Mercedes College
Welcome
Mercedes College is a Reception to Year 12 International Baccalaureate world school, established by the Sisters of Mercy in 1954. We provide a sustainable, world class and holistic educational experience for our students. Our aim is to equip students to be life-long learners and global citizens by fostering internationalism and participation in international education.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) and the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) programs offered, promote the education of the whole person, emphasising intellectual, personal, emotional, spiritual, and social growth through all domains of knowledge.
As a Catholic College, inspired by the Mercy tradition and charism, our Mercy Keys - Mutual Respect, Compassion, Integrity, Justice, Responsibility and Loyalty - are our values and present in all we do.
We develop student's skills and confidence to flourish in their academic, co-curricular and personal pursuits. You can be confident that your child is receiving a world class education at Mercedes College, founded on values, with support and care.
Our Facilities
Positioned at the base of the Adelaide foothills with sweeping views of the vast South Australian coastline, Mercedes College is just 6 kilometres from the city of Adelaide. Situated on 6.5 hectares of land, our grounds have a range of outdoor areas that provide significant physical and mental health benefits, offering students and families a reassuring sense of wellbeing.
Our campus includes modern classrooms, technology and science laboratories, drama spaces, netball/tennis courts, a main oval plus athletics oval, a nature play space for Junior School students, School Café, two halls/gymnasiums, our Mercy Lecture Theatre and Chapel as well as a dedicated Senior Study and Year 12 Café, and plentiful gardens for outdoor learning and relaxation.
Academic Excellence
Success at our College is measured by academic excellence plus each student's confidence, breadth of skills, abilities and engagement with their community to positively embrace, and continue to shape their future.
Our 2022 academic success included 30 per cent of students achieving an ATAR in the 90s, and 15 per cent gaining 95 or more, placing them in the top 5 per cent nationally.
Wellbeing
Wellbeing forms the basis of everything that we do and is deeply intertwined with our curriculum, facilities, approach to teaching and the connection between students and their teachers. We focus on personal growth and development, enabling each student to gain the confidence to take responsibility for their own learning. Wellbeing focuses on proactive interventions that promote resilience, build capacity and facilitate flourishing.
Along with our Wellness programs, students can also connect with First Nations people through our annual Trek to Mimili in the A?angu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara, (APY Lands), located in the remote north west of South Australia.
Curriculum Extension Activities
With a wide range of opportunities and activities available, our students develop new capabilities, balanced with their academic pursuits. We encourage students to take on sporting challenges and to interpret their world in creative ways.
MUSIC:
The opportunity to study Music is provided throughout our Reception to Year 12 curriculum. An instrumental program of individual lessons for students is provided by specialist teachers.
DRAMA:
Drama is part of The Arts Area of Study for Years 6-12. Students in Years 10-12 perform their productions for a public audience as part of their assessment. Drama is combined with other Arts areas in the annual Middle School Production.
VISUAL ARTS:
Students at all levels of schooling have the opportunity to enjoy a diversity of experiences within the Visual Arts in the Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programs as well as SACE courses offered at the College. A highlight of the annual Arts calendar is the Visual Arts Exhibition, featuring the creative work of Reception to Year 12 students.
SPORT:
Essential to the approach to sport is the commitment and dedication to teamwork and personal fitness. Students are encouraged to work together to grow pride and foster community spirit, as well as learn the importance of winning with grace and losing with dignity.
Students are encouraged to participate in sports of their choice, and at the level appropriate to their abilities.
International Students
For 55 years, we have been welcoming students from around the world into our high quality, award winning International Student Program.
Our International Student Program has been recognised as outstanding 3 years in a row, winning the 2020-21, 2021-22, and 2022-23 StudyTravel Secondary School Award (Australia and New Zealand).