Methodist Ladies’ College VIC


Principal Ms Julia Shea
Year levels P to 12
Enrolment numbers 2056
Boarding or day boarding
Website http://www.mlc.vic.edu.au
Phone (03) 9274 6333
Postal address 207 Barkers Road, Kew

MLC is one of Australia’s most successful and innovative schools (est.1882) internationally renowned for its extensive curriculum, learning experiences and outstanding academic results. MLC is an open entry school that takes pride in the great diversity of its students. As an internationally minded school MLC is committed to providing our students with an outstanding education within a challenging, enriching and supportive learning environment which develops confident and articulate young women who have the skills, values and attitudes needed to shape their future and contribute meaningfully to the wider community. Whilst MLC offers big school opportunities we also provide small school care and attention so every student feels valued. Our dedicated staff build on the aptitudes and learning styles of each student, instilling a passion for learning in a culture of respect. MLC creates leadership opportunities at all levels with students taking responsibility for decision making (we encourage young minds to be inspired, independent and resourceful). MLC has 2200 students in four schools, over 110 boarding students and an innovative early learning centre, MLC Kindle (6 weeks to 4 years) which is guided by the Reggio Emilia approach. Our comprehensive and world class approach to Education Outdoors is featured in our MLC Banksia (Years 5-8) and MLC Marshmead (Year 9) remote sites. The sequential experiential programs offered enable students to develop a profound appreciation of our precious natural environment and develop the skills and understanding required to live sustainably. MLC continues to set the benchmark for academic and teaching excellence, the integration of technology in education (Notebook program from Years 5-12) and curriculum innovation. MLC believes that learning is most effective when it is in partnership with parents and students and when the growth and development of the whole person is a priority in guiding practice. Students learn best when they are engaged and challenged to move into new areas of understanding, a process which begins when their learning needs are understood, supported and catered for, when they have choices, when they work collaboratively with others and when they experience success which is celebrated and acknowledged. We encourage MLC students to be actively engaged in their own learning, to feel valued as individuals, and to take responsibility for their own learning. They should be motivated, believing they can learn and succeed, be given opportunities for deep, sustained thinking and be encouraged to develop a life-long passion for learning. Student learning and wellbeing are intricately linked. Consideration and care for student wellbeing is integrated across all MLC curriculum, programs and activities. This is structured to ensure that developmentally appropriate and sequential learning occurs that promotes students physical, social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Respect for self and others, a commitment to social justice and service to the community are also incorporated. MLC wellbeing programs educate students in the critical areas of social and emotional learning, promoting resilience, optimistic thinking and pro social behaviours. A whole school approach to mindfulness teaches students strategies to engage fully in what they are doing, has benefits for their health and wellbeing, their relationships with others and their learning. In addition, MLC offers activities for extension and extensive learning support programs. MLC’s academic results are acknowledged as amongst the best in Australia. At MLC each student is encouraged and supported to achieve her personal best whatever her ability. Students can be selective about the subjects they study as we offer one of the broadest curriculum in Australia. In Years 11 and 12, MLC offers a choice of over 70 subjects from three learning pathways – IB (International Baccalaureate), VCE and VCE VET (Vocational Education and Training). A wide range of co-curricular options are offered to match students’ interests. Opportunities include over 30 interschool sports a wide range of House events, music, visual arts, dramatic arts, hospitality, tours, exchanges and a large range of student led Committees and Clubs. For example; Sustainability, Ecocare, Anti-Bullying Committee, Aboriginal Reconciliation Committee, Gay and Straight Alliance, Online Safety and Ethics, Faith and Worship, Politics, Debating, Chess, Speech and Drama etc. In addition, MLC students are expected to contribute to community. MLC students and staff volunteer their time and donate in excess of $150,000 per annum supporting over 100 charities and organisations both locally and internationally. A combination of all these choices and opportunities help encourage personal excellence while students also contribute in a meaningful way to their national and international communities. MLC is a place where every student can achieve her personal best.