A MESSAGE FROM THE COLLEGE PRINCIPAL
We have been placed in a created world of wonders. Learning is all about discovering and investigating this world and our place in it.
A formal education provides structured learning about different arenas of knowledge and their associated skills, and this learning continues for our whole life.
At Mackay Christian College, we encourage students to try a variety of subject areas and discern which of these areas they feel most drawn to. Usually, your favourite subjects will then lead you to train and be employed in a workplace that brings joy, satisfaction and personal success.
Engaging in the Subject Expo provides information and suggestions for choosing your subjects and developing a potential career path for your future. It is important to discover which subjects appeal to you and in which subjects you naturally do well.
Father God has a plan and purpose for each created person and subject choices can help propel you into your particular purpose. Whether predominantly academic or a trade pathway, service industry or
Please carefully read the information in this booklet to assist you to select your subject choices.
May your application to learning be a blessing to others.
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10, NLT)
Best regards,
Dr Lesley Tunnah College Principal
A MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SECONDARY SCHOOL
Mackay Christian College welcomes you to your Middle School learning journey. Across these three years, you are invited to discover your passions and interests, not just in the formal setting of learning but across all areas of a learning community – as a friend, a contributor, a leader, and a unique individual who is purposed to ‘become all God wants you to be’.
As a whole school community, we are committed to creating a quality learning approach to help you with making the changes and transition through the middle years of learning and to support you as a young adolescent. Our Middle School learning approach is focused on you, the student, to empower you to be creative and innovative thinkers, risk-takers and leaders, now and for the future.
As you start to think about your elective subjects and make choices, it is good to consider what your future may look like. The subject choices in Middle School provide an opportunity for you to try new subjects, develop your gifts and talents and work out what you might like in a career or your future learning. You will need to be organised, as you grow into a more mature student and take increased responsibility for your learning choices. For those moving into Year 7, subject selection is not required as students are exploring the range of elective subjects offered to help guide them as they continue their journey of discovering their passions and giftings. Within our Middle School learning environment you will experience academic challenge, opportunity for creativity, curiosity, critical thinking and you will be encouraged to take risks. As a learner your goal is to acquire knowledge and skills across a broad range of learning areas. Both our academic and co-curricular programs equip you with the skills to learn: to be an active listener, to develop excellent communication skills and to formulate opinions and attitudes based upon balanced discovery or inquiry.
At Mackay Christian College you will see we place a high value on relationships, Christian values, owning your own learning and creating your unique pathway. You will feel like you belong at Mackay Christian College. We pray you do your best to develop your God given gifts and talents to ‘become all that God wants you to be’.
I look forward to working with you.
Ms Debbie Wright Head of Secondary School
Thy kingdom come, ‘Thy will be done’, on earth as it is in heaven (Luke 11:2)
Our Vision
Our vision is for an independent Christian school providing excellent, Christ-centred learning opportunities that encourage
Our Mission
The College aims to provide Christ-centred education that assists in revealing God’s personal plan for each student from Pre-Prep to Year 12 through equitable, excellent learning opportunities learners who make a positive impact in their world.
Our Aim
‘Christian education on purpose’
Our Vision of a Learner at Mackay Christian College
Our students will become:
• Self-directed strategic producers
• Responsive communicators
• Empathetic servant leaders
• Resilient problem solvers
We thank you for the privilege of partnering with you in this important responsibility of educating your children. We look forward to open communication during the good times and the hard times as we support and challenge their academic, emotional and spiritual growth, to ‘become all that God wants them to be’.
CLEAR Technology and Electronic Devices
‘We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.’
- Albert Einstein
At Mackay Christian College we want to prepare students for their future by using the latest technology to assist and enhance their learning experience. Our aim is to assist every student at Mackay Christian College to acquire the knowledge, understanding and skills using latest technologies in all their learning adventures, in a safe digital environment.
Students in Year 7 and 8 and newly enrolled students in Year 9, will be issued with College owned laptops that system and security, and loaded with all required software programs. The laptop comes with a case, charger and 3-year warranty with accidental damage protection. Excess fees will apply to accidental damage protection claims and these claims are limited each year. Students should carry the laptop in the case provided when not in use. If the laptop is damaged or not working, it must be taken to the College ICT Department in the TLE Block for assessment and repairs. Please note that previously enrolled Years 9 students will continue to use their iPad.
Detailed information can be accessed on the college website via the link: https://mcc.qld.edu.au/electronicdevices/
FOR STUDENTS
Time to work on your learner identity...
