S E N I O R I N T E R N AT I O N A L P R O G R A M YEARS 10, 11 & 12
 mcdonald.nsw.edu.au
Discover Your Journey
CONTENTS 0 3 Introduction – Your Journey towards an Australian University 0 4 Sydney: The City of Opportunity 0 5 Why Choose The McDonald College? 0 5 Location 0 6 Accommodation 0 7 Wellbeing 0 8 Post-School Pathways 0 9 Curriculum & Course Descriptions – Year 10 1 0 Curriculum – Year 11 1 2 Curriculum & Course Descriptions – Year 12 HSC 1 4 SIP 1 5 Community 1 6 Admission & Entry Requirements 1 7 Entry Dates & Fees 1 8 How to apply
INTRODUCTION
Moving to Australia to further your studies will be an exciting but daunting journey. Studying in Sydney, Australia, will be the opportunity of a lifetime and the beginning of opening the doors to the rest of the world. Let The McDonald College assist in preparing you for your pathway to study at an Australian University. Once enrolled you will study the New South Wales Australian Curriculum through to the international credential of the NSW Higher School Certificate. English language assistance will be provided in these classes through our ESL program according to your need. Unique to The McDonald College and in addition to the Australian Curriculum, you will study carefully tailored English Language classes every day. These classes are additional to the NSW Australian Curriculum and are designed to prepare your spoken language and writing abilities to assist with your secondary studies and higher education entry. This is the only program in Australia with dedicated hours each week of additional English language and literacy support. The aim of the course is to prepare international students for completion of the Higher School Certificate and their journey toward tertiary studies. The course is over and above the normal tuition provided during the course of study to Higher School Certificate.
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THE CITY OF OPPORTUNITY Sydney is the biggest city in Australia, located in the state of New South Wales on the east coast of Australia with a population of approximately 5,000,000 multi-cultural residents. Indigenous Australians have inhabited the Sydney area for at least 30,000 years and it was Lieutenant James Cook and his crew in 1770 who were the first Europeans to chart the east coast of Australia with the first fleet of convicts arriving in 1788, thus the birth of the City of Sydney. Sydney is a stunning city and is ranked fifth on a list of the best cities in the world in which to live according to the 2018 Global Liveability Index. From our iconic beaches to our beautiful harbour and famous Opera House, Sydney is a young, multi-cultural city with a history of a mere 230 years. Over those short 230 years Sydney has developed into a thriving metropolis known for its beautiful harbour, restaurants, shopping malls, national parks, expansive green community spaces, museums, art galleries and so much more. Above all, Sydney is known as an education hub and is home to some of Australia’s most prestigious universities, technical institutions and prestigious secondary schools, which we are privileged to be a part of.
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WHY CHOOSE THE McDONALD COLLEGE? Our College is boutique in size with an enrolment of under 300 students ranging from Year 3 –12. Being a small school, there is a strong sense of community and you will have the opportunity to develop strong professional bonds with your teachers. Not only will you receive a rigorous academic education, but you have the opportunity to create social connections enabling you to have a well-rounded experience during your time at The McDonald College. Studies show that students who attend small schools outperform those who attend large schools and this is particularly true of students with English as a second language. A small school experience may make the greatest difference in your educational journey. Our school can provide a close connection and sense of belonging that in turn will increase your engagement in learning. Over recent years, the College has ranked in the top 15% of independent schools based in NSW and generally places in the top 80 schools presenting students for the NSW HSC.
LOCATION Located in Sydney’s inner west, North Strathfield is located 15 kilometres of the Sydney Central Business District. The College is perfectly located at North Strathfield Train Station. Students walk from the North Strathfield Train Station platform and immediately enter our grounds through a coded gate straight on to the College premises. Located within walking distance from the College (approximately 500m) is a small group of restaurants, cafes and a medical centre and pharmacy. This area is known as the ‘Bakehouse Quarter’ and is home to Aldi, Fitness First, Ten Pin Bowling and the Outback Steakhouse to name just a few of the facilities available.
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A C C O M M O D AT I O N
GIRLS BOARDING We have a new purpose-built girl’s boarding house where senior girls are housed in single or double rooms. The girls are cared for by the Head of Boarding and other live-in staff. The girls are fully catered for and seniors have the option of doing their own laundry or having this done for them. Our Boarding House accommodates approximately 40 girls from Year 7 to 12. Girls require an Australian Guardian to be nominated upon enrolment. If required and upon request, a list of Australian resident guardian organisations is available for parents to consider.
BOYS BOARDING The College does not offer boarding accommodation for boys. Upon request, a list of possible guardian and homestay providers is available for parents to consider.
