earn a badge for the following TSS micro-credentials, all of which are linked to the students’ projects:

- Design Thinking

- Project Management

- Writing a Business Case

How do ASC staff work with TSS?

Staff from All Saints’ College Bull Creek campus support The Studio School students in a variety of ways, both face to face and online. They may be delivering content, mentoring projects or supporting in a pastoral capacity.

What percentage of the student’s course is project-based work?

The percentage of the student’s program that is integrated into project-based work varies from student to student and from project to project. Some students may have up to 75% of their program integrated whereas others (those with 4 ATAR courses in their program, for example) may have as little as 20% of their program integrated into their project work.

What entrepreneurial skills are students taught?

All students complete core units covering the entrepreneurial skills of:

• Design Thinking

• Project Management

• Writing a Business Case

What notice period is applicable if a student needs to withdraw from TSS?

The Principal must be given a full term’s notice in writing prior to the withdrawal of a student from the School or a 25% fee in lieu will apply. If an enrolment is not to continue in 2025, written notice must be given by the final day of Term 3, 2024, or the 25% fee in lieu will apply.

How do you ensure that students stay on track?

Each student has an individual study plan that is regularly updated, monitored and shared with the student’s family. A key role of the Mentor teacher is to ensure that students are staying on track, and to offer support to ensure that commitments are maintained. Mentor teachers are also trained to offer specific support for students in time management.

Is there a sibling discount?

Yes. Tuition Fee concessions are offered for multiple enrolled children. A discount of 10% is applied for a second sibling attending concurrently, and 15% for a third sibling attending concurrently. Concessions apply only to Tuition Fees and are assigned to the younger sibling/s. To learn more, please read the Fees & Charges Information and Business Conditions HERE.

Mid-Year Entry

Mid-Year Entry will be considered for students in Year 10 and 11. Families will need to book an interview with the Director of TSS to ensure that TSS can accommodate the specific student needs and meet SCSA requirements.

Are students required to create e-portfolios?

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FAQs

Still can't find what you need to know? Please email info@thestudioschool.wa.edu.au and we will respond within 24 hours.

Are students required to create e-portfolios?

Can students study university courses, whilst studying at TSS?

Can the students achieve a WACE?

What are micro-credentials and which ones are available to students?

Via what pathways can students enter university?