Gateway College signs collaborative partnership with SACE International

Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka David Holly

Gateway Group Chairman Dr. Harsha Alles

SACE Board Chief Executive Prof. Martin Westwell

Gateway College Consultant Nirmali Wickremesinghe

In a first for Sri Lanka and South Asia, Gateway College will be offering an Australian Secondary Certificate of Education through SACE International in 2022, following the signing of an historic agreement this month.

As one of Sri Lanka’s premium educational institutions, Gateway College will join schools across People’s Republic of China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Vanuatu and New Caledonia in offering the internationally recognised South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) qualification.

SACE Board Chief Executive Professor Martin Westwell was pleased to announce the signing of the new partnership.

“We are thrilled to welcome Gateway College into SACE International’s global community,” SACE Board Chief Executive Prof. Martin Westwell said.

“SACE International and Gateway College have a shared ambition to provide an education for students that sets them up for success through high achievement and holistic development for every student. 

“SACE is designed to unlock every student’s potential, helping them to pursue their ambitions and learn how to be an effective learner.

“We provide an innovative, dynamic and flexible curriculum that develops the skills, knowledge and capabilities to thrive at university and life.”  

Gateway College Chairman Dr. Harsha Alles was enthusiastic about the new addition to the curriculum.

“At a time when educators in Sri Lanka and the world over are redesigning strategies to prepare students for the continually changing and highly demanding global environment, the Gateway Colleges are pleased to introduce the Australian system of high school education as an alternative to the UK International General Certificate of Secondary Education and A levels route,” Dr. Alles said.

“The SACE is not just another universally accepted qualification but a program that takes a more divergent approach, which is more flexible and student-centred where continuous assessments play a key role.”

Gateway Consultant Nirmali Wickremesinghe acknowledged the SACE program allowed students to become thriving learners.

“Continuous innovative learning ensures a true education. At a time when we celebrate our 25th year anniversary, we welcome this opportunity to experience the magic of learning through experience, creativity and discovery,” Wickremesinghe said.

The importance of the partnership has been recognised by Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka David Holly.

“The strong education linkages between Australia and Sri Lanka now include senior secondary education opportunities for Sri Lankan students,” said David Holly.

“Gaining an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) from the SACE builds a solid foundation and direct pathway for an Australian higher education journey, as well as access to universities all around the world, including the UK, the US and Canada. I would like to congratulate Gateway College for taking forward this important partnership with SACE.”

With the successful completion of SACE, graduates gain an international passport that opens doors to top universities around the world, including those located in Australia, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Malaysia and Singapore. 

SACE International has developed beneficial partnerships with tertiary institutions, which provide scholarships and entrepreneurial opportunities for SACE graduates.

SACE international graduates will receive an ATAR, which provides an opportunity to access highly competitive programs in Australian universities including the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8). 

The University of Adelaide’s SACE International Higher Education scholarship provides a 25 percent tuition fee reduction to international SACE graduates with an ATAR of 80 or above.

Another important benefit for schools offering SACE is that it has proven to be COVID resilient. Coursework, projects and collaborative activities make up 70% of the final grade, so results are not determined by a final examination. Examinations for many major subjects are offered online, and the blended delivery model allows for smooth transitions without any compromise to the academic integrity of the program.

SACE students in Sri Lanka will share a similar experience as students studying in South Australia, with access to the same assessments and examinations.  Gateway College select their curriculum from over 100 SACE subjects on offer between Year 11 and Year 12.

With the SACE program, teachers and leaders are supported by professional learning opportunities so they can deliver the best outcomes for students.

For more information about SACE International visit www.sacei.edu.au. To find out more about SACE International being offered at Gateway College, contact Gateway Group Chief Operating Officer Thusitha Illukpitiya via email [email protected].