A range of activities form an important part of the co-curricular life of the College. Students develop skills and interests in many varied fields and the activities contribute to the broad educational experience offered by Mercedes College.
Co-Curricular
Service
An essential part of a student’s life at the College. From Year 7 to Year 12, a student will offer herself in the service of others as part of the Mercy charism established by Catherine McAuley.
Academic
Activities and clubs including Amnesty, Book Clubs, Da Vinci Decathlon, Debating, IT Angels, Mock Law, Opti-Minds and Philosophy offer opportunities for extension and support, and challenge students to be life-long learners who collaborate with others in the pursuit of a common goal.
Cultural
There are many exciting opportunities for students interested in pursuing their passion in the area of The Arts and Culture. Drama, Media, Music, Speech, Visual Arts and Languages are essential components in our College community. Cultural pursuits include the House Arts Festival (Drama/Dance, Choir).
Starting from Year 7 through 9, our dance elective classes provide a dynamic and enriching environment where students can delve into various dance styles, including contemporary, hip-hop, jazz, and ballet. Through these classes, students discover the joy of self-expression and cultivate their love for dance.
Our dedication to artform extends beyond the classroom. Each year, we celebrate the skill and creativity of our Dance students at the Annual House Arts Day. During this exciting event, student House Arts Leaders take the stage to choreograph and train their house members, culminating in the performance of energetic ten-minute dance routines. The House Arts Day showcases the spirit, unity, and artistic expression of our students, creating a vibrant and memorable experience for the entire school community.
At Mercedes College, we witness the immense passion and love for Drama among our students. It’s a subject that captivates their hearts and minds, allowing them to explore their artistic abilities and develop valuable skills. Many of our graduates have continued their journey at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), studying acting, musical theatre, arts management, and stage management.
Our Performing Arts Centre (PAC) serves as a dynamic learning space, offering more than just acting opportunities. Students delve into non-acting roles in the theatre and gain hands-on experience operating the technology within the PAC. It’s not only a venue for performances but also a senior drama classroom, where students expand their knowledge and hone their craft. Additionally, we have dedicated classrooms for Year 8-9, where students learn about lighting, and a Year 7 studio classroom to foster creativity from an early age.
A variety of events showcase our students’ theatrical talents, such as the Year 12 Drama and Recital Performances, showcasing senior Arts students’ WACE pieces. Year 11 and 12 Drama students have the opportunity to travel to Sydney for intensive NIDA drama workshops where they can learn skills from professional actors and directors.
Immerse yourself in the exciting world of media at Mercedes College’s state-of-the-art facilities. Our fully equipped radio station, run by students in the MCfm Radio Club, delivers vibrant broadcasts and musical entertainment during lunchtime.
Unleash your creativity in our AVID industry-standard editing suites, where you can enhance your production skills through the ICUMC film club. Showcasing your talent, the House Film Festival celebrates outstanding media student work and House Films, competing for the prestigious House Film Awards.
Year 11 and 12 media students enjoy a remarkable opportunity with an immersive trip to Queensland’s Bond University. Participate in intensive workshops, gain industry insights, and expand your media horizons.
For budding photographers, our photography club is the perfect platform to hone your skills and capture memorable moments of student life.
Mercedes College offers a vibrant environment for media enthusiasts, providing hands-on experiences and opportunities for self-expression.
Language tours to France and Italy occur every two to three years providing an opportunity for language students from Year 10 to 12 to improve their French or Italian, while immersed in the culture. Senior students have exchange opportunities through the WAATI/Intercultura and NACEL programs that occur during the Christmas holidays. A variety of competitions are open to Language students. These include Alliance Francaise, Dante Alighieri and the Australian Language Certificate.
Each year students in Years 10 to 12 participate in several public speaking competitions including the Lions Youth of the Year Quest, Rostrum Public Speaking Competition, Rotary Four Way Test, the APEX Effective Speaking and the Plain-Speaking Award. Mercedes has an outstanding record of success in this area with many competitors making it through to finals.
Discover the distinguished Speech program at Mercedes College, where history intertwines with the art of public speaking. Our history proudly features Lionel Logue, a prominent figure in the field of speech therapy and a former teacher at our school when it was known as Our Lady’s College. You may recognise his name from the acclaimed movie ‘The King’s Speech,’ where his character was portrayed.
In collaboration with Oracy Australia, our Speech program harnesses this impressive legacy to empower students, nurturing their confidence and honing their public speaking abilities. Through engaging activities involving drama, poetry, and prose, students develop the ability to express themselves effectively, articulate their perspectives, and captivate their audience.
In Visual Arts, students have the opportunity to express their talents and engage in a range of innovative projects, both within the college community and beyond. These projects serve as a platform for students to celebrate and showcase their artistic abilities while contributing to the larger community.
The culmination of these artistic endeavors is our highly anticipated annual Art Exhibition. This showcase of our students’ incredible artwork invites the community to marvel at their creations and witness the depth of their talent. It is an occasion where our high achievers are recognised and celebrated, with awards presented by the Principal.
For senior students, Visual Arts is offered both as an ATAR and General subject. This provides a pathway for dedicated students to further explore their artistic passions, refine their skills, and deepen their understanding of the arts.
Join us in embracing the power of creativity and self-expression within the Mercedes College Arts program. Whether you’re a budding artist or simply eager to explore your artistic potential, our program offers a nurturing environment to unleash your imagination, ignite your passion, and showcase your unique artistic voice.
Music
Music plays an important role in the life of Mercedes College. Students from Years 7 to 12 are offered instrumental music tuition in orchestral and concert band instruments, as well as piano, voice, percussion and drum kit.
Students involved in the Instrumental Music program participate in the College’s ensembles including Orchestra, Concert Band, Choral Groups, Percussion, String and Wind Ensembles and a range of other chamber ensembles including duets and trios. Students also participate in festivals, eisteddfods and external examinations to help raise their level of confidence and engender a sense of pride in their playing.
The Annual Music Showcase provides an opportunity to showcase the extraordinary talents of our musicians and voice students, while the House Choir competition is an event for all our young women to shine.
Click here to read our Music Handbook.
Sport
To build on the College’s community spirit, students participate in interschool, intra-school and interstate sporting pursuits challenging them to strive for their personal best. There is a wide range of sports and fitness activities which promote the health and wellbeing of our students. Some of these activities include ACC AFLW, ACC ‘A’ Division Athletics, Rowing, Badminton, Basketball, Cross Country, Hockey, Netball, Soccer, ACC ‘A’ Division Swimming, Triathlon, Volleyball, Year 7 & 8 Lightning Carnivals, and Year 7 Super Series.