Mackay State High School has a proud history of strong academic achievement. The Academic Excellence Academy provides high-achieving students with the opportunity to further extend their learning within a supportive, high-expectation environment.
Students in the Academic Excellence Academy study the Australian Curriculum across all core subjects, while also engaging in enriched learning experiences designed to challenge, inspire and deepen their thinking. Extension tasks, academic competitions and stimulating projects encourage students to grow as confident, capable and curious learners.
In Year 7, Academy students are placed in an identifiable class cohort, allowing them to develop a strong academic focus while building positive peer connections with like-minded learners. In Years 8 and 9, students continue as part of the ongoing Academic Excellence Program while studying their core subject areas.
As part of the Academic Excellence Academy, students commit to engaging in advanced enrichment opportunities that extend learning beyond the classroom. A key feature of the program includes robotics and drone technologies, alongside opportunities such as QMEA industry incursions, the Mackay High STEM Fair, targeted STEM excursions, mathematics and science competitions, and national academic competitions and external testing programs.
Students are also encouraged to broaden their learning through intellectual and leadership opportunities including Opti-MINDS, Reader's Cup, Write a Book in a Day, Whitsunday Voices, Interact Club, debating and public speaking.
These experiences are central to the Academy program and reflect the high expectations, innovation and Mackay High Pride that define our learning community.
Entry Requirements
To be considered for entry into the Academic Excellence Academy, students must demonstrate:
- High levels of academic achievement in primary school
- Strong results in national testing, including NAPLAN
- A commitment to learning and positive participation in school life
Students are required to submit a written application as part of the selection process, which takes place annually in Term 2.
Ongoing Participation
Continued enrolment in the Academic Excellence Academy is based on sustained high academic performance, consistent effort and exemplary behaviour.
Students must meet the expectations outlined in the Academy Student Agreement and demonstrate a strong commitment to all aspects of school life. Academy students proudly uphold the school's core values of Respect, Responsibility and Resilience, modelling Mackay High Pride in both their learning and their conduct.
Academic Excellence Academy brochure (PDF)
Academic Excellence Academy application form (PDF)