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From the Archives
A tradition of opportunity
Stacey Coenders, MLC Archivist
Before MLC was established in Victoria, several denomination schools existed to provide high quality education for boys. But there was very little opportunity for girls. MLC set out to change this situation and began a long tradition of offering unparalleled experiences for girls.
From its earliest days, MLC has catered to students with diverse educational needs. One of the earliest examples of this is the Extra-College Course introduced in the 1890s. This tailored course enabled older students, or students in poor health, to select their own subjects and pace with a focus on studies in music, elocution, deportment (including etiquette) and painting. A later example of tailored educational opportunities was the establishment of our Deaf Integration Program in 1986. On the co-curricular front, MLC was one of the first girls’ schools to offer sporting competitions. Our first documented event was in 1885, with tennis matches against PLC. MLC was also one of the first girls’ schools to travel interstate for sporting exchanges – starting with a trip to MLC Adelaide in 1910. Sporting exchanges quickly led to the introduction of cultural exchanges, which have seen MLC students travel widely across Australia and many parts of the world. Another unique opportunity for students was introduced in 1906 with the establishment of the College Prefects system. Although an innovation in boys’ schools during the 19th century, most girls’ schools didn’t adopt the concept until much later in the 20th century. The Prefect roles at MLC were some of the earliest leadership opportunities within any girls’ school. Recognising the diversity of employment opportunities for young women in the early 20th century, MLC developed its very own Business College course in 1917. This course was ahead of its time, training girls in practical and employable skills such as typewriting, photography, bookkeeping, business procedures and shorthand.
Although students from 100-plus years ago would be stunned at the diversity of learning and co-curricular activities on offer at MLC in 2021, they would instantly recognise the College’s enduring commitment to choice and opportunity. It’s this determination to open doors for girls and women that continues to set MLC apart.
An Art class in 1893.