Identity is a way of talking about how learning changes who we are and how we behave in different communities. We don’t just have one identity. Sometimes you hear in Hollywood movies people say “I don’ t know who I am” or “I am searching for the real me.”
They are doing some soul searching or looking for their sacred identity. Try this picture on for size. Fill in some words that describe you.
In Years 7, 8 & 9 you really get to work on your identity. We will challenge you to develop in your understanding of your self, and also help you to develop an understanding of how you learn.
organisation, resilience and getting along with others.
We want you to be able to say .....
• I am a learner who keeps trying
• I believe mistakes are great learning opportunities
• I ask questions, but look for ways to help others
• I try new things and am creative in solving problems
The following two pages contain some information about learning so you can do a check up on your learner identity. You get to keep improving the way you learn, and choosing to take on roles that will help you really make the most out of your learning. Go for it!
WHAT ARE MY TALENTS?
What am I good at?
It is important to be honest and think it through.
You will succeed best doing things you are good at.
Choose another two of these words that
SUBJECT OPTIONS
In Year 7, students study each of the eight specialist subjects for one term so that they have exposure to all of the subjects by the end of the year. Then they can make informed choices for their electives in Years 8-10.
YEAR 7
Core Subjects of:
•English
•Mathematics
•Science
•Humanities
•Health & Physical Education
•Digital Technology
•Auslan
•CLEAR
•Biblical Studies
plus a different subject each term from the Arts subjects:
•Drama
•Media Arts
•Music
•Visual Arts
plus a different subject each term from the Technologies subjects:
•Agriculture
•Design Technologies
•Home Economics
•Industrial Technologies
YEAR 8 & YEAR 9
Core Subjects of:
•English
•Mathematics
•Science
•Humanities
•Health & Physical Education
•CLEAR
•Biblical Studies
Students choose 3 Electives from:
•Agriculture
•Design Technologies
•Drama
•Home Economics
•Industrial Technologies (Metalwork)
•Industrial Technologies (Woodwork)
•Media Arts
•Music
•STEM
•Visual Arts
CORE SUBJECTS
ENGLISH
understand, create and communicate meaning in a variety of contexts. Aligned with the Australian Curriculum v9.0, students engage with a wide range of literary and non-literary texts to explore how language shapes ideas, perspectives and relationships within the world around them.
Students develop their skills in reading, viewing, listening, speaking and writing while building an appreciation of how language, text structures and literary devices are used to create meaning. They learn to interpret and evaluate texts,
In Middle School, students build on prior learning and prepare for the increasing demands of senior schooling. They analyse and interpret a variety of texts, use evidence to support their understanding, and create responses for a range of purposes and audiences. Students also develop their own writing and speaking skills through imaginative, persuasive and analytical tasks, including speeches, dramatic performances, narratives and multimodal presentations.
At Mackay Christian College, English is taught through a Christian worldview that encourages students to communicate through respectful communication and empathy, Learning through critical and creative thinking, Excellence in language use and text creation, Attitude through perseverance and growth, and Respect for diverse perspectives and experiences.
positive relationships and communicate effectively in their future studies, careers and communities.
SCIENCE
Science is a means of improving our knowledge and understanding of the universe that God has created. This is based on the collection of observation-based evidence.
Through the study of Science, students are given the opportunity to learn through the adventure of discovery. There is a focus on “hands on” activities which are designed to consolidate and/or develop understanding of important science concepts and processes.
Students ask questions, design and conduct experiments, then draw more inquiries and conclusions about the outcomes. Students will develop an understanding of science’s contribution to our culture and society, and its applications in our lives. Science will help to develop 21st Century skills including critical thinking, problem solving skills, effective communication and ICT capability.
Student performance in Year 9 Science will determine the level of Science (Extension, Core or General) wich students will study in Year 10 in preparation for their Senior Studies.
We use Mathematics every day. Whether you are making a cake, ordering concrete, building a bridge, reading a map, cutting a piece of timber to size or scheduling a holiday, you need to understand and apply Mathematics.
The Years 7-9 Mathematics course focuses on helping
to develop skills for use in the world around them. Using the Australian Curriculum as the foundation for learning, and with the support and encouragement of passionate teachers, students cover a variety of topics in a diverse range of contexts.
It should be noted that student performance in Year 9 Mathematics will determine the mathematics course which students will study in Year 10, which is preparation for their Senior Studies.
HUMANITIES
Humanities takes students on a journey of discovery, helping them develop an understanding of people, places, environments, systems and events that have shaped our world. Aligned with the Australian Curriculum v9.0, Humanities encourages students to think critically and creatively, evaluate evidence, explore diverse perspectives and become active, informed citizens.
