River East Transcona School Division (RETSD) - Miles Macdonell Collegiate

Miles Macdonell Collegiate is a secondary school in River East Transcona School Division that offers classes for students from grades 10–12. Miles Macdonell Collegiate values the development of inquiring, knowledgeable, creative, and internationally-minded people who contribute to a better and more peaceful world.

Miles Macdonell Collegiate usually has 25–35 international students and ensures there is always less than one percent of the school population speaking a particular language other than English. It is the school’s aim that international students are given many opportunities to use English and add to the cultural diversity of Miles Macdonell Collegiate. International students receive EAL (English as an additional language) support through teachers and educational assistants. Some students will be placed in an EAL classroom for one or more periods throughout the school day to focus on improving their English language skills. The school has two EAL teachers who specialize in teaching beginner English language learners and offers several core subjects, such as geography, Canadian history, and science, within the EAL program. Students with very little English language skills encounter much success through the support of this EAL program. Many international students come to Miles Macdonell with excellent English skills. These students do not require the support of the EAL classrooms and they would be placed in the regular classroom setting.

International students also participate in cultural activities and field trips, including an international student soccer tournament in the fall and an international student broomball tournament in the winter. They also participate in a variety of other Winnipeg activities, such as winter fun at FortWhyte Alive, a spring barbecue in Bird’s Hill Park or sledding at Adrenaline Adventures

Why Miles Macdonell Collegiate

• Courses offered: Miles Macdonell Collegiate is an International Baccalaureate school. It also offers French immersion classes and a variety of courses that meet students’ needs, abilities, and interests. There are compulsory core credits and a wide range of optional credits available. While students gain the strong foundation needed to enter post-secondary education, they can also find opportunities to explore optional courses such as music production, band, digital media, web design, computer programming, drafting, design technology, foods and nutrition, guitar, Spanish, Japanese, sociology, psychology and law.
• International Baccalaureate (IB): The IB program is an internationally-recognized course of studies that will appeal to capable, academically-motivated students. This program begins with a preparatory year in Grade 10 with the actual IB curriculum covered in grades 11– 12. Graduates will receive the prestigious IB diploma or certificate along with the Manitoba high school diploma. Students have the opportunity to earn university credits while in high school.
• Mighty Mac recording studio: A professional class recording studio, aptly named Mighty Mac Studio—guided by two music directors—offers opportunities for students to explore music in a different way than they may in a regular school music program. Mighty Mac Studio, together with the Music Production Program at Miles Macdonell Collegiate, endeavours to discover methods that combines the study of music theory, composing, creative thinking and musical performance into a unique, holistic course of study.
• Extracurricular activities: Miles Macdonell Collegiate offers a rich program of extracurricular activities outside of regular class time. Students are encouraged to participate in these activities, as they promote good school spirit, develop confidence, and provide opportunities to meet and make friends. Miles Macdonell Collegiate has a strong reputation for competitive athletics. At the school, there are male and female teams in basketball, badminton, volleyball, soccer, golf, hockey, and indoor/outdoor track and field. Along with sports, there are a variety of music activities available at Miles Macdonell Collegiate, such as band, jazz band, vocal jazz, and musicals. Students will also find community service clubs, student government, a yearbook committee, and an improv theatre club at the school. There are activities and clubs for a range of interests, so all students can get involved in the school community.