FAQ’s
About Our College
How did Mackay Christian College begin and who governs it?
What are the fees?
What are the Prep – Year 12 enrolment procedures?
What are the Pre-Prep enrolment procedures?
What is a Christian education?
Are all teachers at MCC Christians and are they qualified?
Do you have children at MCC from a range of Church backgrounds?
What does the College expect of its parents?
What discipline strategies are employed at MCC?
What is the size of the College and the range of facilities?
How is MCC funded?
What are your future plans at the College?
How can I make a donation?
About Our Education
What curriculum does MCC follow and are your programs accredited?
Are text books supplied?
Do you stream your classes?
What extra opportunities are available for gifted students?
What support is available for struggling learners?
What certification do MCC students get at the end of Year 12 and can MCC graduates go to university?
What is the QCE?
What is MCC’s record in OP Scores?
What about students who do not want to go to University?
What is the Trade Training Centre?
How does Pre-Prep operate?
How does Prep operate?
Is computer technology part of your curriculum?
Do I need a Notebook?
What does having a Notebook mean for your child?
What is the College’s Child Protection Policy?
What opportunities are available for parents to be involved in the education of their children at MCC?
About Our Extra-Curricular Activities
Do you have an Instrumental Music Program?
Do students go on camps and excursions?
What extra-curricular opportunities does MCC offer?
What sport is available for MCC students?
Can I get assistance with transport to and from the College?
How did Mackay Christian College begin and who governs it?
Mackay Christian College was begun in 1984 by Mackay Christian Family Church in order to provide a high quality education that would support the values of Christian families. The Directors of Mackay Christian Colleges Ltd are elected at the company’s Annual General Meeting and are responsible for the spiritual, legal and financial oversight of the College. Managerial responsibility for the College’s operations is delegated by the Directors to the Principal.
What are the fees?
Mackay Christian College remains committed to keeping fees as low as possible and yet providing excellent facilities, resources and opportunities for students. For more information on our fees and charges click here.
What are the Prep – Year 12 enrolment procedures?
For information regarding enrolments within Australia click here. For all information regarding International enrolments click here.
What are the Pre-Prep enrolment procedures?
A Pre-Prep Enrolment Form and Medical Form should be completed and submitted to the College Office along with your $200 deposit. Please include proof of age (birth certificate or passport) and proof of immunisation. Once your application has been processed, an interview with the Head of Junior Campus will be organised. If your child’s enrolment is successful, an offer of placement will be made by the Enrolment Officer a short time after the interview.
Please Note: Submission of the Enrolment Application and $200 deposit does not guarantee placement in the Pre-Prep Learning Centre.
For more information on Pre-Prep enrolments click here.
What is a Christian education?
We believe that a Christian is a person who has made Jesus Christ both Saviour and Lord of their life. That is, a Christian is a person who:
- believes that Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, died and rose again;
- who has recognised their sinful condition;
- who has received forgiveness of their sins through faith in Jesus Christ;
- and who seeks to live their life in obedience to God’s Word.
Christianity is, in essence, an ongoing relationship with God – not just a Sunday morning event but a way of life.
A Christian education is an education that supports and promotes Christian faith in the lives of the students. A range of strategies are employed to this end. They include employing teachers who model Christian living, Christian Studies classes, class devotions and weekly Chapels. We seek to encourage our students to study the Scriptures and to know God so that they might be able to see the world the way God sees it. In this way we hope that they might be able to serve the world through their Christian character and to respond with enthusiasm and integrity to the challenges and opportunities that are before them.
Are all teachers at MCC Christians and are they qualified?
It is a requirement that all teachers at MCC are fully committed Christians. We all know that lifestyles are more ‘caught than taught’. Our teachers are able to role model the Christian life for our students. All teachers in Queensland, including those at MCC, must be qualified to teach and be registered with the Queensland College of Teachers.
Do you have children at MCC from a range of Church backgrounds?
Yes. Mackay Christian College has students from almost all church denominations. The style of worship at the College is contemporary rather than traditional. As far as possible, students are the musicians, singers and leaders of worship.
What does the College expect of its parents?
The greatest expectation that the College has of its parents is that they show an interest in their children’s learning and associated activities such as attendance at concerts, special events and sports days as they are able. Parents are expected to supervise homework (without doing it for the child), even up to the Senior years.
