C O M PA S S I O N
L O Y A LT Y
JUSTICE
INTEGRITY
RESPONSIBILITY
MUTUAL RESPECT
About Mercedes College Mercedes College is a contemporary school in a historical setting with open spaces and beautiful gardens in South Australia. The school is positioned at the base of the Adelaide foothills, 6 kilometres from the Adelaide CBD, overlooking sweeping views of the city and the vast South Australian coastline. Mercedes is a co-educational school with an enviable reputation for achieving academic excellence and of providing opportunities that enable our young people to reach their full potential. The College offers two proven pathways to university, the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB Diploma) and the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE). As an IB World School, Mercedes College is committed to international education. The College offers a holistic education that prepares students for life, service, leadership and membership of the global community and is a member of the Council of International Schools (CIS). CIS Accreditation drives continuous improvement at Mercedes, demonstrating our commitment to a high quality international education and strong commitment to fostering international understanding and awareness of others.
English Language Support Programme
International Baccalaureate (IB)
Students arriving from overseas undergo an English Language Programme as part of their preparation for joining mainstream classes at Mercedes College. This is provided on-site at Mercedes College and is called the Mercedes LINK Programme.
The IB Diploma is an internationally recognised high school certificate which qualifies students for entry into universities around the world. It is designed to facilitate the mobility of students and to promote international understanding. The programme offers a rigorous, comprehensive approach to learning in the last two years of secondary school (Years 11 & 12).
The English course is full time, as required by the Department of Immigration for students on a Student Visa from specific countries. The length of time spent studying English is also dependent on the student’s initial English level and the English level requirement needed for their academic study.
Free Study Skills Tutoring Senior School students have access to free academic tutoring groups after school on-site at Mercedes College. Information about the subjects available, the days the groups are held and the classroom location on the school campus is given to students during their daily home group class. Students may attend the groups each week or on a needs basis.
South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) The South Australian Certificate of Education is awarded to students who successfully complete their Senior Secondary Education. The SACE qualifies students for admission to Australian and international universities. Students study a broad range of subjects which enables them to undertake further studies and employment. Local and international students can achieve excellent results at Mercedes, in an environment of academic success and personal growth. Mercedes College prides itself on its high academic profile with more than 90% of students achieving Tertiary University entrance in a discipline of their choice, including at Oxford University and several leading universities in the USA.
Location Adelaide, the capital city of South Australia, is one of the world’s most beautiful and well planned cities. It is surrounded by parklands with rolling hills to the east and white sandy beaches to the west. Adelaide is a city of 1.3 million people with a stable and peaceful environment. It has one of the lowest costs of living of any city in Australia, is very multicultural and features international activities and festivals. Adelaide enjoys a moderate climate with hot, dry summers and cool to mild winters with moderate rainfall – similar to Italy or Spain. Adelaide experiences up to 10 hours of sunshine a day, with the average temperature ranging from 28C in summer to 15C in winter. Mercedes College is located in Springfield, just 6km from the city centre, one of Adelaide’s most prestigious suburbs. Adelaide offers an excellent public transport infrastructure with the College accessible by a public bus service that transports students to the bus stop located outside the school gates. Adelaide has found worldwide recognition, receiving the following awards: • 2018 Condé Nast Traveler “Most Friendly Cities in the World” • 2018 The Economist “List of Top 10 World’s Most Liveable Cities” • 2017 Lonely Planet rated South Australia in the Top 5 Regions in the World • 2016 The Economist Intelligence Unit (Liveability Ranking Index) voted Adelaide the World’s 5th Most Liveable City • 2015 UNESCO voted Adelaide with a “city of music” recognition. • 2015 UK’s Sunday Times named Adelaide on the list of Best Places to Live in the World. • 2015 Adelaide was the only Australian city to make the New York Times list of Places to Go in 2015. • 2014 Adelaide was voted the “best city in Australia” by Wotif reviewers. • 2013 Adelaide was voted the “fifth most liveable city of the year” for two years running by the Global Liveability Survey. • 2013 New York Magazine and the Chicago Tribunal wrote that “tourists should bypass Sydney for a stay in Adelaide” and “you can’t design a city better than this one”. • 2013 Adelaide was ranked in the Lonely Planet’s Top Cities to Visit and was voted by the Sydney Morning Herald poll as the “best Australian city to live in”.