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WELLBEING You will be welcomed into a small and nurturing community allowing you the opportunity to adapt to the Australian way of life and to meet other Australian students. The College offers a safe and nurturing environment where you will make new friends and begin to enjoy life in Australia. Your wellbeing will be overseen by your Year Co-ordinator and the Head of the Senior International Program (SIP) in addition to all your teachers who will generally take an interest in your health and wellbeing. The College Counsellor is on hand to help you assimilate into the College and to provide you with advice and guidance on any matters where you may require assistance. It will be important that you take care of your mental and physical wellbeing. We recommend that you continue to play a sport, play an instrument or other activities that you may have enjoyed at home.
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POST-SCHOOL PATHWAYS The College Careers Advisor will guide and provide you with information and advice to help you explore your education and career options beyond secondary school. You will be guided on how to create your resume, apply for university/ tertiary entrance and search for jobs if applicable. Careers advice is about equipping you with the necessary knowledge, skills and values assisting you to make informed decisions and to allow for your successful transition from school to university or tertiary education or work, and hence to manage your career pathway and lifelong learning. New South Wales is home to some of the highest ranking universities in Australia. According to the latest Australian rankings (QS Australian University World Rankings, 2020), NSW has six universities in the top 14, making it one of the best-placed locations in Australia for international students. •
University of Sydney – #3
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University of New South Wales – #4
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University of Technology, Sydney – #9
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University of Newcastle – #10
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University of Wollongong – #11
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Macquarie University – #14
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University Rankings 2020, QS Australian University World Rankings, sourced May 2020
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CURRICULUM YEAR 10
YEAR 10 You will complete the NESA (New South Wales Education Standards Authority) prescribed core subjects of: • English • Mathematics (3 levels) • Science • History • Geography • Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) • French And two of the following Elective subjects of your choice: • Music • Commerce • Visual Art • Design and Technology These subjects will give you a strong academic foundation from which you can progress to Year 11 studies. You will also study in the SIP (Senior International Program) program each afternoon together with students in Year 11 and Year 12. Please see over for further details.
SUBJECT
YEAR 10 COURSE
English
Text analysis - novels, plays, films, short stories and digital media. Students study the texts thematically and technically, exploring humour, racism, manipulation of the news, difference, ambition, society and culture. Students respond to the texts and write both analytically and creatively.
Mathematics
Simultaneous and Quadratic Equations Coordinate Geometry Trigonometry Data and Statistical Analysis Probability
Science
Forensic Science Reproduction and DNA Motion The Universe Evolution and Genetics Chemical Reactions Global Issues
History
The Modern world and Australia The Holocaust Popular Culture Rights and Freedoms, 1945 to present
Geography
Environmental Change and Management Human Well Being
PDHPE
Movement Composition Health Influences Road Safety Positive Relationships Composition Games, Gymnastics and Dance
Design & Technology (Elective)
Jewellery Design Graphic Design Elements and Principles of Design Social and Cultural Factors Involved in Design & Production
Music (Elective)
The concepts of music Learning experiences of performing, composing & listening within the context of a range of styles, periods and genres.
Commerce (Elective)
Law and society Employment issues Running a small business
Visual Arts (Elective)
Artmaking, art historical & critical studies are thematically based. Students explore 2D, 3D & 4D artforms, developing ideas and technical skill. Investigation of artists and artworks, critics and historians are undertaken within the context of the artworld, culture and past conventions.
French (Beginners)
Themes, topics, vocabulary and grammatical structures Development of communication skills Deeper knowledge and understanding of language system Insights between language and culture
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CURRICULUM YEAR 11
PRELIMINARY HSC This is where your journey to the HSC begins. You will complete 6 subjects (12 Units) of NESA (New South Wales Education Standards Authority) subjects. English is compulsory. You will choose 5 other subjects of your choice from this list. • •
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English – compulsory Mathematics – Advanced, Standard, Extension 1, Extension 2 according to proficiency Biology Chemistry Physics History – either Modern or Ancient Legal Studies (TBC) Business Studies Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) Music Drama Dance Visual Art Design and Technology
Year 11 is a prerequisite course of study leading you to your Year 12 studies.
SUBJECT
YEAR 11 (Preliminary Course)
Ancient History
Investigating the nature of Ancient History: Case studies,Tutankahum’s Tomb and Palmyra Greece - Colonisation Celtic Europe - Women
Biology
Cells, Biomolecules and Metabolism Organisation of Living Things Biological Diversity Ecosystem Dynamics
Business Studies
Nature of the Business Business Management Business Planning
Chemistry
Structure and Bonding Stoichiometry Chemical Reactions Enthalpy and Entropy
Dance
Performance: understanding anatomy and safe dance practice; learning a set dance displaying dance technique and performance quality. Composition : learning how to create movement and communicate meaning Appreciation: dance history relevant to Australia; analysis of dance works, and written critiques
Design & Technology
Collaborative and individual design and production of projects Graphic and communication design and technologies Social, ethical and environmental issues related to design and production. Design development and understanding of products, systems and environments.
