THE McDONALD COLLEGE Claimed

The McDonald College is an independent, non-denominational, co-educational K – 12 school in North Strathfield. We offer a range of performing arts and elite sports disciplines with an equal focus on students’ academic studies.

· Acting
· Classical Ballet
· Senior Contemporary Dance with Sydney Dance Company (Years 10 – 12)
· Commercial Dance
· Music
· Musical Theatre
· Technical Production
· Elite Tennis (Voyager Tennis Academy) and
· Rhythmic Gymnastics (Synergy Gymnastics Academy).

Students love The McDonald College because here they find their people, people who appreciate their individuality and value their diverse interests. Parents love The McDonald College because we place equal emphasis on academic rigour and the pursuit of their child's passion.

We also have an After Hours program which runs year-round and caters for all years and all levels.

Junior School

Our Junior school class sizes mean we can offer personal support to your child, tailoring their education to their abilities and needs. Developing your child’s foundations of literacy and numeracy is our focus. We tap into their natural creativity through our engaging program of performing arts classes to build their confidence and self-esteem.

Boarding House

We can provide up to 45 boarders of all genders from Years 7 – 12 a home away from home. Boarders come from the world over – from China to Cootamundra and as close as Concord.
Our primary focus is to provide a secure, safe, caring and family-orientated environment. An environment where your child can develop academically, socially, physically, morally and emotionally. All while pursuing their passion – whether that be in performing arts or elite sports. We know that when students are doing something they love, they perform better at school and flourish as individuals preparing for life beyond school.
Our strong community values, together with holistic guidance and support for our boarders, creates close family-like relationships that last long after graduation.

Partnerships

Our unique partnerships with Sydney Dance Company, Voyager Tennis Academy, and Synergy Gymnastics Academy offer our students networks beyond school and pathways to the future with industry training of the highest calibre.

Performing arts opportunities

Performance opportunities: Our performing arts students are offered many opportunities to perform throughout the year, including at our High Performance Season, An Evening of Classical Ballet, various showcases, Eisteddfod groups, and more.

Each January, we host the popular International Summer School, featuring a host of special guest tutors conducting masterclasses for dancers of all ages. Additionally, we have the After Hours program, which is also open to the general public.


Fees & Scholarships

Please see our website.

Alumni

Emma Watkins, the former Yellow Wiggle, is arguably one of our most recognised graduates yet, she is just one of many success stories to come out of our unique school:

· Harrison Lee is an artist at The Royal Ballet in London
· Lachlan Monaghan, Principal Dancer, Birmingham Royal Ballet
· Jordan Micallef is with The National Ballet of Canada
· Our alumni at the Australian Ballet include Amanda McGuigan, Rohan Furnell, Hugo Humapit, and Daniel Idaszak
· Emily Flannery and Glory Tuohy-Daniell, dancers with Bangara
· At Queensland Ballet, Alexander Idaszak
· Dimitri Kleioris and Simon Plant, both with Sydney Dance Company

Because we place an equal emphasis on academics, graduates find they have a wealth of options to choose from.

Often, our alumni choose completely different paths to what they specialised in at school. Some go on to study at the best universities in the world and thrive in successful careers as Walkley Award-winning journalists, surgeons, lawyers, university professors and respected executive leaders.


Facilities

Science laboratories, nine dance studios, Pilates studio, acting studios, music and ensemble rooms, 60-seat theatrette, library, art studios, darkroom and digital laboratory, conference centre, TV and recording studio.

Electives Years 11 & 12

English (all levels), Mathematics (all levels), Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Ancient and Modern History, Visual Arts, Music, Drama, Dance, Design and Technology, Business Studies, Legal Studies, PDHPE.

Wellbeing

The McDonald College prides itself on its inclusive approaches to teaching and learning, which are critical for all students, regardless of their personal abilities, prior learning experience, gender, ethnicity, cultural, or socio-economic background.