Through Humanities, students examine how individuals and societies interact with each other and the environment, while considering their responsibilities as stewards of God’s creation and contributors to their communities.
History: Developing knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the past, and investigating the events, ideas and people that have shaped societies and continue to influence the present.
Geography: Developing an understanding of places, environments, sustainability and the connections between people and the natural world, while fostering respect for diverse cultures and communities.
Civics and Citizenship: Developing informed and active citizens who understand Australia’s democratic system and are equipped to participate responsibly in local, national and global communities.
Economics and Business: Developing enterprising skills and capabilities that enable students to make informed decisions, understand economic and business systems, and participate effectively in work and community life.
Students experience a wide range of engaging and inquiry-based learning opportunities that encourage curiosity, critical thinking and a deeper understanding of God’s world. Through the Humanities, students are challenged to reflect on how they can contribute positively to society and care for creation.
At Mackay Christian College, Humanities reflects our CLEAR values by developing Christlikeness through service and stewardship, Learning through inquiry and discovery, Excellence in critical thinking and problem-solving, Attitude through curiosity and perseverance, and Respect for diverse cultures, perspectives and experiences.
Through Humanities, students gain the knowledge, skills and understanding to engage thoughtfully with the world, make informed decisions and contribute positively to their communities and God’s creation.
Psalm 19:1 – “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” (NIV)
HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Middle School Health & Physical Education involves students exploring and developing a variety of sporting concepts and applying them to sporting activities in order to progress and challenge their physical, mental and social wellbeing.
Students’ progress on their learning journey studying a combination of topics ranging from Staying Healthy, Developing Positive Relationships, Understanding Movement Concepts, Moving with Skill, Biomechanics, Sports Nutrition and Body Systems for Physical Activity.
Students perform and participate in numerous sporting activities including: Basketball, Mountain Biking, Golf, Volleyball, Swimming, Table Tennis, Fitness & Calisthenics, Soccer, Rugby, Athletics, Futsal, Cricket and Netball.
The HPE team look forward to nurturing and guiding
AUSLAN
Year 7 students will be undertaking the study of Auslan (Australian Sign Language) for one lesson per fortnight. Auslan is the primary language of the deaf community.
This course provides students with the opportunity to learn a unique and visual language while gaining insight into Deaf culture and community. Through interactive and hands-on activities, students develop basic signing skills, understanding facial expressions and body language.
Learning Auslan enhances communication, builds empathy and inclusivity, and encourages students to appreciate diversity in language and culture.
DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY
The study of Digital Technologies provides students with practical opportunities to gain knowledge and understanding of information systems and use design thinking when developing digital solutions to problems.
Learning experiences will involve authentic learning challenges fostering curiosity, persistence, innovation, creative thinking and collaboration.
CLEAR
CLEAR is a uniquely designed MCC values-based subject which supports our college values which are: Christlikeness, Learning, Excellence, Attitude and Respect. At Mackay Christian College we are passionate about helping students grow to become all that God wants them to be. The program has been developed with an embedded Christian world view with a focus on fostering student’s academic, spiritual, character and emotional development.
In Years 7-9 students are given the opportunity to engage in a range of different types of activities that help students
Biblical Studies
At Mackay Christian College, our Christian faith is at the heart of everything we do. The Bible is our foundation— guiding how we think, learn, and live.
Through Biblical Studies, students grow in their understanding of Scripture while discovering God’s purpose and His apply its teachings both now and into the future.
Our program is designed to nurture faith, build strong biblical knowledge, and equip students to live out their beliefs
• Developing Bible literacy and study skills
• Exploring key stories, historical accounts and major themes
• • Understanding the life and teachings of Jesus
• Applying biblical principles to everyday life
• Growing in Christian worldview and beliefs
• Engaging in outreach, missions, and service
At MCC, Biblical Studies is more than a subject—it’s a journey of personal discovery about the Christian faith and how the Bible’s stories and teachings may be applied to everyday life.
ELECTIVE SUBJECTS
DESIGN TECHNOLOGIES
This subject will help to develop student’s design and systems thinking.
Students participate in the F1 in Schools program for the majority of the year. During this time students design and
They learn about collaboration, project management, marketing, graphic design, and verbal presentations. Students will also do a series of design projects using the various technologies such as CNC routers, laser cutters and 3D printer to produce innovative and creative designs.
AGRICULTURE
The Agriculture Centre provides students opportunities to learn about agriculture. Students study and implement topics such as farm safety, horticulture, poultry, cattle & dairy production. Practical lessons teach students how to grow plants as well as how to manage and care for cattle and chickens.
