At Albany Senior High School, learning is designed to give students the chance to explore their interests, challenge themselves, and develop real expertise. One of the ways this happens is through our Specialist Subjects – courses that allow students to dive deeper into areas they are passionate about.
At ASHS, students study five Specialist Subjects, with each taught in two 100-minute learning blocks per week. This differs from many traditional schools, where students move through five shorter periods each day.
Instead, the ASHS timetable is designed to allow for fewer, longer learning sessions, giving students the time and space to fully engage with their learning and move beyond surface-level coverage. Specialist Subjects at ASHS are more focused, flexible, and interest-driven, giving students the chance to explore specific themes, concepts, and skills in greater depth.
Year 11 student Emma Foss says one of the first things she noticed when starting at ASHS was the structure of the school day.
“During my first day at ASHS, I was shocked at how long the periods were compared to Albany Junior,” Emma says. “I remember thinking I had to go to my second class, but then I got so confused when everyone was eating morning tea!”
Once she adjusted, Emma found the longer learning blocks actually helped her focus more deeply on her learning.
“Once I got used to it, it really helped me get more into my work.”
Blaire Emirali, Performing Arts teacher at ASHS, says Specialist Subjects create a more flexible and authentic learning environment for both students and teachers.
“Teaching a Specialist Subject at ASHS feels a lot less rigid than traditional teaching. It’s not just about delivering content – it’s about creating learning experiences that actually mean something to students. There’s flexibility to follow their interests, co-construct learning, and let things evolve rather than sticking to a fixed plan.”
She says the structure also allows for more creative and real-world learning.
“There’s space for project-based learning and real-world connections. I can focus on the process as much as the final outcome, and encourage students to experiment, reflect, and grow. It often feels like you’re learning alongside them, which makes the environment more engaging and genuine.”
By offering Specialist Subjects within a structure designed for depth, ASHS continues to build on its commitment to flexible, student-centred learning – supporting students to become more engaged, confident, and prepared for the pathways ahead.
