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There is no other school in Australia, like McDonald College. Our students love coming to school as they study their academic curriculum integrated with excellence in performing arts. Together with the motivation provided by studying dance, ballet, acting, music, or musical theatre every day, our unique timetable stimulates our students to achieve in all areas of their life. Our environment supports and nurtures creativity, enabling us to graduate students who are lateral thinkers and excited about life beyond school. Whether their chosen career is on the stage as a performer or in the world of medicine, law, or global business, our students are confident communicators, distinguished leaders, and diverse role models. Coming from a performing arts background, We have been fortunate to combine this passion with a determination to ensure that performing artists have every opportunity to nurture their talents while achieving the highest academic education that they are capable of. The College's philosophy is for our students to follow their passion while keeping their options open for that which lies beyond their school days. We fully understand that a passion for performance means that children are creative and think laterally. We harness and develop this trait for our students as they strive for excellence academically. This is precisely what we have been doing for over thirty years. We strongly believe that our legacy of successful students stands as a testament to our approach and philosophy. We intend that all students can discover and develop their talents within a supportive school environment. The vitality, diversity, and creativity we can offer through our educational programs will foster true Australian and world citizens. We embrace creative expression in a non-judgemental and inclusive environment. At The McDonald College, we are proud to embrace the following core values: Humility, Honour, Passion, Commitment, Appreciation and to demonstrate these in all our endeavors. We recognize that students who have been nourished through creative experiences can build their confidence and self-esteem. There are real and tangible social advantages for students in a Performing Arts School. By its very nature, this is a nurturing environment for students. Students are happier and build deep reservoirs of confidence and self-esteem. Additionally, the performance opportunities and program mean that every student is supported to address and interact with the audience. In this way, they learn assertive communication skills, such as persuasion, entertainment, and influence. These skills apply to a myriad of diverse careers. There are opportunities for interaction with same-age peers in academic classes and younger and older students in performance ensembles. Strong bonds are forged with fellow students in an exciting learning environment where peer support is high, and interaction is abundant with supportive peers. In this environment, students are encouraged and challenged to give their best, reach their potential, and achieve. Our firm belief is that the Performing Arts raises both academic achievements and fosters exceptional students and people's development. Every student is supported, included, and encouraged to develop, achieve, and perform. The McDonald College has the facilities and exceptional staff necessary to help creative young people reach both their academic and Performing Arts potential. Our history has shown that only McDonald College has been able to simultaneously achieve a high-level academic education and solid Performing Arts training for our students. Continuing this unique immersive approach, students today enjoy on average ten hours or more a week in dedicated Performing Arts tuition. Furthermore, they are surrounded by like-minded students, teachers, and industry specialists who all share a passion for performing and gaining new opportunities. View full school

Established in 1994, McDonald International Academy (M.I.A.) is a fully registered and accredited secondary school inspected by the Ontario Ministry of Education. M.I.A. is a vibrant academic and social community, boasting the highest North American standards through a collaborative effort from teachers and students alike. We employ the latest teaching methods and technological aids to provide students with excellent educational opportunities. Since our inception, over 10,000 students from over 40 countries have graduated from M.I.A. and have successfully been accepted into universities and colleges in Canada and the United States. Welcome to McDonald International Academy, your home away from home. Our school offers a wide variety of programs and subjects: each with a stimulating curriculum taught by highly qualified, experienced, professional educators who help our students succeed – not only in our school, but also in the future studies and career paths they choose after completing their studies at M.I.A. Our school promotes more than academic excellence. We know that students' moral is essential too, so we provide a pleasant atmosphere where students can thrive socially in a secure environment. Students tell me how much they like McDonald International Academy and how rewarding this time in their lives have been. I trust that you, too, will immensely enjoy and benefit from your time here. The Secondary School Program (Grade 9-12 University Preparation Program) offered at McDonald International Academy (M.I.A.) is developed according to the Ontario Ministry of Education and Training requirements. The program aims to provide students' high-quality learning in a friendly learning environment and allow individual students to choose programs that suit their skills and interests. The program is designed with a flexible schedule to maximize their career planning and post-secondary school education opportunities. McDonald International Academy follows the globally recognized curriculum set by the Ontario Ministry of Education. This four-year program is designed to adequately prepare students for post-secondary studies at University or College in Canada, the United States, and worldwide. Our credits are recognized by all American and Canadian universities and Colleges. Since our inception, over 15,000 students from 40 countries have graduated from M.I.A. and successfully entered many well-known universities and colleges both in Canada and the U.S.A. Also, over 20 % of our graduates are offered University Entrance Scholarships each year. Students may apply to any university of their choice during a student's final year of high school. In Canada, they require six grade 12 pre-university level credits in order to be considered. Each university and the specific program will have its minimum grade requirements for admission. They may also apply for college programs that require completion of their O.S.S.D. and specific prerequisite courses depending on the area of study. The 110-hour IELTS preparation course focuses on improving students' English language skills and testing techniques and strategies for IELTS listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The purpose is to help students learn about and prepare for the IELTS test systematically and achieve a minimum of band 6.5 for each component, with an overall band score of 7 or higher. Two instructors teach the courses: Maren Hancock (Ph.D. Candidate, MA, B.A. (Hon), A.R.T.C., A.M.R.C.) will teach the IELTS writing and speaking portions, and Jasmine Wang (MEd, MA,) will teach IELTS reading and listening. Maren Hancock is a Ph.D. Candidate in Humanities at York University. She currently teaches at Ryerson University in the Department of Creative Industries and will be defending her dissertation in Spring 2020. Maren also holds two teaching diplomas in Speech Arts and Drama and has over twenty years' experience teaching academic writing and public speaking. She is also a renowned professional D.J., musician, and entrepreneur. Maren actively supports her students by targeting their needs and then tailoring her teaching accordingly. Combining students' specific needs and learning styles, she helps students improve their speaking and writing responses with concise academic vocabulary, expressive sentences, and easy to follow the logic, always while responding to frequently occurring topics in IELTS. Maren's class can effectively help students achieve a qualified 6.5 or 7.5 on both speaking and writing. Jasmine Wang holds an MEd in Language and Literacies Education from OISE, and an M.A. in Linguistics and English Language Teaching from Shandong University, China. She also holds a TESOL Certificate from Woodsworth College, University of Toronto. Jasmine has over 17 years' experience teaching IELTS preparation courses, and many of her students have achieved high band scores – ranging from 6.5 to 9 – in their IELTS testing. Jasmine has a concise and thorough understanding of students' needs, and she carefully designs her lessons to suit students' actual needs. Through many of her years of experience, she knows the IELTS questions' critical principles very well. Combining her unique strengths in understanding student needs and the IELTS test, she helps her students effectively achieve their desired scores. View full school