Murdoch College

General FAQs

Q. Is there a waiting list for entry into Murdoch College?
A. For current information about waiting lists and the enrolment process, please contact the Enrolment Manager (local students) or the Admissions Registrar (international students).

Q. Is Murdoch College only for academically gifted students?
A. Murdoch College offers a very broad-based curriculum suitable for students of varying academic abilities. The College does offer through an integrated and differentiated learning experience, a range of challenging programs to Gifted and Talented students.

Q. What is the ratio of international to local students?
A. Local students make up 63.4% of the College population and International students make up 36.6%.

Q. What are the class sizes?
A. Class sizes vary depending on the year group. In Middle School (Years 7 to 9) classes range between 24 and 26 and for the Senior School between 22 to 25 students.

Q. How are parents kept up-to-date with their children's academic progress?
A. At Murdoch College all students are assigned to a Teacher Advisor Group (TAG) that links every student with a teacher who becomes a mentor and advocate and develops a direct and personal relationship with the student and their parents.

The Teacher Advisor will make regular contact with parents to inform them of their childs performance at the College. Parents can also log onto MC Online to access students' reports, timetables and updates from the College. MC Online also provides information about the curriculum.

Q. What are the term dates for Murdoch College?
A. The term dates can be found here.

Q. Does Murdoch College offer a bus service?
A. The College is well serviced by the public transport system. Our students come from as far afield as Mindarie in the north, Mandurah in the south and Roleystone in the east.

Further information on public transport can be found here under the 'Getting Around Perth' heading.

Q. Is music offered at Murdoch College?
A. The College offers an extensive Music Program for music students of varying levels of music ability through Class (selective years), Instrumental and Vocal programs. While the focus is strongly on contemporary music, classical music tuition is also available.

Instrumental tuition is available as an extra-curricular subject provided by approved tutors at a cost of a private music lesson.

Performace Groups include Junior Groove Choir, Senior Groove Choir, Rock Skool and Ensemble groups.

MILE music - Murdoch Integrated Learning Experience (MILE) program offers extensive opportunities for students wishing to explore the world of contemporary music.

Q. What languages are taught at the College?
A. Students may choose from Japanese or Mandarin in Middle School and have the option of continuing through to Year 12.

Q. Does the College offer Drama or Art?
A. Murdoch College boasts highly successful Visual and Performing Arts programs.

Q. What sport is offered at Murdoch College?
A. The College offfers a wide variety of sports through the Physical Education subjects. Sport taught to students in Middle School includes touch rugby, badminton, basketball, fitness and athletics/cross country.

In Year 10, students get a taste of a wider range of sports and students completing the WACE 1B Unit also cover the theoretical and practical aspects of basketball, badminton and volleyball.

Senior School students completing the WACE 2A & 2B Units (Year 11) complete the theory and practical components of basketball and touch while students studying WACE 3A & 3B (Year 12) learn the theory and practical components of touch.

The College offers a lunchtime House v House competition including netball, volleyball, soccer (football), basketball and European handball.

Interschool sport is conducted after school hours at various levels and grades in soccer, basketball, netball, touch and the AusTouch program.

FAQs for International Students

Q. What is the English requirement for entry to Murdoch College?
A. Entry requirements for international students can be found here. If prospective students do not have an IELTS score, they are strongly advised to take the Murdoch Language Institute Placement Assessment. Based on the score, the College will advise the duration of English study (PSS) required before entering mainstream courses at Murdoch College.

Q. Does Murdoch College have a specified level/grade that students need to achieve in PSS before starting the mainstream course?
A. Students must pass PSS 3 (intermediate level) to gain entry to Years 10 to 12 and pass PSS 2 (Pre-Intermediate level) to gain entry to Years 7 to 9. The passing marks are as follows:

PSS3 50% - Year 10
PSS3 55% - Year 11 and 12
PSS2 60% - Year 7 to 9 (Middle School)

For more information on English study, please visit the Murdoch Language Institute website.

Q. Does Murdoch College provide Homestay/boarding accommodation?
A. Yes, Murdoch College provides an excellent Homestay accommodation service for students from overseas. Every Homestay family is registered with the College and has been visited by a Homestay Officer to ensure that the accommodation is safe, clean, condusive to good study habits for students and easily accessible to Murdoch College.

All meals are provided except lunch on school days. Lunch can be purchased at the school Cafeteria. Further information on Homestay and the Application form can be found here.

Q. Do I have to wear a uniform?
A. Yes, all Murdoch College students are required to wear the uniform. All items except shoes and hair ribbons should be purchased from the College's Uniform Shop. Uniform Shop opening hours vary according to the time of the year. New students needing to purchase their uniform during the school holidays are required to make an appointment by calling Murdoch College Reception on (61 8) 9312 0800.

The Murdoch College Uniform Dress Code can be downloaded here.

Q. When will the College send reports to parents?
A. School reports are available at the end of each term and will be posted to parents. Parents can also access the reports via MC Online.