Independent Schools Guide 2022: Mentone Girls' Grammar School helps girls find their voice

Recently, some Year 2 students at Mentone Girls’ Grammar School took part in a STEM class, but their lesson wasn’t held in a traditional classroom.

“They were sitting around the boardroom table with their little legs dangling on giant chairs, doing a STEM activity, and it was a deliberate decision to put them in that space,” says principal Natalie Charles. “All too often young women are excluded from a seat at the boardroom table.

“We take very seriously the idea of our girls having an education that empowers them and allows them to have a voice and to use it.”

“We want them to have a sense of purpose, meaning and belonging, which in turn will provide the single most powerful protective mechanism a human being can possess, that being hope. They must know they can take their place in the world, catalyse change and make a difference for themselves and others.”

Charles cites recent changes to the school swimming uniform as a tangible example of students at the school being known, seen and heard.

“The sport captain ran a survey across the school last year and told us that the school bathers were not fit for purpose,” Charles says. “The girls felt the cut was too high; the fabric too thin. They felt uncomfortable and it made them not want to get into the pool.

“So, we are changing the design of the bathers – that’s what empowering girls looks like. They raise issues that matter to them and we listen.”

As part of its mission to develop students equipped for the future, whatever it may bring, the school offers a number of specially designed programs that foster technological skills, enterprise and leadership.

For example, students can take advantage of flying opportunities at nearby Moorabbin Airport and there is an Enterprise Academy, predominantly for girls in Years 5 to 9.

“The Enterprise Academy is all about encouraging design thinking to find localised solutions to global problems,” Charles says.

Year 9 students have developed water filtration kits for schools without access to clean drinking water, and these have been trialled and tested by students in Tanzania and Uganda.

Two students have also created a business called Sustainable Succulents to support women and girls in sub-Saharan Africa. In collaboration with World Vision, the business has funded schooling for 15 girls and enabled 15 women to start their own businesses.

“Young women being enterprising speaks to a sense of liberation and freedom; of knowing that when they encounter a problem, they can design a solution,” Charles says.

A new director of research and technology was appointed this year to prepare students for a post-COVID era.

“Technology has the capacity to transport girls and women in ways they’ve never imagined and I want our students to see the liberating and disruptive potential of technology – it can enhance the experience of our young women in the world,” Charles says.

“With innovative technology, an enterprising mindset and the power of hope, the barriers are gone and that presents an exciting future for our girls.”

Key Details 

Address:
11 Mentone Parade,
Mentone, VIC 3194

Enquiries:
(03) 9581 1200
mentonegirls.vic.edu.au
info@mentonegirls.vic.edu.au

Years:
ELC, Prep to Year 12

Denomination:
Anglican

Gender:
Girls

Fees:
$16,260 to $31,745

Boarding:
No. Accepts international students

Scholarships:
Yes

ATAR:
86.1 (Median for 2021)