Student opportunities and activities

At Mackellar Girls Campus, we offer a variety of programs in the classroom and across the school to help students build new skills, make friends and explore new interests. We offer an extensive co-curricular program to both the junior and senior students.

Programs available

The co-curricular program offers junior and senior modern dance ensembles, school productions, individual and group instrument tuition, school bands, instrumental and choral groups, public speaking courses, debating and public speaking competitions, Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, Mock Trial and specialist camps.

Mackellar also has a comprehensive curricular and cultural excursion program which has interstate and overseas links (the school has links with five schools in Japan, including a sister-city link between Manly and Taito Ku and Odawara) and a link school in Germany.

Religious education
Camps, out-of-hours and weekend activities are jointly organised with Balgowlah Boys Campus.

Dance
Opportunities for students in Years 7-12 include the Mackellar Dance Ensembles, who perform at the Sydney North Schools and the State Dance Festival, numerous eisteddfods, NBSC's On Show, Schools Spectacular, School Musical Productions and various other performance events throughout the year.

Debating and public speaking
Official inter-school competitions in Years 10, 11 and 12. Junior Debating Club and competition, Rotary/Lions etc public speaking competitions. Warringah Eisteddfod.

Drama
Drama productions. Entry in Area and State drama festivals. Drama camps.

Duke of Edinburgh
Mackellar has had a large number of students registered in the D of E scheme over the years. Students engage in Community Service, Sport, Skills and Expeditions. Expeditions involve students and staff from the school e.g. canoeing, bushwalking etc. Click here for further information

Environment committee
Involved in such programs as Keep Australia Beautiful, paper and plastic recycling, electricity usage monitoring, native gardens.

Exchange visits and tours
Students are invited to participate in a number of exchange programs within NSW and overseas. Coordinator provides assistance with information and organising host families. Billeting of students from other schools for languages visits, sport, performing arts, occurs regularly. Overseas tours by the Mackellar Community have included New Caledonia (French students), Europe, USA and the Middle East.

German exchange
Mackellar has opened an exchange relationship with Kamen Gymnasium, a high school in north west Germany.

Japanese exchange
The LOTE Department organises, and co-ordinates, many exchange visits from Japan. Students also participate in the LABO Exchange program. Welcome ceremonies and concerts involve students from Music, Dance, Physical Education etc. Students often billet exchange students from other countries. The School has special relationships with three high schools and one prefecture in Japan.

Mock trial
Selected students (team of 6) compete against both State and independent schools. Coach for the team is a volunteer solicitor or barrister.

Music
Music Groups offered include: Vocal Ensembles, Big Bands, Concert Bands, Orchestra, Rock Bands, Musical productions and Music camps. Individual guitar tuition with specialist teacher.

Our programs may include:

school sport, athletics and inter-school competitions
creative and performing arts groups and showcases
cultural and language activities
excursions and incursions
public speaking and debating
lunchtime and interest-based clubs
student leadership opportunities

Contact us to learn more about what’s available and how your child can get involved.

Our extra-curricular highlights

Swimming carnival

Our Students participate each year in the Swimming Carnival with competitive spirits, and school pride

Creative and performing arts

Drama, Music, and Art provide students to explore their creativity and express themselves with confidence

Languages

Japanese students take part in Club Onigiri, enhancing their appreciation of Japanese traditions

Trips and excursions

Science students deepened their understanding of science and the sea at the National Maritime Museum

Trips and excursions

Mega Maths Day at Sydney University — our students solved problems, and celebrated the power of numbers

Trips and excursions

History students stepped back in time at the Quarantine Station, bringing the past back to life

Cross country carnival

The start of an exciting cross country carnival

Food technology

Students cooking up everything from quick bites to gourmet creations in our modern, fully equipped kitchens

Our Library

Our library provides a supportive environment where students can enjoy quiet time, reflect, study, read, solve puzzles or simply unwind in a calm setting