The McDonald College, North Strathfield NSW
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- Primary School
- Secondary School
- Primary - Year 12 School
- Single School Location
- Kindergarten
- Primary Campus
- Secondary Campus
- Integrated Boarding Campus
- Independent
- Non-denominational
Yes
Co-ed
Boarding Available
- Academic Achievement
- Co-curricular Activities
- Creative Arts
- Digital Technologies
- Educational Support
- Gifted and Talented
- Music
- Numeracy / Literacy
- Pastoral Care / Guidance
- Performing Arts
- Personal Values
- Robotics
- Social & Emotional Learning
- Special Needs
- Sport
- Visual Art
- French
- Tennis
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.
Junior School
Our Junior school class sizes starting in Kindergarten 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 Canada to Cooma 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 ATYP, Sydney Dance Company, AIM, 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.
Staff
Our highly experienced staff are professional, personable, and passionate. Many of our staff have been at the top of their career, are still active in their chosen field on a professional basis and stay current via professional development.
Performing arts 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, showcases, various plays, eisteddfod groups, and more. Additionally, we offer an Elite Masterclass Series with respected industry professionals and the popular International Summer School.
Fees & Scholarships
Please visit https://www.mcdonald.nsw.edu.au/apply/fees/
Alumni
We count amongst our alumni Emma Watkins (the former Yellow Wiggle), Bojana Novakovic (2022 Silver Logie nominee for Most Popular Actress), and Meg Mac (singer / songwriter). Dimitri Kleioris is with Sydney Dance Company, Harrison Lee is an artist at The Royal Ballet in London. Emily Flannery is a company dancer with Bangarra. Tim Draxl (actor, musical theatre).
Dimity Clancey (A Current Affair), Mariam Saab (ABC News), and Hollie McKay covers humanitarian and diplomatic crises from the frontlines of global war zones. Tennis player, Micheal Zhang, who achieved an ATAR of 99.95 is now studying mathematics and economics at Harvard on scholarship. All keeping good company with our graduates who are working as doctors, lawyers, teachers and business 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.
Welfare and personal development
The McDonald College has a strong track record and an ongoing commitment to nurturing the whole student through individual resilience, wellbeing, diversity and a sense of belonging to a creative and vibrant community. We acknowledge differences and celebrate the individual.
Open Days and Auditions
Throughout the year, we hold a series of Open Mornings, Open Days – in addition to Auditions for entry into Years 5 – 11.
Principal’s Tours are available by Appointment.
After Hours
We have an After Hours program that runs year-round and caters for all years and all levels. Visit mcdonald.nsw.edu.au/afterhours
We are an independent, non-denominational, co-educational Kindergarten – Year 12 school. We specialise in performing arts and elite sports, with an equal focus on academic rigour.
Acting | Classical Ballet | Contemporary Dance | Commercial Dance | Music | Musical Theatre | Technical Production | Elite Tennis | Rhythmic Gymnastics
The McDonald College is conveniently located at North Strathfield station and has its own private security entrance. North Strathfield runs on the T1 Northern Line, which connects the CBD to Epping and Hornsby via Strathfield.
"We believe this school is one of the best environments for children to develop as future leaders.”
(Parent of Current Student)
"It is a privilege to be able to send my son to such a unique school, where academia is so beautifully balanced with performing arts.”
(Dr N Mishchuk)
"Extremely positive environment. Great, inspring teachers.”
(Parent of Musical Theatre Winter School student)
"The children all love going to school. It's such an amazing place."
(Parent of Current Student)
"Every day at school is filled with such wonderful opportunities for the students."
(Parent of Current Student)
I believe the best start in life for children is to nurture their curiosity, creativity, and communication skills.
At The McDonald College, we place equal emphasis on academic rigour and the pursuit of each student’s performance passion.
Each year our graduates are offered places in Australia’s leading universities studying Medical Science, Engineering, Law and Cybersecurity to name but a few faculties. One of our recent tennis graduates is now studying Business at Harvard.
Many of our graduates have gone on to achieve great things on the stage both in Australia and overseas. We are a small community with a global reach.
Our collaborative approach sees our dedicated teachers working with parents to ensure their student flourishes in a safe and caring environment to achieve their optimal results and opportunities.
I invite you to meet with me to talk about how we can nurture your student’s journey.
Maxine Kohler,
Principal and Founding Director
Henry Burgess from The McDonald College to The Royal Ballet School, London
For aspiring classical ballet dancers, gaining a coveted place in The Royal Ballet School in London is a
pivotal moment at the beginning of their career. Admission to the School is based purely on talent and
potential, regardless of academic ability or personal circumstances. Every year thousands of dancers from all
over the world audition.
Henry Burgess – a current Year 10 student at The McDonald College attended auditions in Brisbane last
December. From 1,400 hopefuls, Henry was one of 12 boys aged 15 – 18 invited to the Finals in London. He
was subsequently offered a place to commence studies at The Royal Ballet School in September 2023.
He says, “I am proud to have represented The McDonald College. I am grateful to my teachers. I've put in a
lot of hard work. But if it wasn't for my teachers and my family, I simply wouldn't be here.”
Principal of The McDonald College, Ms Maxine Kohler says, “We are incredibly proud of Henry. It’s been
such a pleasure to watch him grow as a strong, technical, and artistic dancer under the tutelage of our worldclass
teachers.”
Athletics and artistry
As a child, Henry was athletic and loved sports. At the age of six, he started dancing hip-hop with friends for
fun. “I took my first class in classical ballet and loved it. But I remember telling mum I didn’t want to go back
because I was the only boy. She encouraged me to give it another chance.”
“It was the teachers at my local dance studio who suggested my artistry would be best nurtured at The
McDonald College. Mum and I came to a Junior School performance showcase. We were blown away by the
talent of the kids. I attended a Trial Day and started at the College when I was in Year 5.”
Henry’s next move
“My immediate goal is to get settled into a new life in London, learn as much as I can, and refine my
technique and artistry. Ultimately, I would love to earn a place in the Royal Ballet Company, alongside other
Australian male dancers. To work with Steven McRae, who is an idol of mine, or Harrison Lee a McDonald
College alumnus would be phenomenal. These men are the reason I keep working towards my goals.”
(as voted by site visitors)
The McDonald College, North Strathfield NSW
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Our unique approach to education has nurtured talents like Emma Watkins, Nikki Webster, Felicity Ward, Tim Draxl and many more. |
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