Parents from throughout the College assist in the Tuckshop which provides funds for various projects and resources. Various ‘Friends of the College’ groups fundraise for special projects on a regular basis.
We also ask that parents support the standards and procedures of the College and that parents raise questions and concerns with the staff of the College as required.
What discipline strategies are employed at MCC?
The most common discipline strategies employed at MCC are the firm, fair and consistent guidelines set down and reinforced by teachers in the course of each day.
These include a word of correction, a stern look, or physical proximity. Students who do not respond to these strategies face sterner measures such as some withdrawal of privilege or detention. Rarely, corporal correction may be used, particularly with younger children for whom detentions are not understood.
The Discipline Schemes of the Early/Junior and the Middle/Senior Years outlines the consequences for students involved in serious misbehaviour or repeated misbehaviour. These may include suspension and/or expulsion from the College. While expulsion is clearly a last measure, the College is unable to indefinitely continue the enrolment of students who detract significantly from the good order of the College and wellbeing of its students (particularly their opportunity to learn).
For more information visit our Pastoral Care page here.
What is the size of the College and the range of facilities?
Mackay Christian College has approximately 1000 students or 60 to 120 students per year level. The College encompasses Junior, Middle and Senior Years of schooling in order to increase the pastoral care of the students. The college is expected to grow to around 1500 students over the next 5 – 10 years.
The College is situated on a beautiful property in the middle of Mackay’s growing population.
The College also has an arrangement with the Mackay District Rugby Union for the regular use of their ovals.
For more information on our facilities click here.
How is MCC funded?
Approximately 70-75% of our recurrent costs come from the Federal and State Government. The remainder comes from the Tuition Fees paid by parents.
What are your future plans at the College?
To read our Strategic Plan and find out about our future plans and vision for the College click here.
How can I make a donation?
Financial contributions give parents, guardians and friends of our college opportunities to assist with the progress of our mission and vision. As some of our college community volunteers to give of their time in particular areas, you may want to consider contributing in another way to the construction and refurbishment of our facilities through the Mackay Christian College Building Fund. All donations to our building fund over $2 are tax deductible.
Donations can be made at the College Office using cash, EFTPOS or credit card. Your tax deductible receipt will then be issued to you. If you would like to contribute financially for other projects or the ongoing costs of the College, you can speak to the Accounting Manager directly. Alternatively our friendly Office staff can direct you to the appropriate person.
What curriculum does MCC follow and are your programs accredited?
Our Pre-Prep learning facility curriculum is guided by the Early Years Learning Framework –Belonging, Being, Becoming – addressing the special learning needs of the early years child.
From Prep to Year 10 our programs follow guidelines established by the Queensland Studies Authority; though Queensland independent schools have significant freedom to develop curriculum to meet their own needs. MCC uses that freedom to provide our students with what we believe are the best learning opportunities possible.
In Years 11 & 12, all of our programs follow syllabuses published by the Queensland Studies Authority. These programs are accredited by the Authority. In addition, we undergo regular Quality Assurance and Accreditation processes.
In 2012, MCC will be implementing work programs that have been constructed using the new Australian Curriculum. These planned units of work will be adjusted as the year progresses and as aspects of the Australian Curriculum are finalised through the Australian Curriculum and Assessment Reporting Authority (ACARA).
Are text books supplied?
Mackay Christian College operates a Textbook Hire Scheme which saves parents the expense of purchasing texts.
Do you stream your classes?
Some classes are ability and/or gender streamed where it is believed that it will result in improved outcomes for all learners.
What extra opportunities are available for gifted students?
All students are challenged to extend themselves through a range of opportunities, such as:
- Australian Schools English, Mathematics, Science and Computing Competitions.
- Maths Teams Challenge.
- University courses (for selected Senior students as an enhanced studies program).
- Clubs (for more information click here).
- Eisteddfod Participation.
- Physics, Chemistry and Biology Olympiads for Senior students.
What support is available for struggling learners?
The Learning Support Centre provides support to students with a range and level of learning difficulties (unfortunately, these resources are not unlimited). Teacher Aides provide assistance through programs such as Maths and English support, Reading support, Fine Motor Skills support and Speech support.
What certification do MCC students get at the end of Year 12 and can graduates go to university?
