MLC Strategic Plan 2018-2023

Strategic Plan

Introduction

As educators, our responsibility is to prepare the next generation for their lives as adults in a rapidly evolving world. We must prepare young people and a new generation to deal with uncertainty and continuous change in the future.

At MLC, we focus on providing a relevant and enriching education that equips students with the contemporary skills, essential knowledge and guiding values needed to shape their future and contribute meaningfully to local and global communities. We provide our students with a range of opportunities to prepare them to enter a globalised society where constant change will define and shape their lives.

MLC’s Strategic Plan is our roadmap to strengthening and adapting the College to an evolving world. The Plan features six Strategic Pillars, which are fundamental to MLC’s commitment to successfully educating and preparing young women for the changing world that awaits them.

The Strategic Plan results from the impressive collaborative effort of our MLC community and stakeholders, building on years of superb planning and execution.

MLC’s Strategic Plan is reviewed annually following feedback from and consultation with parents, students, staff, directors and others across the College community to ensure we are agile and responsive. This document outlines the College’s strengths and articulates future actions necessary to ensure MLC remains a leader in education and supports and nurtures students to be citizens the world needs.

In 2023 MLC’s 9th Principal, Julia Shea, commenced.

A brief history

1882

The Wesleyan Methodist Church’s commitment to education led to the founding of MLC with the rallying cry that Methodist girls in Australia deserved the same opportunities given to Methodist boys at Wesley College (est. 1866). From the outset, founding Principal Rev Dr WH Fitchett (Principal 1882 – 1928) successfully attracted interstate and international students, promoting MLC as “The Queen of Australasian Schools”.

1890s -

Late 1920s Reputation, size, and a varied curriculum saw MLC through the 1890s financial crisis. By the 1920s, higher academic standards and enhanced sciences and mathematics programs increased opportunities for students who wished to pursue tertiary study. A state-of-the-art Domestic Sciences building opened, and there was an increased emphasis on sport. Business Diploma programs attracted new students and helped train young women to fill positions vacated by men serving in the war.

1928 - 1938

By 1928 enrolment had risen to 73. Principal Rev John W Grove and the Methodist Conference successfully navigated through financial challenges incurred during Fitchett’s last years and The Depression. Grove maintained MLC’s goals of “developing a girl’s whole character [and] encouraging individual abilities”, noting that young women could certainly become a “force and power in the community.”

1939 - 1966

The term of Principal Rev Dr A Harold Wood saw a strong academic emphasis, in part due to growing competition from government schools and higher government standards for curriculum, teaching and facilities. This also led to a major rebuilding and expansion program funded largely through philanthropists George and

1967 - 1978

Alfred Nicholas. Dr Wood was adamant that fees were to be kept low “in order to make education widely available,” stating that education “was not for monetary rewards but to benefit mankind and to serve the present age.” Enrolment rose dramatically and MLC’s student population became even more diverse. Many girls of Asian and Jewish heritage began to attend the school, the latter specially invited by Dr Wood, who provided them with modified scripture classes.

The social upheaval of the 1960s perhaps influenced Principal Rev Ron AW Woodgate to dramatically alter MLC’s administrative structure by facilitating much greater autonomy for staff and students. Teachers’ and students’ ideas and input were encouraged and the Staff Association and SRC both originated during this time. He described MLC as a “living institution”, noting that his role was to release individual teachers’ potential so they, in turn, could release the potential in students and ensure the College would provide a meaningful experience for each girl.

1979 - 1996 David Loader became the first lay Principal of MLC in 1979. His primary goals were “more active, self-directed student learning” while maintaining the “full growth of all individuals.” In a period of rapid technological development, MLC in 1990 became one of the first schools in the world to provide laptop computers for students. Recognition of the importance of physical activity took many forms: the PEC opened in 1987, more extra-curricular sports, including rowing, were offered through increased parental involvement and MLC Marshmead was established in 1991 near Mallacoota, to provide an exceptional educational experience including leadership, sustainability and collaboration for Year 9 students.

1997 - 2018 Encouraging students to develop their leadership style and ensuring that MLC’s culture fostered diverse opportunities were mandates of Rosa Storelli’s term as Principal (1997 –2012). Ongoing exchanges with the Ngukurr community in southern Arnhem Land were initiated in 1999 by Debbie Dunwoody (later the MLC Interim Principal 2012 – 2013). The introduction of the International Baccalaureate program in 2000 provided additional opportunities for academic excellence.

