Macleod College maintains traditional values of co-operative work, excellence and achievement. MacleodCollege provides a vast range of educational opportunities, with a focus on the development of the whole student embracing the ethic of producing excellent work, the building of character, confidence, self-determination and co-curricular activity. The caring and supportive atmosphere at Macleod is underpinned by strong discipline, a distinctive uniform policy, clear expectations and firm structures. Independence, resourcefulness and open communication are encouraged within a community of learners who show tolerance, understanding and respect for self and others. The college has a reputation for academic success. Staff members help each student reach their personal best and become motivated and productive members of the community.
Facilities: All students in Years Prep to Grade 6 have access to a netbook in a ratio of one computer to every two students. Students in Years 7 to 10 have are provided with laptops (Years 7 and 8: netbooks; Year 9 and 10: iPads). The college also has computer laboratories, data projectors and interactive whiteboards that are used to enhance learning throughout the school. Extensive sporting facilities include a four-court netball stadium, which opened in 2003 in conjunction with Banyule Council and the Netball Association. Art/technology facilities include photographic laboratory, film and media studios, graphics, ceramics, textiles, wood and metalwork and two new food technology rooms. In 2006 the college opened a state-of-the-art teaching facility devoted to Year 9 students. The extensive use of contemporary technology is a feature of this centre. Brand-new BER Primary classroom building and updated Year 7 centre are now in use by students.
Curriculum: The curriculum is comprehensive, with a wide range of subject choices in Science, Humanities, Creative Arts, Commerce, Physical Activity and Vocational programs. There is an extensive choice of VCE subjects, VET and VCAL. Computers are used extensively in all areas of study. The school has an extensive ESL program providing a modified English course, support in other subject areas and a special intensive ESL course for overseas students. German is offered and there is a sister-school arrangement with the Geschwister Scholl Gymnasium in Düsseldorf, Germany. The college frequently welcomes groups of international exchange students, usually from Asia and Germany, for short stays.
Extra-curricular activities: Student leadership programs include college and house captains, music leaders, Student Representative Council, peer support and peer mediation, student radio station, environment group, school magazine and student coaches of sporting teams. There are extensive opportunities to learn string, woodwind, brass or percussion instruments and to play in any of the 12 groups, which regularly perform at college functions and in public.
Student welfare programs: The college welfare structures are underpinned by sub-school teams and the house system. These are supported by a college chaplain trained in counselling and the management of student educational and welfare needs, a trained psychologist available to staff and students, and a school nurse.