The College strives to maintain a positive, caring and safe learning environment in which all students are provided with the opportunity to achieve success.

The College actively promotes a culture that encourages and celebrates the achievement of excellence, that values and respects individual diversity and that encourages participation by all members of the community.

Students are encouraged to take pride in themselves, their uniform and the College.

• McKinnon has a proud record of student achievement. The majority of our students aspire to and achieve entry to university.

• Over 50% of our students participate in the instrumental music program.

• The college offers an extensive co-curricular program which promotes leadership, cooperation and teamwork. This program includes academic challenges, performing arts and sport.

• Pastoral care is an integral part of our daily routine led by student managers, form teachers and the school counsellor and guidance officer. Care is facilitated by form assemblies, level assemblies and formal sub-school assemblies, and is enhanced by programs such as peer support.

• Student leadership is promoted through the appointment of school captains, house captains, music & sport captains, form captains and an elected Student Representative Council.

• Extension programs include: VCE Enhancement, Enhanced Learning in Mathematics and Science (ELMS), and university enhancement subjects.

Curriculum

Students study a comprehensive core curriculum in years 7 to 10. The Enhanced Learning Program in Mathematics and Science (ELMS) Program is an enrichment option for selected students in years 7 to 10.

In years 9 and 10 the core curriculum is complemented by a range of elective units.

Year 9 is enriched by the BYTES program and the MERC building.

Successful year 10 students are encouraged to select VCE subjects. Students in the Senior School can choose from an extensive range of VCE studies and can participate in the VCE Enhancement Program or undertake selected university enhancement subjects.

Student Performance

Student performance and well being is closely monitored and supported by teachers, Level Coordinators, Student Managers, Careers Advisors and a full time Student Welfare Counsellor. Subject reports are issued twice a year and are supplemented by two parent/teacher information evenings at each year level. Individual progress reports can be obtained on request and parents are encouraged to contact the College as concerns arise.

Parent Involvement and Communication

The College encourages parents to participate at both formal and informal information evenings, parent/teacher interviews, music performances and drama productions. Parents have the opportunity to contribute to the school council and council sub-committees.

We regard communication as a two way process between the family and the college. Avenues for communication exist via the student diary, fortnightly newsletter, post home newsletter, college website and email.

Telephone enquiries are welcome at all times.

Telephone: 8520 90000, fax: 9578 9253
Email: mailbox

Physical Resources and Environment

• An extensive information technology network supports six computer classrooms (including specialist music and LOTE labs), several pods of PC and Macintosh computers, and an online Resource Centre.
• Our music centre includes an auditorium, tutorial rooms, electronic keyboards.
• An assembly hall with a fixed data projector for large assemblies, sport and public events .
• A gymnasium incorporating a basketball court, table tennis area and weights room.
• The student-developed Korean Garden, with waterfall and traditional landscaping, provides a passive recreation area for students.
• Our Year 12 students enjoy the use of a modern and fully equipped Study Centre.
• Students can access specialist staff in the Careers Resource Centre and Student Welfare Lounge.
• A 250-seat lecture theatre.
• The McKinnon Exporation and Research Centre, home of the BYTES program for year 9 and LiveSmart program for year 10.
• The college facilities, gardens and grounds are continually being upgraded and improved.
• An emphasis on workplace safety for staff and students.