Drama
Approaches to Acting – Naturalism. History and Development of Theatre and Performance. Production Elements From Page to Stage. Group Devised Performance – Non-Naturalism. Theatre in Australia.
English (Standard)
This Preliminary study is to prepare students for Year 12 and so is modelled on the Year 12 HSC Course. A number of texts such as short stories, novels, plays, films and digital pieces are studied. Students explore the texts thematically and technically. Students respond and write both analytically and creatively.
Legal Studies
The Legal System The Individual and the Law Law in Practice
Mathematics (Advanced)
Algebraic Techniques Functions Differential Calculus Exponential and Logarithmic Laws Radian Measure
Mathematics (Extension 1)
Inverse Functions Parametric Equations Further Trigonometry Polynomials and Combinatorics
Mathematics (Standard 2)
Formulae and Equations Measurement Financial Mathematics Data and Statistical Analysis Probability
Modern History
The Holocaust The Decline and Fall of the Romanov Dynasty The Meiji Restoration The First World War
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SUBJECT
YEAR 11 (Preliminary Course)
Music 1
Duration Pitch Dynamics and expressive techniques Tone colour Texture Structure & skills in performance Composition Musicology and Aural
PHDHPE
Better Health for Individuals The Body in Motion First Aid Fitness Choices
Physics
Kinematics Dynamics Waves and Thermodynamics Electricity and Magnetism
Visual Arts
Artmaking: Students create artwork using 2D, 3D &/or 4D artforms, developing conceptual and technical skill. Art History and art criticism: Studies thematically based. Investigation of artists and artworks, critics and historians are undertaken within the context of the artworld, culture, past conventions and with consideration of the audience.
Note: The information in the table contains the main focus areas. There are also other topics that will be studied that are not listed in the table. This curriculum is based on the guidelines as documented by NESA (NSW Education Standards Authority).
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CURRICULUM YEAR 12 - HSC
YEAR 12 - HSC You will complete your final year of secondary school study in the subjects you chose in Year 11. It is possible to drop one subject and study 5 subjects (10 Units) if you prefer. SUBJECT
YEAR 12 (HSC Course)
Ancient History
Cities of Vesuvius Spartan Society to the Battle of Leuctra 371BC New Kingdom Egypt to the Death of Thutmose IV Hatshepsut
Biology
Reproduction and Heredity Genetic Change Infectious Diseases Non Infectious Diseases
Business Studies
Operations Marketing Finance Human Resources
Chemistry
Equilibrium Acids and Bases Organic Chemistry Chemical Analysis
Dance
Continuation of Performance and Composition from Year 11. Appreciation and analysis of two set works on DVD. Choice of Major Study, 40%
Design & Technology
Innovation and emerging technologies Proposal, development, realisation and evaluation of individual Major Design Project (Product, System or Environment) Historical, cultural and ethical analysis of design and production Entrepreneurial activity
Drama
Australian Drama and Theatre. Contemporary Australian Theatre Practice. The Voice of Women in Theatre. Approaches to Acting. Verbatim Theatre. Black Comedy. Multi-Discipline Theatre. Significant Plays of the 20th Century. Japanese Traditional and Contemporary Theatre. Group Devised Performance. Individual Project. Performance; Design; Critical Analysis; Video Drama; Scriptwriting.
English (Standard)
Literary study of a variety of texts – novels, poetry, films, plays and multimedia. These texts are included in four major Modules (ie. areas of study such as human behaviour, society and culture etc). Thematic and technical aspects of these texts and Modules are explored. Students write and respond analytically and creatively.
Legal Studies
Crime Human Rights Family World Order
Mathematics (Advanced)
Exponential and Logarithmic Functions Applications of Derivatives Normal Distribution Graphing Techniques
Mathematics (Extension 1)
Rates of Change Integral Calculus Vectors The Binomial Distribution Mathematical Induction
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CURRICULUM YEAR 12 - HSC
SUBJECT
YEAR 12 (HSC Course)
Mathematics (Extension 2)
Complex Numbers Mathematical Induction Mechanics Conics Graphs and Polynomials
Mathematics (Standard 2)
Networks Financial Mathematics Normal Distribution Algebra
Modern History
Conflict in the Pacific Power and Authority in the Modern World 1919-1946 Russia and the Soviet Union 1917-1941 Civil Rights in the USA 1945-1968
Music 1
Music & skills in performance Composition Musicology and Aural
PHDHPE
Health Priorities in Australia Factors Affecting Performance Sports Medicine Equity in Health
Physics
Advanced Mechanics Electromagnetism The Nature of Light From the Universe to the Atom
Visual Arts
Artmaking: Students create a body of work selecting from a range of artforms, demonstrating technical skill, resolution and conceptual richness. Art History and art criticism: Five Case Studies. Students investigate a range of artists and artworks, critics and historians within the context of the artworld, culture, past conventions and with consideration of the audience.