Student Facilities Mercedes has the advantage of many specialist facilities and learning spaces as well as allocated areas for international students including: • Access to wi-fi with extensive use of personal MacBook Air Laptop computers
• Global Lounge and outdoor dining area equipped with microwaves and kettles
• Modern library and information resource centre
• Tuck Shop which provides a wide selection of food and drink for purchase
• Art, design and multimedia suites • Performing arts complex (Music, Drama and Film) • Fully equipped Science laboratories • Lecture theatre with adjoining tutorial rooms • Sports facilities including two gymnasiums, playing fields and tennis courts • Specialised international learning centre
• Year 12 private study area housing computers, printers and photocopiers and direct access to Year 12 Coordinators and teachers • Year 12 al fresco outdoor dining area with access to a kitchen equipped with a microwave, kettle and sandwich maker • A College Shop for uniform, stationery and bus ticket needs • Second Hand Uniform Shop
Learning Support International students generally enter in Years 9, 10 or 11 and undertake the IB Middle Years Programme (IBMYP) until the end of Year 10 and then elect to complete either the IB Diploma (IBDP) or South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) in Years 11 and 12. Mercedes College has a dedicated team of academic and specialist support staff. International students are supported by the Coordinator of Student Welfare and Accommodation, the Academic Advisor, the Coordinator of Learning Programmes, a Study Counsellor and Education Support Learning teaching staff. The College Psychologist is available to assist if required. Students are assigned to a Home Group Teacher who has daily contact with the students. Staff, including the Principal of Mercedes College, regularly visit the home countries of international students, providing personal information and details of the student’s academic progress directly to their parents and family. The Student Services Centre offers a variety of services and information to students. Career and tertiary course counselling and assessment services assist students in making study and career choices appropriate to their talents.
Wellbeing Mercedes College values the wellbeing of all students and staff as essential for ensuring a safe, supportive and thriving learning environment. The College actively works to build strong relationships, positive emotions, personal resilience and healthy lifestyles. We work with students to ensure they have a sense of belonging, are engaged in their learning, persevere in times of difficulty, give generously of their time and skills to others and express hope for their futures.
Academic Information International students have been studying at Mercedes College since 1969. During that time, the College has obtained an enviable reputation for achieving academic excellence and for assisting their students to achieve the best they can in their studies, sport, art, music and in life. Many international students at Mercedes College have done well in their Year 12 examinations, either in the International Baccalaureate (IB) or South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE). Both are pathways to university entry. In most years, the cohort of students in Year 12 consists of approximately 145 students with an average of 10 international students in each curriculum.
Year 11 and 12 SACE
Year 11 and 12 IB
Accounting
Biology
Biology
Business management
Business and Enterprise
Chemistry
Business Innovation
Chinese A
Chemistry
Economics
Community Service
English A
Creative Arts
English B
Drama
French B
English
French B Antic.
English Literary Studies
History
English as an additional Language (EAL)
Indonesian B
Essential English
Mathematics SL & HL
Essential Mathematics
Mathematical Studies SL
Legal Studies
Music
Mathematics 1/2
Physics
Mathematics Essential/General/Specialist
Psychology
Modern History
Spanish (ab initio)
Music
Spanish B
Nutrition
Theatre
Outdoor Education
Visual Art
Physical Education
Subject Selections
Physics Psychology Religion
Year 10
Research Project
Individuals and Societies Language Acquisition (e.g. French, ESL)
Society and Culture Visual Arts – Art
Language and Literature (English)
Visual Arts – Design
Mathematics
Workplace Practices
Personal Learning Plan Physical Education and Health Religious Education Science Options: • History • Psychology • Political Studies & International Relations • Business and Economics Arts Electives Art Media
Design Music
Drama
Information and Communication Technology Mercedes College provides a significant level of information and communication technology (ICT) in order to enhance learning and contribute to the academic and social development of the community. This includes the provision of hardware, software and access to the internet via wi-fi across the College. All Middle and Senior School students use a laptop for their studies, in conjunction with paper and ebooks. Students and parents are to agree to the terms and conditions of the ICT Acceptable Use Policy in the College Handbook and Student Diary before students are able to use the ICT resources at the school.
Sport and Extra Curricular Mercedes College believes in the holistic education of its students. The extra curricular activities offered at Mercedes College complement our student academic programme providing a balanced education for each student.