Students earn credit points towards a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) by passing their subjects. At MCC we have a variety of subjects at all levels of difficulty to assist students to achieve their QCE. Through subject choices, students may make themselves eligible for an Overall Position (OP Score) which is a significant determinant of their success of being offered a place at University.
What is the QCE?
The Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) is a qualification awarded to young people at the completion of the Senior Phase of Learning, usually at the end of Year 12. It confirms a student’s achievement of: a significant amount of learning, a set standard of achievement and meeting literacy and numeracy requirements. Students will need to attain 20 learning credit points. The certificate is issued by the Queensland Studies Authority.
Students at Mackay Christian College choose 6 elective subjects ranging from more difficult OP subjects to practical Vocational Education subjects. An additional 7th core subject CLEAR thinking also contributes towards a QCE.
What is MCC’s record in OP Scores?
OP Scores are gained by students and not, essentially, by schools. The OP record of any school will be significantly determined by the aptitude of its students. Nevertheless, most educators agree that a school plays its part in providing the quality of teaching and the general environment that influences the learning of its students.
To this extent MCC is pleased with its record. OP Scores range from 1 (highest) to 25 (lowest). On average, across Queensland, approximately 35% of eligible students gain an OP Score of 1-10. At MCC an OP Score of 1-10 is gained by 50-54% of our students each year. A high proportion of MCC’s graduates are offered tertiary places.
What about students who do not want to go to University?
Instead of pursuing an OP eligible program, Senior students can elect to be part of our well-developed Vocational Education program. They can apply for School Based Apprenticeships, Traineeships, or TAFE Courses, each requiring a one day per week off site commitment.
These students are still eligible for a QCE which lists the results of their studies including their nationally recognised units of Vocational study.
For more information see here.
What is the Trade Training Centre?
Mackay Christian College Trade Training Centre is a project funded by the Australian Government’s Trade Training Centre initiative. The MCCTTC is staffed and managed by Mackay Christian College on behalf of a consortium of Independent Schools in Mackay including Whitsunday Anglican School and Carlisle Christian College. The MCCTTC is being built at Mackay Christian College and will be used by students from all consortium members.
Mackay Christian College Trade Training Centre is a facility that will allow students of the Mackay community who are enrolled at any of our consortium schools to build their skills and enhance their opportunities to access employment and training in both the Engineering/Manufacturing and Building/Construction Industries.
MCCTTC seeks to support two groups of students. MCCTTC Trade Pathways Students – those who are seeking to graduate from Year 12 into a Trade Career and MCCTTC Single Subject Pathways Students – those who are considering University entrance or another career pathway.
MCCTTC Trade Pathways students will graduate with a Certificate I in Construction and a Certificate I in Engineering. In addition to these nationally recognised qualifications, MCCTTC Trade students will work together with MCCTTC staff to secure a future in the students preferred trade area through an Australian School based Apprenticeship (ASbA).
MCCTTC Single Subject Students are those seeking an OP score for University entrance who would like to add some foundational practical understanding and abilities to their skills set during the Senior schooling experience. These students may choose to undertake either a Certificate I in Construction or Engineering as one of their subject electives.
For more information on the MCCTTC visit its website here.
How does Pre-Prep Operate?
Mackay Christian College Pre-Prep believes that every child is a unique creation of God. All children have God given gifts and talents but not every child is the same. We work together with parents to provide the more formal part of a child’s education. We believe that children are capable young people who have been learning since birth and are able to take part purposefully in, and contribute to, their learning. They are capable of knowing truth about themselves and their world and they enjoy engaging in life and learning.
The Pre-Prep curriculum is constantly evolving and is aimed at engaging children in activities that are relevant to their experiences. It has been carefully developed to align with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and so encompasses a skilful balance of spontaneous and intentional learning opportunities.
The curriculum nurtures the child through an investigative approach. It is well resourced, giving children access and freedom to a variety of materials and investigative tools.
The children are actively involved in activities that include:
- Projects and activities which support early literacy and numeracy skills
- Discussion and planning about learning through mind mapping
- Spontaneous experience
- In-depth investigations of topics in which they have shown interest
- Complex reasoning tasks and situations
- Working together in partnerships
- Self-selection opportunities
The Pre-Prep Learning Centre is a happy, relaxed environment where learning experiences contribute to each child’s understanding of themselves, others and the created world. Godly attitudes and values will be encouraged.