The opening of MLC Kindle in 2000 ensured a stream of students to feed into the Junior School, which was redeveloped in 2007, honouring MLC’s long tradition of accommodating younger students. In 2002, MLC expanded the College’s world class education program by launching MLC Banksia. This site, located on the unique Banksia Peninsula of the Gippsland Lakes, was acquired to provide Years 5 to 8 students with an outdoor learning program that, like MLC Marshmead, builds skills, confidence and environmental awareness. Older girls benefited enormously from the new Science Precinct at MLC Kew, opened in 2010.

2014 - 2022 Principal Diana Vernon, commenced in 2014 and led the development of MLC’s vision, ‘inspiring students to be the citizens the world needs’ steering MLC into an exciting new era of innovation in young women’s education.

Ongoing commitment to the enhancement of students’ learning environments saw the development of the Kew Campus Masterplan. The first major project within this was the 2019 development of the Nicholas Learning Centre for Year 7 and 8 students. 2021 saw the completion of the Dr Wood Learning Centre redevelopment (previously known as the Harold Wood Wing), as a home dedicated for Year 9 students. The ongoing refurbishment and development across the MLC Kew, Banksia and Marshmead campuses ensure that we continue to update our students’ access to tools and facilities for dynamic 21st Century learning.

2023 - Principal Julia Shea commenced.

Sources:

Historysmiths Pty. Involving Learning: MLC 1982 – 2007. (Melbourne: Melbourne University Press, 2007). Zainu’ddin, Ailsa G. Thomson. They Dreamt of a School: A Centenary History of Methodist Ladies’ College Kew, 1882 – 198 (Melbourne: Hyland House, 1982). MLC

Archives: various documents.

An MLC education

MLC is one of Australia’s leading independent girls’ schools, internationally recognised for its extensive curriculum choice, cuttingedge approach to education, varied learning experiences and outstanding academic results. As an open-entry, non-selective day and boarding school, we are a welcoming, diverse community offering a broad, holistic education that prepares our students to be world-ready women.

MLC’s interdisciplinary approach to learning, with a strong focus on science, technology, engineering, art and design, and mathematics (STEAM) subjects, encourages our students to collaborate, combine critical thinking with creativity and challenge themselves.

MLC Kindle

Our Kindle program celebrates the natural curiosity of children through hands-on exploration of the world around them. The play-based learning program welcomes both girls and boys aged six weeks to five years and is staffed by a dedicated and experienced team of educators. The program combines high-quality care with a high staff-to-child ratio, a family centred approach and MLC’s renowned educational expertise.

A broad choice is offered across VCE, VCE VET and IBDP providing our students with an abundance of opportunity and flexibility.

With an unrivalled range of co-curricular options including music, visual and the performing arts and an extensive range of sports, we encourage our students to discover new interests and develop their passions.

We are a welcoming, diverse community offering a holistic education that prepares young women for their lives beyond school in an increasingly globalised world. ‘MLC girls become world-ready women.’

Our comprehensive program includes music, Japanese, gymnastics, library and digital skills. There are also opportunities to explore literacy and numeracy.

The Reggio Emilia philosophy inspires the Kindle program and all practice and documentation is informed by the National Quality Framework.

Chloe and classmates learn research skills as part of their history lesson.

Lara, Charlotte and classmates study earthworms in Year 7 Science to learn about their role in sustainable farming.

Junior School

(Prep – Year 6)

MLC’s Junior School is a stimulating, caring environment for girls in Prep to Year 6, where students are inspired to explore their world, develop skills, discover new interests and form friendships.

Students undertake a fully integrated curriculum that develops their curiosity and builds a solid foundation in literacy and numeracy. Every student from Prep – Year 2 has her own iPad, which plays a fundamental role in supporting students’ learning and discovery. From Year 3, students receive their own notebook computer which is used to further enhance their learning throughout the curriculum. Science, in particular, is enhanced by the use of technology in the

classroom as well as introducing our students to newer educational areas such as coding.

MLC Junior School also offers a range of specialist programs including art, physical education and swimming, library lessons, languages and an extensive music program. Students also have the opportunity to participate in a vibrant series of remote learning programs at MLC’s Banksia campus.

Student wellbeing is at the centre of our Junior School, with a specialised program dedicated to incorporating the benefits of mindfulness, meditation and yoga as a balance to our engaging academic curriculum.

