Murdoch College
Secondary College on University Campus

The first of its kind in Western Australia, Murdoch College has a goal to ensure a well-balanced mix of students from throughout the metropolitan and outer Perth regions, together with students from various overseas countries. As it grows towards its target capacity of 900 students during the first five years, Murdoch College will achieve justifiable prominence as an outstanding choice for secondary schooling in Western Australia

Murdoch College brings a unique sense of excitement to secondary studies. This is a College for the next century and, being new, has taken the opportunity to bring together the latest ideas and innovations in secondary education.

High-tech equipment, a motivated teaching staff, latest curriculum changes, optimum-size classes, individualised student support and a lively environment for learning are the outcomes.

Parents can feel confident that in Murdoch College, their children will be exposed to the advantages of co-educational, multicultural, non-denominational schooling which all contribute to full and balanced personal development during these formative years.

Whatever their backgrounds, students of Murdoch College will have every opportunity to achieve a broad range of goals through the provision of excellent resources - human, technological and physical. Although the College is committed to exploiting technological advantage, it will also ensure that the personal interaction and support required for individual development is maintained.

The teaching areas have been designed in response to the latest developments in education. They include special areas for individual learning and small group work, in addition to traditional classrooms. The modern theatre-style auditorium for lectures, presentations and other events enhances the total learning environment.

Beyond the academic curriculum, the school also has non-compulsory, comprehensive sporting and outdoor education programs to benefit students.

The partnership between Murdoch University and Alexander Education Group in this venture will bring continuous professional interaction among the teaching staff, and shared access to university and college facilities, courses, and resources.

On graduation, those who proceed to university will already be familiar with campus life, and will have acquired the academic skills necessary for successful tertiary studies. In fact, some students will have had the opportunity to accelerate their studies by enrolling in university units whilst still at College

We expect that our students will go out into the world as caring, confident, socially well adjusted young people, able to be successful individuals as well as good team players.
Murdoch College is an exciting educational initiative that will continue to develop further opportunities over the years, so that both students and their parents will share a rewarding learning experience

Programs
Western Australian Universities' Foundation Program (WAUFP)
The Western Australian Universities' Foundation Program (WAUFP) is a joint project of the four Western Australian public universities.

The Program is designed for international students for whom English is a second language. It builds upon the students' studies in their home country and increases their English language fluency to meet the entry requirements for undergraduate courses at any of the four universities.

This program is also recognised by many leading Australian universities in other states as meeting their undergraduate degree entry requirements.

WAUFP Programs
Students start their studies at the beginning of February (Standard Program) or toward the end of April (Accelerated Program). The total tuition time is the same for both starting dates. Students undertaking the Accelerated Program have catch-up classes after school hours in order to make-up class time.

Compulsory subject
English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS): this is a double subject which provides skills development in listening, speaking, reading and writing in the English Language and education in Australian social and cultural topics.

Elective subjects
Students must choose at least three, but no more than four, subjects from the following list:

Accounting
Applicable Mathematics
Calculus
Discrete Mathematics
Economics
Human Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Information Systems
The choice of subjects will be influenced by the prerequisites of the university course(s) chosen, and by the students' interests and abilities.

Academic assessments
Throughout each course internal assessments will be carried out. These will make up 50% of the final grade.

At the end of the course (mid to late November) a final external examination will be written. This mark will make up the other 50% of the final grade.

Note: All examinations are moderated by university-appointed moderators. Some of our teachers are moderators, examination setters and markers.

An academic bridging program is available for those students requiring greater focus on academic English and study skills. It is designed for students who have not achieved the equivalent of an IELTS score of 5.5. The bridging program (Pre-Year 12) offers 5 or 3 months of additional study prior to the commencement of the standard program

PROGRAMS OFFERED

Year 12 (TEE)
Students select five or six subjects in Year 12. It is compulsory to choose either English or English as a Second Language (ESL). It is also necessary to have at least four (4) subjects that contribute to the Tertiary Entrance Score.

Subject selection in Year 12 is very much influenced by which University/post-secondary program that student intends to pursue. It is necessary to consult university handbooks and College staff to ensure that the subjects chose satisfy the necessary prerequisites for future studies (particularly Mathematics and Science prerequisites).

At the completion of Year 12, students write the Tertiary Entrance Examination (TEE) which is a Western Australian public examination. Successful completion of the TEE will qualify students for university entrance throughout Australia and other countries.

Year 11
Students normally select 6 subjects. An English subject, English or English as a Second Language is compulsory.

Examples of Subjects:
English Literature
Economics
Geography
Chinese: Second Language
Biology

Year 10
This is a transition year where students focus on their preparation for Years 11 and 12. Subjects currently offered are:

English
Mathematics
Science
Society and Environment

Years 8 and 9
In the middle school, the curriculum focuses on acquiring a broad-based general education with emphasis on the development of sound literacy and numeracy skills. The curriculum includes the following learning areas:

English
Mathematics
Science
Studies of Society and Environment
Languages Other Than English
Technology and Enterprise
Health and Physical Education
The Art

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