Clubs and Activities Other activities and clubs that are available include: Chess Debating Social Justice Committee Student Representative Council
Sports Offered
World Culture Club
The Mercedes Sporting Programme encourages participation to nurture a sporting culture that leads to personal achievement and the opportunity to explore new skills. A wide range of sports are offered to both boys and girls and include:
Choirs
Terms 1 and 4 Badminton Basketball (girls only) Cricket Cross Country Running Softball (girls only) Swimming
Musical Groups (Rock and Classical) Orchestras
Competitions A variety of competitions include: Australian Share Market Competition Maths Science
Co-Curricular
Tennis
Curriculum based sports can include:
Track and Field
Canoeing
Volleyball
Cycling
Water Polo
Golf
Terms 2 and 3
Rock Climbing Self-Defence
Basketball (girls and boys)
Surfing
Cross Country Running
Yoga
Football – Australian Rules Hockey (field) Netball (girls only) Soccer Table Tennis Volleyball
Mercedes LINK Programme The Mercedes LINK Programme is designed for international students who have recently arrived at Mercedes College and local non-English speaking background students requiring some English language skills. In accordance with ESOS (Standard 6) and Education Standards Board (Standard 2) regulations, Mercedes College delivers an English Programme designed to best assist international students to learn and understand the English language. The Mercedes LINK Programme is primarily an English proficiency course in reading, writing, listening and speaking. It also incorporates the application of key English language components appropriate for Middle and Senior School education. Students can access this programme at the beginning of every term to develop various learning skills to enable a smooth transition to mainstream courses. We use the EAL/D learning progression of English language typical of students learning English as an additional language or dialect. This is described in detail in our curriculum documents filed in ISP Academic Advisor’s Office. Students study with specialist TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and EAL (English as an Additional Language) teachers in a small class to provide individual attention. This enables students to work confidently at a greater level of interaction, to foster collaborative learning in developing communication, thinking, research, social and self-management skills.
To assess the students, the ACARA Language and Literacy Levels will be used. This describes the development of language and literacy needed across the year levels to access and demonstrate the curriculum knowledge, skills and understandings for all learning areas. It may also be a helpful guide regarding differentiation for high achievers, as it indicates how to extend their language and literacy capabilities. Whilst the students are immersed in the Mercedes LINK Programme, they will have opportunities to participate in all of our extra and co-curricular activities, including local and national school academic and sporting competitions. Students study in a safe, supportive and caring school environment. Parents are invited to join their children in our comprehensive induction program in Week 1 of every term and GPS (Growth and Personal Skills) lessons once a week on Fridays. Entry requirements: • Academic reports • English proficiency test results (if available) If students have already achieved AEAS assessment of Advanced Stanine 7 for direct entry into mainstream classes, they will not be required to study this programme.
Mercedes Academic Support Programme
Depending on the student’s English level, and the level required for their academic study, students will spend 10 to 20 weeks developing fluency and accuracy in written and spoken English. This English language learning encompasses major subject areas including mathematics, science, humanities, religion and physical education. Specialised teachers deliver these subjects to students in the LINK Programme. They also study life skills in our physical education classes to prepare them for outdoor, sporting and camping activities.
Once a student has moved from the Mercedes LINK Programme into their mainstream classes, they will receive additional support from the Mercedes Academic Support Programme (MASP). MASP is provided to ALL students who are from a Non English Speaking Background (NESB) or are an International Student.
The alignment with the language required to achieve at Year Level Standards means that any gap between these can readily be identified for a student. The wider the gap, the greater the difficulty is for the student to access and achieve within the curriculum. There will then be a greater need for explicit teaching, scaffolding and differentiation. The language and Literacy Levels may also be a helpful guide regarding differentiation for high achievers, as it indicates how to extend their language and literacy capabilities.
• English support in terms of vocabulary/terminology/jargon/ drafting
MASP support can be provided in the following ways: • Academic support in completing the various tasks assigned by teaching staff
• Using reliable resources to complete assignments with confidence.
Homestay Mercedes College aims to provide all students with a caring and nurturing family associated lifestyle that will help them cope with the Australian culture. The wellbeing and welfare of our students is important. Mercedes College aims to provide a secure, safe and happy environment for students to enable them to grow and develop during their time in Adelaide. Being in a Homestay family enables students to receive guidance and protection, and provides an opportunity for the development of lifelong friendships. Students are invited to participate in their Homestay family’s activities and will find their Homestay family genuinely cares about their students. All international students are provided with the contact phone number of the Coordinator of Student Welfare and Accommodation, Mrs Robyn Halliday, on arrival to Adelaide. Mrs Robyn Halliday can be contacted 24 hours a day, should a problem arise.
