International Students

The McDonald College encourages diversity and welcomes international students.  Currently the College has students from Korea, Japan, Malaysia and the UK.

The academic courses available to students follow the syllabus of the New South Wales Board of Studies, from Kindergarten to Year 12, as per Curriculum Guides, which are given to students on application.  Qualifications gained are either Year 10 School Certificate or Year 12 Higher School Certificate.

Teaching methods are in accordance with Programs and Registers as provided for Board of Studies Registration and Accreditation in 2004. Assessment methods are in accordance with the College’s Higher School Assessment Policy.

TESOL Program:  The responsibility for assisting students from non-English-speaking backgrounds in learning English rests with all teachers and school personnel.  The College offers a compulsory TESOL program for international students to enable students to develop their full potential, to gain the skills, knowledge and values needed to contribute actively and positively to the school environment and ultimately become an integrated citizen.

The delivery of TESOL lessons can take various forms such as:

• Withdrawal from normal classroom activities for intensive tutoring in small groups or individually.
• Support within the mainstream classroom
• Specialised TESOL support for the mainstream classroom teacher.
  

Admission of International Students

International students applying to the College must provide reports and references to the Registrar as part of the admissions procedure.

The College enrols students with limited language skills from Kindergarten to Year 10 only.  Students in Year 11 and 12 are expected to have a minimum level of 5.5 IELTS or equivalent.

The Registrar will arrange for the student to be tested by the TESOL teacher before formal admission, and entry will ultimately be determined by the College’s ability to cater for the student within a regular classroom context (with additional TESOL assistance).

The Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA) has authorised The McDonald College to enrol a number of students on student visas for study in Australia. (The McDonald College Registered Provider Code 02293K.)

An 80% attendance rate is a requirement of the Department of Immigration Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs.

Accommodation for students from Year 7 to Year 12 is available at the College’s boarding residence (girls only).  Students not requiring boarding will be asked to show details of accommodation arrangements unless they are residing with a parent/guardian.

It is the student or guardian’s responsibility to advise the College of any change of address.