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Junior secondary

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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Mackay North State High School’s Junior Secondary curriculum represents a sequence of carefully planned and balanced learning experiences designed to meet the current and future needs of our students. It is grounded in student focused educational philosophy and practice, responsive to individual student needs, as well as being rich in real-life significance.
 
Please find our downloadable 2024 Year 9 Curriculum Guide.pdf​​​ which contains all subject level information needed to make your subject selection choices.
 
If you cannot download the curriculum document linked from this page, please feel free to contact the school and we will provide a pre-printed copy via the school office.

Year 7

Students in year 7 will study our core subjects for the duration of the Year: English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities (History, Geography & Civics), Language studies (Japanese) and Physical education. They will also engage in an elective rotation, studying a term each of Visual Arts, Home Economics, Digital Technologies and Music.  Students will also undertake studies in Student Development Home Group Program, which addresses life skills, school values and wellbeing education.

Year 8

Students will continue studies from year 7, building on learning experiences in English, Mathematics, Humanities, Science, Language studies and Physical education. They will continue Language studies for a semester and build on the elective rotation, studying a term each of Dance, Drama, Visual Arts, Business Studies, Information Technology and Design and Home Economics.  Students will also undertake studies in Student Development Home Group Program, which addresses life skills, school values and wellbeing education.

Year 9

In year 9 students while still continuing with core subjects of English, Mathematics, Humanities, Science and Physical education.  Students are also able to select two electives to study for the duration of the year.  This approach to curriculum engages our students in an education pathway most suited to their individual needs.  Students will also undertake studies in Student Development Home Group Program, which addresses life skills, school values and wellbeing education.

Primary school partnerships

We work closely with our local primary schools to ensure a smooth transition into high school. We hold a number of open nights, school tours and an orientation day  to allow students not only to engage in enhanced learning opportunities and to meet and engage with other students from within the cluster, but also to familiarise them with our school surrounds thus allowing for a seamless transition.
The creation of Junior Secondary as a distinct phase of learning at Mackay North State High School is designed to respond to the needs of students in early adolescence.  

Distinct identity

Students are encouraged and supported to develop their own group identity within the wider high school. This includes dedicated school areas and events. Currently we have a distinct Junior Secondary precinct, parades, lunchtime events, enrichment days and excursions.

Student well-being

Our school has a strong focus on pastoral care. Each student from years 7-12 is placed in a Home Group, where their individual learning needs are discussed and reflected on.  As part of the Home Group course, emergent issues relevant to that period of time are also discussed and addressed.

Parent and community involvement

We encourage parents to stay connected with their students’ learning when they enter high school. Parent involvement in special events, welcome BBQ, May Fair, parent teacher interview evenings, open nights, award ceremonies, leadership presentations and parent partnership meetings are always welcomed.

Leadership

Leadership roles are available for all students in the Junior Secondary.  A variety of working parties are held throughout the year as well as the Junior Secondary Leadership Positions in Year 9. A dedicated junior secondary team including Year Level Coordinator, Head of Junior Secondary, Junior Secondary Deputy Principals and Principal lead the Junior Secondary.

Local decision making

The needs of our school community influence how the Junior Secondary is implemented in our school. Feedback from the student council and the wider student body around emergent issues where appropriate and feedback from students.

Junior Secondary Bring Your Own Device (BYOx)

For information about the Junior Secondary Bring Your Own Device please click on the link below.
We look forward to the opportunity to provide a high quality education to all students in these very important years of development.
For more information contact Mr Clay Simpkins, Head of Department, Junior Secondary.
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Last reviewed 07 November 2023
Last updated 07 November 2023