Marrickville High School began in 1865 prior to when education was compulsory. A small public primary educational institution offered by Thomas Chalder and named Marrickville Public School was built on a block of land in Chapel Street, Marrickville. The infants’ department was added to this campus in 1874.

　　What is an Intensive English Centre?

　　The Intensive English Centre (IEC) at Marrickville High School is a specialist unit that caters for newly arrived high school age migrants. There are 14 IECs located across Sydney and Wollongong.

　　Students attending the IEC come from many countries, including Brazil, China, Greece, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Sierra Leone, South Korea, Sudan, Thailand and Vietnam. They attend the IEC for 3 to 5 terms to learn the English language in preparation for enrolment at high school.

　　Classes

　　In the IEC there are 4 levels of classes: Level 1 - Beginner, Level 2 - Post-Beginner, Level 3 - Intermediate and Level 4 - High School Preparation. Each class has a maximum of 18 students. In Level 3 and 4 students are divided into junior and senior classes so that, in addition to learning English, they can study material suitable for their age group at high school and use authentic texts.

　　Curriculum

　　Students learn English language through a variety of subjects from a range of Key Learning Areas, inlcuding Computing Studies, Graphic Communication, English, HSIE, Maths, Music, Numeracy, PD/Health/PE, Science and Visual Art.

　　In addition to teaching English language, the IEC plays an important role in the orientation and settlement of new migrant students and their families. Bilingual support is available through Teachers Aides (Ethnic) who work in the IEC.

　　Uniform

　　The IEC uniform is similar to the high school uniform and the students share facilities, including playground space, library, computers and canteen. IEC students also participate in key events including the swimming and athletics carnivals, Multicultural Day and special assemblies for occasions such as ANZAC Day.

　　School Values

　　Our school values and promotes educational opportunities and student achievement

　　Our students are treated as individuals. They are encouraged to optimise their learning and career opportunities

　　Our school values relationships based on trust and respect

　　We are a caring and diverse community. Our school values fairness, tolerance and inclusiveness

　　We have a passion for excellence in education

　　Facilities

　　Built in 1973, the school offers

　　carpeted classrooms and well-equipped specialist rooms, including science labs, Visual Art and Visual Media facilities and music rooms with MIDI keyboard computers.

　　newly renovated TAS rooms, Visual Media darkroom, industry-standard hospitality kitchens, IT Skills Centre and air-conditioned computer labs

　　an extensive library

　　expansive sporting fields and playground areas

　　an outdoor covered learning area

　　a multipurpose centre incorporating a gym/dance studio and indoor basketball court

　　a new wireless network throughout the school

　　a "connected classroom" featuring video conferencing facitilities and an interactive whiteboard

　　New smartboards in 10 classrooms across the school in all faculty areas