Secondary School
Continuing from a strong foundation of positive learning experiences in Primary, the Secondary years at Macarthur Adventist College aim to empower and aid students as they begin to consider their purpose and priorities for life beyond the College grounds.
During this vital stage in personal growth, high quality teaching and learning practices provide students with a varied range of opportunities with which to build on established learning skills, self-motivation and a growing sense of personal responsibility,
With a broad range of subjects within the creative, academic, technical and industrial arts, students can immerse themselves in areas of interest and skill within a rigorous and stimulating environment, while gradually refining their sense of purpose and personal goals for future tertiary study or careers. Leadership and service opportunities cultivate a heart for others and prepare students to be compassionate, generous contributors to society.
Our caring and invested Secondary Teaching, Chaplaincy and Wellbeing staff provide a safe and welcoming support network for students, while challenging them to consider their place in God's world. Daily morning devotional and prayer times and relevant and dynamic weekly Chapel services give students the opportunity to engage with Christian teaching and perspectives, while counselling staff are available to assist students and families through the ups and downs of the teenage years.
Our Secondary students are able able to take advantage of recently completed specialist and general learning areas within the Secondary campus, including music and art studios, industrial technology, food technology and textiles workshops and well-equipped computer labs, alongside a spacious and airy multi-purpose Hall, plenty of outdoor space and well-resourced Library and study areas.
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We help students develop values based on the qualities displayed by Jesus. These values will contribute to shaping their characters as adults. Love, justice, compassion, forgiveness, service, humility, courage, hope and appreciation are taught explicitly during morning devotional time and our weekly chapel service. They are also inherent in the way we instruct, guide and support students in their daily learning activities and social interactions.
Firm boundaries and an emphasis on service to others during Secondary School enables students to look beyond themselves and explore how their behaviours and attitudes make a contribution to the lives of those around them.
Senior Secondary focuses on service to others and leadership. Under the mentorship of caring teachers and chaplains, senior students are given an increasing number of opportunities to lead out in music, sports and service activities. In Year 12, it is their turn to mentor the younger students and lead the school. This not only contributes to students' emotional wellbeing and community connectedness, but also allows them to grow in maturity and gain an understanding of what good leadership requires.
Full coverage of the Key Learning Areas required by the NSW Board of Studies from Years 7 to 12 is available.
Year 7 & 8 Subjects
- English
- Food Technology
- Geography
- History
- Industrial Technology
- Mathematics
- Music
- Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
- Religious Studies
- Science
- Spanish
- Textiles Technology
- Visual Arts
Students also have sport each week
Year 9 & 10 Subjects
The core subjects for Year 9 and 10 are:
- English
- Geography
- History
- Mathematics
- Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
- Religious Studies
- Science
Students also choose one subject from Line 1 and another from Line 2. These subjects include:
- Commerce
- Food Technology
- Industrial Technology
- Information Technology
- Music
- Visual Arts
Students also have sport each week.
Year 11 & 12 Electives
Years 11 and 12 have access to a broad range of subjects that suit tertiary bound students as well as those looking at non-university options following secondary school. Tuesday afternoons are set aside for year 11 and 12 students to access TAFE courses that run alongside their school subjects.
The line up of subjects is reviewed on a yearly basis to ascertain the applicability of what is offered. There are seven lines students must choose from.
The subjects offered in Year 11 & 12 may include:
- Ancient History (2 units)
- Biology (2 unit)
- Business Studies (2 unit)
- Chemistry (2 unit)
- Community and Family Studies (2 unit)
- English Advanced (2 unit)
- English Standard (1 unit)
- Food Technology (2 unit)
- Geography (2 unit)
- Industrial Technology (2 unit)
- Information Processes and Technology (2 unit)
- Legal Studies (2 unit)
- Mathematics General (2 unit)
- Mathematics (2 unit)
- Modern History (2 unit)
- Music (2 unit)
- Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (2 unit)
- Physics (2 unit)
- Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation (1 unit, non-ATAR subject, Year 11 only)
- Studies of Religion 1 (1 unit)
- Studies of Religion 2 (2 unit)
- Visual Arts (2 unit)
- Textiles (2 unit)
Check with the Dean of Studies to confirm subject lines and availability.
Additional support is provided for students assessed with significant remedial needs and those with low English language acquisition (ESL).
For students assessed with a disability, learning support teachers work with their parents, classroom teachers and experts to devise teaching and learning strategies that assist them in their education. This is designed to give all students equal access to learning.
Personal excellence is a focus in every classroom, with assessments and activities used as a basis for extending those who show greater levels of interest and ability. Further extension opportunities are available through international competitions and assessments for schools (ICAS) and co-curricular activities distinctive to Secondary.
In Years 11 and 12, extension may be offered in elite levels of English and Mathematics. University and distance education courses may also be available to those students who wish to pursue subject areas not offered by the school.
Co-Curricular opportunities allow students to develop themselves into well-rounded individuals. The Senior School student should be encouraged to develop in areas that enable them to build team and leadership skills thus allowing them to develop feelings of self-worth and success. Often Co-curricular activities provide students with these opportunities and the chance to discover who they are and to develop areas of interest and excellence outside of the classroom.
There are a variety of opportunities available to students who have an interest in co-curricular areas. These areas may include:
- Band
- Chapel Band (for contemporary worship)
- Choir
- Ensembles
- Inter-house sports
- Inter-school sports (CIS and CSSA)
- International service trip
- Leadership opportunities
- Music tuition
- Sports carnivals
- Study group
Our classrooms are digitally equipped with age-appropriate technology. This enhances the delivery of the curriculum, caters to a broad range of learning styles, and allows students to solve problems, work, and connect with each other and the world in 21st century ways. Each student in Secondary has their own laptop as part of the College Laptop Leasing Program, as well as regular access to technology in the library and computer labs as part of their weekly program.
Our classroom teachers and stage coordinators are on the front line of pastoral care as they interact with students on a day to day basis. We have an anti-bullying policy and discipline practices that are designed to build harmonious relationships and resolve issues of concern or conflict openly and respectfully.
Our chaplains provide support to students, staff and school families regardless of their faith. They are active in coordinating programs for social wellbeing and emotional development, interacting with students in the playground and offering a friendly listening ear, mentoring students with behavioural or emotional needs, enhancing engagement with the broader community, and providing a range of opportunities for spiritual reflection. In times of loss and trauma, they provide additional support to individuals, families and the school community.
Our school counsellor is available for more specific social-emotional needs that require specialist assistance or outside referral.
We value our partnership with parents and recognise that when school and parents have shared expectations, positive behaviour and change for the better is most likely to occur. Concerned parents are welcome to contact their child's teacher, school chaplain, school counsellor or administration at any time.