Students learn a range of transferable skills such as small machine operation, tractor driving, plant propagating, crop management and animal handling.
Assessment is a mixture of practical demonstrations, practical subject, allowing students to learn through a hands-on environment.
DRAMA
Drama is all about the adventure of self-discovery, giving students an opportunity to express themselves.
Learning experiences in Drama help students develop performance. Students explore a range of skills including improvisation, speech and communication, character development, dramatic skills, story telling techniques, and scriptwriting.
Drama focuses on developing a student’s ability to express and discover their God given creativity and talents through a number of drama areas including script writing, role play, improvisation and technical theatre design.
Many styles of theatre are also explored including Realism, Melodrama, Cinematic Theatre, Collage Drama and Storytelling. Drama develops communication skills in both subjects and life situations.
HOME ECONOMICS
The Home Economics course aims to equip students with valuable life skills in food preparation and textile studies. Throughout the course, students develop practical skills and knowledge in nutrition, food preparation, hygiene, and workplace health and safety (WHS). Students learn how to safely prepare and present food while gaining an understanding of healthy eating and making informed food choices.
and fabric properties, fabric care, and basic sewing techniques. They develop practical construction skills using a range of tools and equipment while learning about design processes and creative problemsolving.
The course also provides opportunities for students to demonstrate and strengthen personal development skills such as time management, organisation, teamwork, communication, independence, creativity, and resilience. Through practical and theory-based activities, students build life and future learning pathways.
MEDIA ARTS
This is a creative and dynamic subject area that equips students with practical skills using contemporary technologies and industry practices to communicate ideas, stories, and messages through visual and digital media.
Students participating in this subject will develop creative and technical skills that are fundamental for a range of media practices. They will analyse how media arts works communicate meaning and think critically about media representations and their impact on audiences. They will media projects in preparation for senior studies.
Major projects in the past have included:
• Photography and Design Portfolios
• Video Production and Editing
• Digital Art Creation
• Graphic Design and Advertising
• Print and Digital Publications
INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGIES
These subjects allow students to take a project from design through to production while developing their problem solving and practical skills.
Students will use and test their imagination in Industrial Technology. This subject provides the opportunity to create solutions through design using Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) and then utilise a range of materials, tools, machines and processes to produce quality outcomes. Students will cover skills learnt in Woodwork and Metalwork. In Year 7, students will trial these mediums and then in Years 8 & 9 students will be able to specialise into either Industrial Technologies – Wood, or Industrial Technologies –Metal.
In Industrial Technologies (Wood) and Industrial Technologies (Metal), students use traditional hand tools, and are able to enhance their basic mathematics and motor skills, working towards designing and creating their own product.
MUSIC
Music is a subject that allows students to creatively explore ideas of their own created and other artists. In class, we learn a variety of life skills including problem solving, teamwork, initiative, creative thinking and independence.
Performance is an opportunity for students to apply and develop practical musicianship skills. Across middle school, students have the opportunity to play ukulele, guitar, keyboard, drums, bass and vocals in groups and independently.
Composition is a challenging songwriting task where students can bring their ideas to life with a variety of digital enable students to gain an understanding of music and how they can express their stories in song.
STEM
In STEM, students will develop an understanding Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) drive innovation and solve real-world challenges through project and problem based discoveries.
Exploring disciplines such as Digital Technologies, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, and Engineering, students will engage in practical applications including robotics, drones, 3D printing, solving.
VISUAL ARTS
‘Creativity takes courage.’ - Henri Matisse
Our Middle School Visual Arts program exposes students to an array of materials, artistic processes and world views, allowing the opportunity to explore new ideas. Students draw inspiration from multiple sources to generate and develop their own designs, investigating artists from different cultural, historical and environmental contexts.
Students evaluate how visual arts are used to celebrate and challenge perspectives of Australian meaning through their own artworks to engage different audiences.
REFLECT
MAKE YOUR DECISION
When selecting your subjects, ask yourself:
Do these choices reflect my strengths and goals?
Will they help achieve my future career goals?”
For existing college students, subject selection for elective subjects is done through online web preferencing as part of the King’s Park Expo. For new students, subject selection is completed as part of the enrolment process.
MACKAY CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
Kindergarten to Year 12
Primary School - Providence Campus
17 Ambrose Way, North Mackay Qld 4740
Secondary School - King’s Park Campus 9 Quarry Street, North Mackay Qld 4740 Mackay Christian Colleges Ltd
Contact Us
+617 4963 1100
mcc@mccmky.qld.edu.au
mcc.qld.edu.au Po Box 3215, North Mackay Qld 4740
