MacKillop College - Bathurst

## 1. Overview MacKillop College Bathurst is a Catholic, co-educational secondary school serving Bathurst and the surrounding region. As a systemic Catholic school, it offers a values-based education within the NSW Catholic Education framework. The school is medium to large in size, with class sizes typically in the low-to-mid 20s, enabling both personalised attention and a collaborative classroom environment. The atmosphere is inclusive and supportive, balancing strong academic expectations with a vibrant sporting culture and a sense of community. The college emphasizes holistic development—academic achievement, character formation, and service to others. Students are encouraged to participate across academics, sport, arts, and community initiatives, helping to foster a well-rounded, energetic school culture that values respect, resilience, and teamwork. --- ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: English and literacy, Mathematics and science (STEM pathways), with strong emphasis on leadership development and languages. - Special programs: Gifted and Talented options, accelerated learning opportunities, and comprehensive HSC preparation for senior students. - NAPLAN trends: Over recent years, literacy and numeracy performance has shown steady improvement across cohorts, with the school maintaining competitive results relative to state levels. - Student-teacher ratios: Generally around 1:12–1:20, varying by year level and subject. - Support for diverse learners: EAL support for students from diverse linguistic backgrounds; dedicated learning support and individualised plans (SEN) to assist students needing additional help or adjustments. --- ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: A broad program including rugby league and rugby union, soccer, netball, cricket, basketball, tennis, athletics, and swimming. - Strong teams or achievements: Active participation in regional competitions with competitive teams across multiple sports and age groups. - Music, arts, drama programs: Robust music programs (ensembles and choir), drama productions, and opportunities to engage in performing arts. - Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, and various hobby/special-interest clubs. - Partnerships: Engagement with local clubs and regional competitions, plus access to coaching clinics and external programs to broaden skills. --- ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: Clear anti-bullying policies, restorative practices, and a focus on respectful, inclusive behaviours. - House system: A house-based pastoral framework to promote belonging, leadership, and healthy competition. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to trained school counsellors and a wellbeing team to support mental and emotional health. - Transition support for new students: Structured orientation, buddy programs, and targeted support to help new students settle in and build connections. --- ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: Substantial outdoor playing fields and courts to support physical education and sports programs. - Libraries: Well-resourced library supporting literacy, research, and study. - Science labs: Modern science laboratories for biology, chemistry, physics, and related STEM activities. - Music/performing arts centers: Dedicated spaces for music, drama, and performance activities. - Tech/innovation labs: Equipment and spaces for coding, robotics, and other technology-driven learning. - Cafeteria: On-site canteen offering a range of healthy options. - Updated playgrounds: Contemporary outdoor spaces for recreation and socialisation. --- ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: A values-based culture built around respect, compassion, service, integrity, and excellence in learning. - Leadership style: Student voice and leadership opportunities are encouraged; a collaborative approach that includes teacher, student, and parent partnerships. - Behaviour expectations: Clear codes of conduct and uniform standards, with emphasis on respectful behaviour and responsibility. - Community reputation: Positive standing within the Bathurst community, with active family and community engagement. - Diversity & inclusion: Committed to inclusion and supporting students from diverse backgrounds, including Indigenous and CALD students. --- ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Typical school day runs from morning start through to afternoon dismissal (times may vary by year level). - Before/after school care: Available to support families with extended hours and supervised study. - Uniform requirements: Formal school uniform for daily lessons, with designated sports uniform on specified days. - Transport (train/bus routes): Access to local transport options and school bus services across the Bathurst area. - Canteen availability: On-site canteen offering a range of meals and snacks. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees are in the mid-range for NSW Catholic secondary schools, with information and support available for families. --- ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Submit an application with required documents. - The school conducts an interview or information session, and may request additional information or assessments. - Families are notified of progress and the offer timeline; the process includes steps for enrolment confirmation and placement. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Depending on capacity, a waiting list may operate. Applications are kept on file, with priority given according to space, date of application, and any policy-based criteria. Prospective families are advised of expected timelines. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Entry typically involves family interviews and alignment with the school’s values. In some cases, there may be informational sessions or assessments to support placement decisions. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Yes, subject to space availability and placement considerations. Prospective mid-year transfer students should contact the admissions office to discuss options and required documentation. --- ## 9. Frequently Ask Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A values-based Catholic education with a supportive community, strong academics, and broad extracurricular opportunities. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who are motivated, collaborative, and eager to engage across academics, sport, arts, and service. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Accelerated learning and Gifted & Talented pathways, competitive sports teams, performing arts productions, robotics and coding clubs, and debating. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular newsletters, parent portals, SMS/phone updates, and scheduled parent-teacher evenings; ongoing access to pastoral and academic staff. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - A balanced approach that combines strong literacy and numeracy foundations with inquiry-based learning, collaboration, and real-world application. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted learning support, in-class adjustments, EAL support where needed, and access to guidance from teachers and the wellbeing team. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Individual learning plans, tutoring options, and coordinated support from specialist staff to address gaps and build confidence. - How does the school communicate with parents? (duplicate) - See above: newsletters, portals, calls, and meetings to keep families informed and engaged. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes typically in the low-to-mid 20s, with teaching teams and support staff focused on providing guidance and feedback. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A wide range of sports (including rugby, soccer, netball, cricket, basketball, tennis), music and drama programs, robotics, chess, coding, and debating clubs. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Comprehensive facilities including sports grounds, science labs, a library, music/performing arts spaces, and technology labs. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integration of digital tools to support learning, coding and ICT activities, and responsible use of technology within the curriculum. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Local transport options and school bus services, with accessibility considerations aligned to student needs. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees are mid-range for NSW Catholic secondary education, with information available on the school’s fees schedule and any financial assistance options. --- ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Values-based Catholic education with a strong sense of community - Broad academic programs and pathways (including STEM and languages) - Wide range of sports, arts, and clubs - Supportive wellbeing and pastoral care - Modern facilities and dedicated learning spaces - Cons - Large school environment may mean busier administration and composite year-level experiences - Uniforms and associated costs; ongoing uniform management - Travel time for families outside the Bathurst area - Mid-year transfer options depend on space availability