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Note: The information in the table contains the main focus areas, there are other topics that will be studied that are not listed here. This curriculum is based on the guidelines as documented by NESA (NSW Education Standards Authority).
S E N I O R I N T E R N AT I O N A L P R O G R A M
The Senior International Program is part of your every school day timetable and will be taken with other international students from Year 10, 11 and 12. The class will be interactive and designed to develop your English language skills and confidence to assist you in your academic studies, preparing you for tertiary studies and life after achieving your HSC. This program will enable you to make effective progress in English speaking, reading, writing and listening. The program includes: • Intensive reading, writing, speaking and listening skills for both academic learning and social interactions. • An emphasis on English language for academic learning, including reading comprehension, vocabulary development, assignment writing, examination techniques, research skills, critical analysis and note-taking. • A personal study plan to ensure you make appropriate progress. • Small group instructional focus. • Regular assessment, including tests and written reports. At certain times of the year, you may experience extra-curricular Australian cultural activities such as a trip to the zoo, the beach, museums and more. These experiences will vary over the duration of this three-year course. This program is integrated and aligns with the NESA subjects being studied in class with the entire year cohort. Our program is designed to assist you with successful completion of secondary school followed by transition to tertiary studies after graduation.
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COMMUNITY Getting involved in the College community is very important to your assimilation into the College and will provide you with the opportunity to make new friends, practice your English language skills and learn about Australian culture.Your involvement will have a lasting and positive impact on your feeling of belonging and connectedness. Whether as a performer or an audience member you should get involved in the annual College Prefects Concert and the High Performance Season, represent the College at sports gala days if appropriate, and participate in the Year 11 Camp at a minimum.
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ADMISSION & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
You will be accepted into this program at the New South Wales Year 10 and Year 11 High School levels. Your admission will be dependent upon you achieving an English language grade of 5.0 IELTS (International English Language Testing System – see below) or the equivalent. In addition you will be expected to sit for an IDAT (International Diagnostics & Admissions Test) to assess further competencies across English, Maths, Global Knowledge and Character. The objective of our language admission criteria is to ensure that you are able to deal with high academic demands and have the best opportunity of success at the NSW Higher School Certificate at the completion of Year 12.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS Applicants for the Senior International Program must meet the College’s English Language Proficiency Standards. The minimum level of English language proficiency is: Years 10 entry IELTS (Overall) 5.0 or AEAS 55+ Years 11 entry IELTS (Overall) 5.5 or AEAS 70+ Applicants who cannot demonstrate they have met the minimum English levels for direct entry into Senior International Program will be required to enrol in an English for High School Preparation program.The College can provide a list of our preferred providers if needed.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS All applicants will need to be age appropriate for the year level applied for. • Applicants for entry into Year 10 will need to have completed the equivalent of Australian Year 9 • Applicants for entry into Year 11 will need to have completed the equivalent of Australian Year 10 We accept applications from China, Hong Kong, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia. If your country isn’t on this list, please send an enquiry to registrar@mcdonald.nsw.edu.au to see if you are eligible to apply.
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ENTRY DATES Students wishing to commence in Year 10 may do so at any time during the academic year. Students wishing to commence in Year 11 can only do so at the beginning of the academic year (Term 1) We are unable to accept new students in Year 12 who have not fulfilled the Year 10/11 SIP pathway.
FEES For a full list of fees, visit the Fee Schedule on our website
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HOW TO APPLY Applications for enrolment at The McDonald College should be made in writing by a parent or guardian on the application form provided, accompanied by documents listed on this page and with lodgement of the Application Fee.
CHECKLIST 1. Please complete Application for Enrolment Form. 2. Please provide: a) A copy of the applicant’s birth certificate b) A copy of the applicant’s two most recent school reports c) One recent photograph of the applicant d) Payment of Application Fee e) Demonstrated evidence of the completion of AEAS or IELTS testing if submitting application for an international student 3. Applicants will be notified in writing of the application outcome within two weeks of submission. Successful applicants will be invited to attend an interview with the Principal, if applicable. 4. Once an offer has been made, a parent or guardian will be asked to accept the offer by signing the Acceptance Policy and paying a nonrefundable Confirmation of Enrolment fee to secure the applicant’s place. This is a once-off, non-refundable payment. 5. Your enrolment will be confirmed in writing by the College Registrar. For more information, please contact: The Registrar +61 2 9752 0507 registrar@mcdonald.nsw.edu.au
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mcdonald.nsw.edu.au TheMcDonaldCollege mcdonaldcollege mcdonaldcollege
+612 9752 0507 registrar@mcdonald.nsw.edu.au
17 George Street, Nor th Strathfield NSW 2137 Australia CRICOS 02293K