Curfews Monday to Thursday and Sunday The student can arrange to meet with their friends in a safe environment, but must be home by 6:00pm. Friday and Saturday The student can arrange to meet with their friends in a safe environment and must be home by: • 14 years old – 8:00pm
Living Arrangements Each student is provided with: • Their own fully furnished bedroom • Study table, lamp and storage for clothing
• 15 years old – 9:00pm • 16-17 years old – 9:30pm • 18 years old and above – 10:00pm
• Comfortable and suitable climatic conditions
Bathroom
Laundry and Cleaning
Homestay parents will instruct each student on the way to use the bathroom and how to adjust the hot and cold water.
The Homestay families are responsible for washing the student’s clothing, bedding and towels. However, an arrangement can be made with the Homestay parents if the student prefers to wash their own clothes.
Meals An understanding can be reached between the Homestay family and the student about meal arrangements. On weekdays it usually involves a packed recess and lunch to take to school. International students will be given the same quality and quantity of food that the Homestay parents give to their own family. Breakfast is a meal where everyone helps themselves to breakfast foods e.g. toast, cereal, juice etc. Dinner is usually provided as a full meal. On weekends, there could be some degree of flexibility whereby students can prepare their own lunch or some light lunch is served. This should be negotiable, depending on family commitments. Snacks are provided by the Homestay parent, however, students often choose to purchase a few of their favourite snacks and confectionery. Students are responsible for the purchase of these. Homestay families start to prepare the evening meal late in the afternoon. Students must notify their Homestay parents by 4:00pm if they choose to eat a meal out with friends and will not require dinner / an evening meal to be provided that day.
As the bathroom will usually be shared with other household members, everyone needs to be considerate about the following: • Showers (short in length) • Storing toiletry items • Removal of dirty clothing • Disposal of waste especially sanitary products • Water is to be confined to the shower recess or bath as water spilled on the floor is dangerous to others • Leave the bathroom clean and tidy Students are required to have an understanding that water and power are valuable resources. Turing off lights, heaters and taps is ecologically and financially desirable. Students who are excessive in the use of water and power may be charged for the excess.
Telephone and Internet Students are required to carry a charged mobile phone, with credit if using a pre-paid sim card, and their Homestay parents’ address at all times. Homestay families provide internet access, usually via the National Broadband Network (NBN) or ADSL, and may or may not have a landline phone.
While internet access is required for study purposes, Homestay families may implement their own internet restrictions for entertainment outside of study, such as downloading or streaming movies, TV shows and music (Netflix, Spotify, YouTube etc). Students must comply with the ICT Acceptable Use Agreement in the Student Personal Planner.
Transport The Homestay family will educate the student about the public transport systems in and around their home. Students are responsible for the cost of all travel and are required to carry their Student Identification (ID) card on the transport system to use secondary student tickets. Metro Smart Card top up credit is available from the College Shop and can also be done instantly at various retailers or online via Adelaide Metro - online recharges must be completed before 9:00pm to be available for use the next day. When travelling in a car, all passengers are required to wear seatbelts. Homestay parents will insist on this. The penalty imposed on licensed drivers for seat belts not worn is very high. A reliable and regular bus to the city is available from two bus stops right outside the College. At the end of school time, a staff member is on duty to assist students to cross the road and reach the bus stops. Additional school buses transport students to regional suburbs. A train service to the city is available via a 10 minute walk or 3 minute bus ride to the closest train station.
Cost Homestay accommodation is AUD$285 per week, which includes internet access, all meals, laundry and use of common facilities of the household. The student is to pay a AUD$400 refundable bond upon arrival. A receipt for their payment will be issued. Two weeks notice is required if the student intends to move Homestay. A holiday payment, or holding fee, is usually AUD$85 per week, should the student go away during the holidays. This covers the storage of the student’s possessions in the room and holds the room for the student for further accommodation upon their return.
Academic Results Mercedes College is proud of the success of its students. Many International Students have achieved outstanding results in their Year 12 Examinations and at University.
Year 12 Student Results
Old Scholar Results
• A Malaysian student awarded the Dux of SACE achieved a score of 99.95%
KWEN Oh Ryong Ryan and KOH Min Hyung Anna International Students from Korea; Ryan studies Medicine at the University of Sydney and Anna was accepted into both Oxford University, UK and Waseda University, Japan.