Junior Secondary School

(Years 7 and 8)

In Year 7 and 8 students are part of a welcoming and inclusive environment. Here, the focus is on successfully transitioning students into secondary school life, building strong academic foundations and preparing students for the years ahead. Each student is supported through this time of new subjects, new teachers and new friends, reinforcing each student’s sense of belonging and achievement.

The Nicholas Learning Centre, officially opened in November 2019, is a purpose-built and specifically designed space for our Year 7 and 8 students. It utilises the latest pedagogical research to ensure our students have the tools and facilities for dynamic 21st Century learning.

The broad core curriculum allows students to identify their strengths and interests, while experiencing a full range of subjects to gain the skills and knowledge needed in a globalised era. We encourage and foster independence, collaboration and a lifelong love of learning. Students also participate in a series of remote learning programs at MLC Banksia with their home groups.

Middle School

(Years 9 and 10)

The focus in Middle School is on balance and choice. Students are offered extensive academic and co-curricular programs within a stimulating learning environment.

The new home for Year 9 students, the redeveloped Dr Wood Learning Centre, includes flexible, collaborative learning and informal spaces. An adjacent amphitheatre seamlessly connects to a recreational and productive garden space. The building in its entirety embodies the spirit of sustainability connecting it with the MLC Marshmead campus. The Marshmead program focuses and explores the concepts of sustainability, community and leadership, offering students a practical, hands-on experience where they undertake a range of integrated units that tie in with the Kew based Middle School curriculum and key learning areas.

There are many leadership opportunities to prepare students for their final years of schooling and build foundations for independence, responsibility and the courage to take the initiative. Academic programs are designed to offer students a balanced curriculum that prepares students to access the range of different Senior School pathways. Within a ‘guided choice’ framework and extensive elective subjects, students are encouraged to try something different and discover new areas of interest.

Throughout Year 10, Careers staff work alongside the students’ teachers in providing support to students to guide them in their course and subject choices.

MLC Boarding House

Our Tiddeman Boarding House offers a warm and welcoming family atmosphere to approximately 100 students from Year 7 through to Year 12. Boarders from around Australia and the world get to experience all the opportunities that the College and Boarding House has to offer while creating lasting friendships and learning independence.

Our Boarding House upholds a strong sense of community spirit, making it a warm and friendly place to call home. We provide the perfect balance between flexibility and

Senior School

(Years 11 and 12)

As a Senior School student, life at MLC is rich, varied and exciting. Students enter a world of possibilities where no dream is too big and every student is encouraged and supported to achieve her personal best.

With the choice of three distinct pathways – VCE, VCE VET and IBDP – students can select a pathway that meets their interests, needs and career goals.

Students enjoy one of the broadest curricula of any school in Australia which provides greater flexibility and choice when creating their timetable.

A well-rounded, balanced education is encouraged, and many Senior School students choose to assume one of the College’s many leadership opportunities while also maintaining their dedication to the diverse range of co-curricular activities on offer. Extensive student learning support and resources provide students with the tools to achieve their best, reflected in the College’s continued tradition of academic excellence.

structure, privacy and connection, resulting in the best boarding experience for students in Melbourne.

The transition to boarding can be daunting, but our experienced and passionate staff are committed to delivering the best boarding experience. From academic support, scheduled Prep time, and subject tutoring, through to extensive wellbeing support within the Boarding House and the College, Tiddeman House is an extraordinary place for boarding students to learn, live and discover their true interests and passions.

MLC Marshmead Remote Campus

MLC Marshmead is our remote residential campus, located on 114 hectares in East Gippsland’s beautiful Croajingolong National Park. For 8 weeks, Year 9 students live together, learning about themselves, their community and the environment.

Established in 1991, MLC Marshmead was ahead of its time as one of the nation’s first environmentally focused, hands-on education settings. Students experience a low-energy lifestyle and become increasingly carbon conscious. They learn and benefit from involvement in a supportive, collaborative and connected community. Students manage their cooking, cleaning, heating and cooling within nine self-contained student houses, each featuring comfortable bedrooms, living area, kitchen, bathroom and solar hot water unit.

These experiences encourage students to build on their relationships with others while improving their communication, decision-making and interpersonal skills. Wellbeing is paramount at MLC Marshmead. All students support one another through the experience of living away from home, with dedicated staff and a Home Group teacher helping them through this process.