The Pre-Prep program at Mackay Christian College will operate as a 5 day fortnight program. The day will begin at 8.30am and end at 2.50pm. The Prep-Prep will operate during school terms only.
The Pre-Prep uniform is compulsory.
For more information on the Pre-Prep Learning Centre click here.
How does Prep operate?
Our Prep is designed to prepare children for the formal learning that commences in Year 1. The children are engaged in a number of activities throughout the day such as playing with puzzles, art and craft time, listening to stories, ‘creative corner’ and playing in their own Prep playground. All of these activities are deliberately programmed to develop the physical, emotional, social, intellectual and creative aspects of the child.
Each Prep class has a teacher, a teacher’s aide, a specialist Music teacher and a specialist Physical Education teacher.
The Prep operates a ‘five day, full day’ program. The day begins at 8.30am and ends at 2.50pm. The Prep uniform is compulsory.
Is computer technology part of your curriculum?
There are currently over 840 computers on campus that students use to access information, design and create as a tool to enhance learning. Computers are integrated throughout the range of subjects, with internet connections to every classroom.
As students participate and learn in a digital world, it is important for them to become responsible cyber-citizens, underpinning their technology skills with CLEAR heart and mind values.
CLEAR technology @MCC aims to reinforce using the College’s CLEAR values as a filter for decision making when using technology.
For more information on the College’s CLEAR Technology visit their page here.
Do I need a Notebook?
Notebooks will become a compulsory part of parent-provided equipment for all students in Year 7 – 10 in 2012. The type of Notebook purchased will be selected by MCC, and no other model of Notebook will have access to the College computer network system. Students in Year 11 & 12 will have the option of purchasing the College approved Notebook and using it at MCC, if they wish to take advantage of this opportunity.
A student-owned Notebook will not be a compulsory requirement for Year 11 & 12 in 2012, however Notebooks will become a compulsory part of parent-provided equipment for all students in Year 7 – 11 in 2013.
What does having a Notebook mean for your child?
Your child will:
- Be able to connect to the College wireless computer network while at school to access filtered internet sites
- Be able to connect between home and school via the password protected College Portal website found here
- Become responsible for general care of their Notebook and associated routines eg. charging batteries before school each day
- Become responsible for backing up their data
- Need to bring their Notebook to the College on a daily basis
- Need to comply with the College Computer Network User Agreement and Code of Conduct.
Child Protection Policy
To view a copy of the College’s Child Protection Policy click here.
What opportunities are available for parents to be involved in the education of their children at MCC?
Mackay Christian College welcomes the involvement of parents in the education of their children. Many parents also help out in the Junior Years classrooms, attend excursions, assist with the Learning Support program, help in the grounds with cleaning or in the tuckshop.
We hold a Meet the Teacher night for the Prep – Year 5 students during Term 1 each year. At this time parents have an opportunity to meet together in an informal setting with their child’s classroom teacher.
For more information on Parent Involvement within the College click here.
Do you have an Instrumental Music Program?
Yes. Students can learn a range of instruments as well as Vocals and Speech & Drama on a fee-for-service basis. For information on the College’s well established Instrumental Music Program see the Creative Academy page.
Do students go on camps and excursions?
School camps are held annually for Years 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 &12. An annual Missions Trip to Torres Strait Islands is also held for Staff and Senior students
All Junior and most Middle/Senior Year students regularly go on excursions related to their studies.
What extra-curricular opportunities does MCC offer?
Mackay Christian College has a wide variety of Extra-Curricular activities available for students to participate in. For information on these activities click here.
What sport is available for MCC students?
Mackay Christian College offers many sporting opportunities both academically and as extra-curricular activities. There are also plenty of sporting events throughout the year such as Swimming Carnivals, Athletics Carnivals and Cross Country events. For information on any of these events and activities visit our Sport & Outdoor education page here.
Can I get assistance with transport to and from the College?
The Non Government Schools Transport Assistance Scheme (NGSTAS) is an initiative that aims to provide financial help to families struggling with school-related transport costs. For more information or to find out if you could be eligible for assistance click here.
A VALUES-BASED COMMUNITY
