Mercedes College is a world class Catholic school in the Mercy tradition. We are a dedicated and experienced 3-programme IB World School and have been a leading International Baccalaureate School since 1989.
In response to our rapidly changing world, we aim to equip students to be life-long learners and global citizens by fostering internationalism. Our aims are embodied in fundamental Catholic principles and beliefs. We encourage respect and value human dignity, the questioning of the society in which we live and the ability to look beyond self-interest and help those in need. We aspire to realise the potential of all young people who are enrolled at Mercedes College, and educate them to be the best person they can be – intellectually, spiritually and socially. Our students take pride in being members of our thriving community.
Mercedes College News:
Taking the Personal Project Exhibition Online, November 2020
The IB Diploma is an internationally recognised matriculation certificate which qualifies students for entry into overseas universities as well as Australian universities. To be eligible for the Diploma, candidates are required to complete the following to a satisfactory standard: Six academic subjects, a Theory of Knowledge course, an Extended Essay, Creativity Activity and Service (CAS). Students must choose one option from each of the following six groups: Studies in Language and Literature (first language); Language Acquisition (second language: French, Indonesian, English, Spanish ab initio); Individuals and Societies (History, Economics, Business Management and Psychology); Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics); Mathematics (Mathematics, Mathematical Studies); The Arts (Visual Arts, Theatre, Music or another choice from one of the other groups).
A strong sense of community is nurtured in the Junior School with an emphasis on the pastoral care of each student and the active involvement of parents at all levels. The essence of the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) is a commitment to curriculum integration with structured inquiry, a vehicle for encouraging students to become active and critical learners. Topics of both global and local significance are addressed with positive action also forming an important component of this international programme. The framework focuses on the holistic growth of the child based on the inquiry approach to teaching and learning. The PYP framework incorporates a balance between five essential elements: knowledge, concepts, skills, attitudes and action. Subjects/topics within this transdisciplinary programme of inquiry are identified in terms of six themes:Who we are; Where we are in place and time; How we express ourselves; How the world works; How we organise ourselves and Sharing the planet. At the end of their final year (Year 5), students participate in The Year 5 Exhibition, which culminates the programme through the search for a solution to a problem of global significance.
The needs of our Middle School students are addressed through our Home Group structure and a curriculum that is relevant to today’s rapidly changing world. Specialist teachers support the Home Group teacher to deliver the Middle Years Programme (MYP). The MYP is a student-centred curriculum which spans five years of learning, commencing in Year 6 and concluding in Year 10 (Senior School). In the final year of their MYP, students undertake a Personal Project, an independent and significant piece of work that is intended to be the culmination of the students’ involvement with the six Global Contexts.