Whilst boarding at MLC Marshmead, students follow a curriculum program. Some Year 9 students each year choose to remain in Melbourne and follow an alternative ‘Melbourne Term’ curriculum program.

Academic results

MLC has a proud tradition of academic excellence. These results are all the more impressive because MLC is a proudly open-entry and non-selective school.

The results from our Class of 2022 students were outstanding:

College Vision and Mission

An MLC education inspires our students to be citizens the world needs.

Our students develop the skills, values, and confidence to embrace the challenges and opportunities at school and beyond and to contribute meaningfully to society.

MLC develops and nurtures a community of independent, resilient, ambitious learners, by providing an unmatched breadth of learning and wellbeing experiences and environments.

Our commitment to excellence and innovation in girls’ education, combined with the breadth of our curriculum, co-curricular activities, wellbeing programs, and College

Our values

Our inclusive and welcoming environment is driven and underpinned by our values.

resources, ensures our students benefit from an enriched learning environment that is unmatched in Melbourne’s education landscape, marking out MLC as one of the best schools for girls in Australia.

With the support and encouragement to explore everything that interests, challenges, and motivates them, our students become independent, resilient, and ambitious learners who possess the skills, knowledge and attitude to thrive throughout every stage of their schooling, and in an ever-changing, globalised world.

At MLC we celebrate all of the achievements, including academic merit to notable sporting achievements on the national stage, accomplishments in music and the creative arts, excellence in leadership and significant contributions to community service and social justice.

Our values are the articulation of what we stand for and aspire to, guiding the school culture we foster and the behaviours we expect of everyone within our community.

Each value is an action-oriented statement. It is not enough to say that respect, responsibility, compassion, and courage are important to us. At MLC, we demonstrate our commitment to our values through all our interactions with others.

Our inclusive and welcoming environment

MLC values the diversity of knowledge, thought, and experience and believes that a welcoming and inclusive culture is important for learning and teaching and facilitates a positive staff, student, and alumnae experience.

We learn and work in solidarity with and from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as Australia’s First Peoples and as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land, sky and water.

We foster a safe community that celebrates diversity, uniqueness, and respect for differences of people of every faith, ethnicity, age, ability, neurodiversity, culture, language, gender identity, sex and sexual orientation.

Statement of Democratic Principles

As a registered school with the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA), MLC supports and promotes the principles of Australian democracy, including a commitment to:

– Accountable and democratically elected government

– The rule of law

– Equal rights for all before the law, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, gender or other attributes

– Freedom of religion

– Freedom of speech and freedom of association, the values of openness and tolerance, and respect for all members of the College community regardless of background

This Statement of Democratic Principles is communicated to staff, students, parents and guardians and the College community.

2018 – 2023 Strategic Pillars

In order to deliver and uphold the College Vision and Mission, MLC has developed a series of strategic pillars.

Pillar 1

Student learning and achievement

Strategic Pillars Statement of intent:

1.Student Learning and Achievement

2.Student Wellbeing

3.Excellence in Staff

Francesca and Grace take part in the Big Sister program, a mentoring program where Year 11 students help Year 7 students to ease into the secondary school experience with expert advice.

4.Innovation and Resources

5.MLC Community

6.Secure Future

MLC provides a broad and challenging academic curriculum which fosters a passion for learning and focusses on excellence, whilst developing independent, creative and adaptable thinkers.

Strategic aims:

– Advance MLC as a centre for teaching and learning excellence.

– Provide a high quality learning environment for both curricular and co-curricular programs, that ensures every student strives for excellence and reaches her potential in all aspects of her education.

Key actions:

– Introduction of continuous reporting, to reflect a comprehensive approach to the use of data to track and optimise students’ learning, wellbeing and achievement Years 7 to 12. – Introduce a continuous reporting mechanism for prep to Year 6 in parallel with the adoption of the learning management system for Junior School.

– Complete review of literacy approaches in Junior School, based on data and current research.

– Meet the needs and interests of a diverse group of students by providing an engaging, challenging, inspiring, contemporary and broad curriculum with authentic student experiences that promote lifelong learning.

– Adopt and effectively integrate emerging technologies to support and amplify learning.

– Develop and implement MLC’s Curriculum for Learning and Wellbeing. Commenced with consultation in 2021, then finalising and writing of programs of study for delivery in 2024.

– Progress a focussed micro credential trial with a view to building a micro credential assessment framework for broader college wide use.