• A student from Singapore achieved an IB score of 42/45 and an ATAR of 99.80 • A Korean student awarded the Dux of IB scored 45/45 and is currently studying Medicine at the University of Sydney • A Chinese student received 99.80 and was awarded the Dux Medal for attaining the highest ATAR score for Mercedes College that year • A Hong Kong student and a Korean student both achieved over 99.30, resulting in the Korean student’s acceptance into Oxford University • A German student received 98.5 in the IB Diploma and is currently studying Medicine at the University of Munich • An Italian student achieved an IB score of 39/45 and an ATAR of 98.50 and was accepted into the University of Bath in the UK to study International Relations and Politics • A Chinese student obtained an ATAR of 97.35, was awarded a Merit in IB English B and accepted into a Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne • A Belgian student obtained an ATAR score of 95.85 • A Macau student achieved an ATAR score of 95.15 • A Hong Kong student scored 94.80 and is now studying a Bachelor of Law degree at the University of Warwick in the UK • A Korean student obtained 89.60 and was accepted into Monash University – a member of the Group of Eight Universities. • A Vietnamese National obtained 93.90 and was awarded with a Merit in IB English B SL and is currently studying at Monash University • A Japanese student scored 95.15 • A Vietnamese student obtained 78.1, was awarded with a Merit in IB English B SL, and is currently studying a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of SA • A student from Malaysia score 91.49 and a student from Indonesia scored 86.50 and won a merit award. Over 90% of Mercedes students receive first round offers to the Tertiary institutions of their choice. Most students study Medicine/Health Sciences, Commerce/Accounting/ Management, Engineering/Maths and Law.
Maximillian Glodde German International Student, Maximillian won a scholarship to Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) USA. Awarded the Chancellor’s Cup for the highest GPA for a WSSU studentathlete, Max studied a Degree in Economics. Max is currently working for Accenture Business Service in Boston, USA and previously worked in the UK. HUNG Ka Yan Katherine Hong Kong International Student, Ka Yan studied at the University of Adelaide, completing a Bachelor of Psychology. She has recently commenced her Masters in Social Work at Flinders University, Adelaide. Anaëlle Lemasson French International Student Anaëlle studied Marine Biology in Nice, France. She has recently completed her PhD in Marine Sciences and Socio-Economics with Plymouth University, UK. She is also a published author for literature on Marine Science and currently works at Cambridge University. Veronika Filiminova Russian International Student, Veronika completed a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering and 1st Class Honors Masters Degree at the University of Edinburgh, UK. Veronika was awarded the best Mechanical Engineering student and the Class Medal. Currently the Head of New Technology at Gazpomneft in Russia, Veronika previously worked in the UK and France. LAU Ying Tung Anthea Hong Kong International Student Anthea is studying Law at Warwick University, UK. Kirsten Winterfeld German International Student, Kirsten recently completed an International Business Degree in Holland and has commenced her Masters in International Business and Emerging Markets at the University of Edinburgh, UK. AI Dafu Jay Chinese International Student Al Dafu is completing a Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne. For further results information including graphs, please visit the College website www.mercedes.catholic.edu.au
Applying to Study at Mercedes College At Mercedes College, international students are required to have an average of 80% or higher in their Academic Transcript scores from their original school in the subjects they choose to study. To apply to Mercedes College, read and complete the International Student Enrolment Form found on the College website and forward to the College with the following documents attached: • Translated copies of three (3) years of Academic Transcripts • A copy of the student’s passport • Copies of other documents e.g. AEAS or IELTS test results or any certificates of achievement if available. The specific year level and term of commencement must be clearly shown on the completed form. Students applying from European Union countries are required to provide a letter from their English teacher and have appropriate English grades for the selected course of study. A visit to the College website is highly recommended, as you will find information about the fees, answers to Frequently Asked Questions, information about the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Framework (an Australian government initiative to assist in providing quality education and protecting your rights) and the International Student Enrolment Form. www.mercedes.catholic.edu.au/international-enrolments/enrolment/ We welcome the opportunity to assist you with any questions you may have about the College or the enrolment process. Please email Mrs Leeanne Moriarty, Coordinator of International Enrolments and Marketing via the email address below. Once the enrolment has been processed, the approved applicant will be sent a Letter of Acceptance, invoice and other documents to assist with the Visa application process. A Student Agreement outlining the expectations the College has of a student will be forwarded to the student’s family for parents and students to sign.
All applications are to be sent to: Mrs Leeanne Moriarty International Student Programme International Marketing and Enrolments Coordinator Mercedes College 540 Fullarton Road Springfield, South Australia 5062 Or email lmoriarty@mercedes.catholic.edu.au If you require the assistance of an Education Agent, a list of agents who represent Mercedes College can be found on the College website www.mercedes.catholic.edu.au/international-enrolments/enrolment/
540 Fullarton Road Springfield South Australia 5062 T +61 8 8372 3200 F +61 8 8379 9540 mercedes@mercedes.catholic.edu.au www.mercedes.catholic.edu.au CRICOS CODE: 00365D 2019_MC462_V1