Mackay State High School is one of the original six state high schools opened on 1st January 1912 in what is now part of the Central Queensland TAFE Mackay campus complex. As one of the first state high schools opened in Queensland, it recognised the growth that was taking place in Mackay and the Pioneer Valley. The school moved to its present site in 1963.
Since that time, it has continued to develop with the town, establishing a positive and rich reputation. Over the past 100 years, many students have graduated to become leaders within the Mackay District and broader community. In the modern booming Mackay economy Mackay State High School is continuing to educate all students in the district and enhancing the school’s tradition of academic, cultural and sporting excellence. Mackay State High School’s mission is to provide the foundation for successful citizenship through quality teaching and learning.
Subjects/Electives Years 7 to 10: Core Subjects – English, Mathematics, Science, Health and Physical Education, History and Geography. Elective Subjects – Advanced Manufacture and Design, Agriculture Studies, Art, Business, Drama, Football, Graphics, Home Economics – Core, Home Economics – Food, Industrial Technology and Design, Information and Communication Technology, LOTE – Mandarin Chinese, Music, Netball, Rugby League.
Subjects/Electives Years 11 and 12: Authority subjects – Biology, Graphics, Modern History, Physical Education, Visual Arts, Agricultural Science, Chemistry, Geography, Film Television & New Media, Information Processing & Technology, Marine Science, Accounting, Information Technology Systems, Maths, English, Ancient History, Business Communication & Technology, Drama, Music, Physics.
Authority Registered subjects – Certificate I in Engineering, Certificate I in Construction, Hospitality Studies, Marine & Aquatic Practices, Visual Art Studies, Certificate II in Business, Early Childhood Practices, Marine & Aquatic Practices, Certificate I in Engineering, Senior Rugby League, Recreational Studies, English Communication, Agriculture & Horticulture, Industrial Technology Studies (Furnishing), Tourism Studies, Prevocational Maths, Certificate II in Workplace Practices.
Sport: Rugby League, Soccer and Netball academies.
Extracurricular activities: Instrumental Music Students lessons, Drama.
Welfare and personal development: Guidance Officer, school-based Youth Health Nurse, Chaplain and Community Education Counsellor.
Special features: Full range of academic and vocational subjects, dynamic instrumental music program, school based apprenticeships and work placement.