The provision of an excellent schooling experience for students in the twenty first century requires a multi-faceted and flexible approach.  Our society is characterised by rapid economic change, cultural diversity, pervasive growth in information and communication technology and an increasingly competitive labour market.

Our school curriculum has been planned taking account of these changes, and incorporates the following principles:

• Teaching strategies and curriculum should focus on the maturity levels of students. The learning and development needs of middle school students (Year 8 & 9) are different to those of senior school students (Years 10, 11 & 12).
• Students exit Mountain Creek State High School with a ‘worthwhile’ secondary education that prepares them for further education and training or full-time employment.
• A target pass rate of 87% for student performance.  That is, 87% of students are expected to achieve a minimum of a C standard in all of the subjects they study.
• A Whole School Approach to Effective Learning and Teaching, which incorporates a Literacy Strategy and an Information and Communication Strategy.
• Achievement of a minimum standard for promotion (prerequisites) from one year level to the next with provisions to achieve minimum standards.
• Provision of advanced placements in the Senior School.

At Mountain Creek, it is recognised that our students require not only a meaningful and relevant curriculum but also a cleverly designed school structure that better integrates the key element of good pedagogical practice with a pastoral care framework that best supports young people in a rapidly changing world.  Our split-shift timetable allows us to operate a ‘Senior School’ and a ‘Middle School’, enabling us to focus programs and teaching styles very sharply on the maturity level of our students.  At the same time, the sub-schools improve student learning through the promotion of positive student-teacher relationships.

Our purpose in Years 11 & 12 is quite clear: to provide not only the opportunities but also the motivation and encouragement to all students to achieve their best in the subjects they study.  All students need to graduate with a Student Education Profile that is going to be useful to them in gaining employment and in further education and training.

Expectations of students are high.  When students have turned sixteen they are not compelled to attend school. Those who choose to attend this school will be expected to complete homework and assignments at home in their own time.  They will be expected to be task-oriented and business-like in their daily classroom activities. 

The subject choice in Year 11 & 12 is extensive catering for the range of students enrolled in the school.  This Subject Selection Handbook is a comprehensive overview of the courses of study in Year 11 & 12.  The handbook is designed to assist students and parents in making informed decisions about subject selection. Through the Education and Career Planning process students will receive further advice on the selection process.  The school also offers an alternate senior curriculum in the form of the International Baccalaureate (IBDP) Diploma.  For more detailed information on the IBDP, please refer to the IB Diploma Subject Selection Handbook.

If you have any concerns or enquires, please do not hesitate to contact the school on 5457 8333.  Staff are always available to assist you with your selections.

Yours Sincerely,

Cheryl McMahon
Head of Senior School