Independent Schools Guide 2024: The curriculum is never 'set and forget' at MLC

In the best schools around the world, the curriculum flexes and changes as the needs of the students change.

At MLC, this evolution responds to the latest research, knowledge and societal shifts.

“A curriculum is more than just subjects,” says MLC Principal Julia Shea. “It defines the totality of a student’s learning experience, so our curriculum is never set and forget.

“MLC has made incremental changes to the curriculum over many years. However, as we came out of the pandemic, we had an opportunity to
consider more holistic evolutionary adaptations for our years 7 to 12 girls.

“We reflected on the lessons learnt from remote online learning, we delved into the contemporary research on the most effective curriculum designs for secondary years and, most importantly, we sought feedback from the people whom the curriculum impacts most — our students, families and teachers.”

This voyage of discovery has resulted in a new Curriculum for Learning and Wellbeing introduced in 2024, that integrates – rather than separates – both aspects into a student’s day, with each element given equal priority.

“Student wellbeing has always been a fundamental focus of the MLC experience but we wanted to expand this further,” Shea says. “True integration of learning and wellbeing means this is a daily, personalised experience of our students.

“Our approach has been designed with girls in mind and ensures they have a support system to help develop their confidence, unlock their talents and challenge themselves.”

The evolved curriculum embraces four key pillars: Structure of the day, Breadth, Learning Pathways and Strong Relationships. Structuring each student’s day to maximise their learning and wellbeing is key. The timetable fosters balanced and broad learning and wellbeing outcomes, with frequent subject delivery to reinforce what was learnt during the week.

There are also regular one-on-one wellbeing check-ins with a mentor, and group wellbeing sessions.

Breadth centres on the exceptional breadth of subject choice available at MLC and real-world learning experiences, including 27 electives in Year 10 and more than 60 subjects in VCE and IB.

So, as students progress through secondary school, they can continue to build their knowledge in learning areas that are aligned with their interests and aspirations.

The pathways pillar works to ensure clear learning pathways of sequential knowledge from years 7 to 12 to ensure that learning builds on what was taught earlier and feeds into what will be taught later. This also positions students to be more informed when making choices for senior years.

Strong relationships are developed with a focus on consistency of contact and support, as respectful, trusting and caring relationships between teachers and students create the ideal conditions for learning.

“Every student can develop an ongoing relationship with her mentor and each mentor is responsible for only 12 students,” Shea says. “Mentors have undergone specialised training to be able to work with students to identify their strengths and interests, help them set goals, measure their progress and help them reflect.

“Importantly, with mentors and frequent subject teacher contact, we can also identify any emerging concerns leading to earlier intervention and better outcomes for students, where needed.

“With support to explore everything that interests, challenges and motivates them, our students become independent, resilient and ambitious learners with a positive mindset,” Shea adds.

“By the time they reach their final years of VCE or International Baccalaureate,” she adds, “they feel confident in their learning and strengths, and they have the self-belief to know they can achieve anything they set their minds to.”

Methodist Ladies’ College (MLC)

207 Barkers Road, Kew, VIC 3101

mlc.vic.edu.au

Enquiries: 9274 6316

admissions@mlc.vic.edu.au

Years: 6 weeks–5 years (MLC Kindle), Prep–Year 12

Denomination: Non-denominational

Gender: Girls (MLC Kindle is co-educational)

Fees: $23,250–$38,790 (Prep–Year 12)

Boarding: Yes

Scholarships: Yes

ATAR (median for 2023): 86.90