Curriculum

MacKillop College offers a wide range of courses in all Key Learning Areas. There are twenty-five electives offered in Years 9 - 12 while students in Year 7 and 8 are given a broad education in preparation for their senior years. The College is involved in the Joint Secondary Schools TAFE programme and many senior students have gained joint accreditation from TAFE and the Board of Studies for their HSC work. Many extra-curricular activities are offered to cater for each girl's interests and talents. The students are tested on their literacy and numeracy in Years 7 and 9 through the NAPLAN program.

Academic Tradition

The College has a strong academic tradition with excellent results in external examinations such as the School Certificate, Higher School Certificate and national competitions such as those for Science, Mathematics, English and Language consistently being well above state averages. Over half of the final year students are accepted into tertiary education where many have achieved outstanding academic results.

Staffing

A highly qualified lay staff, with several holding more than one degree, allows the College to offer a wide range of courses in all of the Key Learning Areas. There are forty five teaching staff and ten ancillary staff. A chaplain is appointed by the Cathedral Parish and he takes an active part in aspects of College life.

Subject Offerings

The College offers a wide range of elective subjects for the School Certificate and for the HSC. They include Business Studies, Commerce, Computer Studies, Design and Technology, Drama, Economics, Food Tech, French, Geography, Information and Software Technology, Industrial Technology, Japanese, Music, PDHPE, Textiles and Design, Visual Arts. A number of subjects are also offered as part of the TVET - TAFE VET program.

Vocational Education and Training

Vocational Education has been a growth area in senior studies at MacKillop under the new HSC. Girls may undertake study at TAFE and have courses studied there recognised on their HSC and as part of the UAI (University Admission Index). Increased recognition of TVET or TAFE delivered vocational education reflects a change in community attitudes towards this area of learning and MacKillop College wants to ensure that our graduates leave school with as many skills as possible to cope in a busy and changing world.