We are an independent, non-denominational, co-educational K – 12 school. We offer performing arts & performance sports streams with an equal focus on academic rigour.
Years 7 – 10
The McDonald College is the perfect place for secondary students to prepare for their HSC and beyond. Whether that means tertiary education, vocational training or entering immediately into their industry of choice.
We take a holistic approach to students’ education by building on the academic, creative, physical, and social aspects of their development.
The range of performance streams and opportunities that we offer, coupled with a strong emphasis on academic outcomes, equates to a well-rounded education.
What you can expect
From Years 7 – 10, a greater level of personal responsibility is expected of students.
Our teaching and learning process becomes more collaborative. We foster an environment of critical enquiry and resourceful problem-solving.
Students are encouraged to utilise the skills they are building as performers – whether that’s on a court or on a stage – and bring these skills to the classroom. Skills such as discipline, focus, and teamwork.
Our experienced and dedicated staff ensure that each student has the support they need to optimise their own performance academically and in their performance stream of choice.
Our aim is to provide a structured transition to the HSC years in a supportive and nurturing environment where each student will flourish.
Academic
English
Mathematics
Science
Commerce (Years 9 – 10)
Technology
Geography
History
French (Year 10)
Music
Visual Art
Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE)
Performing arts
Students in Years 7 – 10 participate in 2 hours of performance training per day.
At the beginning of each year, they nominate one of the following streams as their core study area:
Acting
Classical Ballet
Dance
Music
Musical Theatre
Technical Production
Elite Tennis
Electives
Additionally, each week, all students have an Elective day.
Performing arts students have the choice of
maintaining their core study area on this day or
choosing a second performing arts stream to pursue.
Performance sports students use their Elective day for further training.
Variations to individual performance timetables may be negotiated in exceptional circumstances.
Performance lessons are conducted in mixed-year groupings
Years 7 – 9 in one group and
Year 10 students are grouped with Years 11 – 12.
Performance sports
Elite Tennis
Working in partnership with Voyager Tennis Academy, this integrated program allows students to engage in daily tennis training at the highest level alongside their pursuit of academic excellence.
The program is designed for students already demonstrating a strong level of play.
Students participate in 2 hours minimum training per day
Training sessions are conveniently based at Sydney Olympic Park, less than 10 minutes from the College and students are transported by the private Voyager shuttle.