2 minute read
Junior Secondary School
Preparing to PROSPER
MLC was one of the first all girls’ schools in the country to adopt democratic and collaborative learning practices. In the 1970s, then-Principal David Loader described the MLC approach as, “driving educational purpose that gives meaning to all that is attempted”.
Student-centred teaching methods quickly followed, including the removal of rostrums from all MLC classrooms, so that dialogue between teachers and students could be more equal and hospitable; changes that have been particularly important to the Junior Secondary School experience over the decades. JSS has been a proud innovator in the empowered learning space. In the 1980s, JSS introduced the Personal Development Program (PDP) to evolve classroom discussions in a way that is respectful, caring, and mindful of overall health and wellbeing. So began the ‘whole person’ approach to learning and pastoral care, and the forerunner of our current PROSPER wellbeing framework (Positivity, Relationships, Outcomes, Strengths, Purpose, Engagement, Resilience). Recently, a wonderful example of PROSPER in action was the Setting up for Success program, a new wellbeing initiative in 2022. “Year 7 and 8 students began Term 1 with ‘Setting up for Success Week’”, explains Phill Hogan, Year 8 CoCoordinator and Humanities teacher. “The program’s aims were twofold: to strengthen students’ bonds with each other in their new Home Groups, whilst simultaneously putting in place sound organisational habits for the course of the year. “This program has allowed students to learn about cocurricular opportunities, community safety with MLC Security, and how support can be accessed via Student Support Services. Furthermore, it has provided subject teachers with an opportunity to meet their new students in an environment beyond their subject area.” According to Year 7 Co-Coordinator and Physical Education Teacher, Jessica Brooder, the program equipped our new Year 7 students with the technological skills needed for the College’s hallmark notebook computer program. “An integral focus of the program for students was technology and laptop skills, recognising the vital role that being laptop-literate plays in enhancing the academic efficiency of students across all subjects”, she explains. Additional sessions included organisational skills, and enhancing connections. “It was important to take the time to connect with each other and their Year 11 Big Sister mentors”, says Ms Brooder. “This was to build and foster important relationships that underpin their sense of belonging and wellbeing at the College.” For Year 8 students, Setting up for Success week also provided a much-needed opportunity to reconnect in person, after extended virtual learning. “After such a disjointed couple of years, the emphasis on assisting students to learn about their peers and spend quality time together was so important”, Mr Hogan says. “The student response has been overwhelmingly positive.” Well prepared with study and wellbeing tools now up their sleeves, JSS students are now ready to embrace the year ahead!
Lauren, Bon and Jada (Year 8) work collaboratively on a design task as part of Setting up for Success Week.
