St James’ Anglican School
Growing More Than Grades:
Preparing for life with SJAS+
As the world continues to change, so too must the way we educate and support young people to ensure they are truly equipped for the complexities of life. At St James’ Anglican School, our commitment to nurturing the whole person is embodied in the SJAS+ program, a comprehensive initiative designed to equip Year 11 and 12 students with essential life skills, wellbeing strategies, and a strong foundation in Anglican values.
SJAS+ offers a series of workshops and activities that complement existing academic offerings, focusing on life skills, micro-credentials, and wellbeing programs. It is a compulsory program for all Year 11 and 12 students which runs alongside the students’ subject selections and do not impact their selected courses of study. When completing a micro-credential, students walk away with a recognised certificate that becomes a valuable addition to their CV, making them more employable and better prepared to join the workforce.
Micro-credentials include: Certificate I in Welding and Fabrication, Certificate II in Outdoor Recreation, Certificate II in Salon Services, RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol), food safety and handling accreditations, work experience and barista accreditations. Additionally, the life skills and wellbeing programs on offer aid in fostering resilience, self-awareness, and practical competencies that extend beyond the classroom. Life skills and wellbeing programs include: self defence, financial literacy (compulsory module for one Term), ATAR mentoring (compulsory for all ATAR pathway students), gardening, plumbing, cabinet making, mechanics, office skills, mock interviews, coaching & mentoring, organised sport and fitness.
At the heart of SJAS+ lies a deeper goal, sustainability, not only in the environmental sense, but in the way that students sustain their own wellbeing, their employability, and their contribution to the wider world. The program encourages a long-term view of success, helping students understand how everyday choices, both personal and professional, can lead to a more sustainable future for themselves and their communities. Whether through eco-conscious modules like gardening and outdoor education or developing practical life habits that support mental health and balanced living, SJAS+ champions the idea that sustainable thinking starts with the individual.
‘As parents, we all want to see our teenagers thrive - not just academically, but also emotionally and socially. With the increasing pressures of high school, university preparation, and future careers, it’s essential that students develop the skills needed to navigate life beyond the classroom. As a school, we aim to ensure that our students have the advantage in a competitive job market.’
– Laura Briggs (Vice Principal)
The SJAS+ program reflects St James’ ongoing commitment to educating the whole person. By providing students with valuable micro-credentials, hands-on experiences, and meaningful wellbeing support, we ensure that our graduates leave not only academically prepared, but also equipped with the confidence, resilience, and practical skills to navigate life beyond school. In a world where adaptability and emotional intelligence are just as important as qualifications, SJAS+ gives students a genuine advantage — preparing them not just for exams, but for life.