– Following the 2020/2021 experience, invest in development of digital content for learning and wellbeing.

Pillar 2 Pillar 3

Student wellbeing Excellence in staff

Statement of intent: Statement of intent:

MLC offers age appropriate, sequential and integrated programs within a responsive student wellbeing framework in order to develop resilient young women who are confident to make positive choices in life.

MLC recognises that quality educational outcomes are driven by excellence in teaching and learning provided by the highest quality, motivated teaching and educational support staff.

Strategic aims: Strategic aims:

– Provide a respectful, safe and caring environment where all students thrive.

– Deliver appropriate and responsive, sequential and integrated wellbeing programs that encourage and challenge students throughout their MLC years to reach their potential in all areas of school life.

– Develop students’ skills and attitudes to enable them to contribute meaningfully to a diverse community, through the inherent

Key actions:

– Focus on Child Safety to ensure we continue to deliver best practice in meeting Child Safe Standards, whether we are onsite or online.

– Develop MLC’s Curriculum for Learning and Wellbeing, including a review of wellbeing programs and structure, for implementation in 2024.

– Progress the embedding of PROSPER across the College, linked with mapping of College values.

values of Engage with Respect, Aspire with Responsibility, Act with Compassion and Explore with Courage.

– Provide the support required for a successful academically non-selective community and celebrate the diversity this brings to the learning environment.

– Foster a community that encourages and supports students to feel connected, build resilience and make positive choices in life.

– Recruit, motivate, develop, recognise and retain high performing staff.

– Invest in professional training, development and support of staff to ensure an engaged and motivated workforce.

– Strengthen innovative pedagogical practices and teacher efficacy, by

Key actions:

– Continue to build on and enhance the MLC culture, to support collaboration and innovation and improve communication.

drawing on current research, educational partnerships and industry connections.

– Develop leaders recognised for their excellence across the education sector.

– Continue to embrace diversity to provide a variety of role models for MLC students.

– Complete a review of the MLC Student Code of Behaviour and Discipline Policy and communicate with all members of the MLC Community.

– Develop the Years 7 – 12 Student Representative Council.

– Trial additional boarding models, including flexi and weekly boarding.

– Introduce and embed formal Succession Planning across the College, to support staff wellbeing and development and enhance leadership for all.

– Review further opportunities for Staff Learning and Training to be delivered digitally, both synchronised and asynchronised.

– Continue our engagement with Universities worldwide, to support staff pedagogical research and professional development.

– Further develop the Staff Wellbeing Committee, established during 2020, to best support MLC staff.

Innovation and Resources

MLC Community

Statement of intent: Statement of intent:

MLC will continue to lead and innovate in developing resources, sites, programs and facilities that support our students in a vibrant learning environment.

The diverse and extensive MLC community provides a rich source of opportunity, personal growth and sense of belonging for all members.

Strategic aims: Strategic aims: practices that engage and enhance learning outcomes

– Build on the success of MLC’s world class sites and facilities, develop leading learning environments, buildings and spaces that inspire.

– Foster a culture of inquiry in staff and students that stimulates a climate of challenge, innovation, and collaboration.

– Use state of the art technologies, in supporting students and staff to pioneer

Key actions:

– Completion of the Wood Learning Centre and outdoor spaces for Year 9 students.

– Enhancement of Banksia and Marshmead site infrastructure to further protect against Bushfire activity.

– Completion of the review of the College IT/systems architecture and commence development/implementation to ensure an integrated, secure College Information System.

– Invest in new equipment and technologies that enhance the learning environment, and continue a high investment in the College’s IT system infrastructure

– Explore innovative physical and digital spaces to support the College’s curriculum initiatives.

– Review and develop MLC’s Communications and Marketing Strategy to build on our use of digital communications to best engage with MLC community members, past, present and future

– Review traditional and digital forms of media for communications and marketing

– Develop MLC digital content to support Virtual Open Mornings – both for domestic and international markets

Key actions:

– Finalise our Advancement Strategy to enhance general engagement across all sectors of the community and, in time, build philanthropic support

– Develop intercultural understanding and engagement through our international community and connections and through our indigenous community links and consider the use of digital content and communications to best support these connections.

– Build on the learnings from 2020/2021 to enhance MLC use of digital delivery, both to support students’ learning and wellbeing and for delivery of community events both online as well as hybrid onsite / online events.

– Review the College Masterplan to consider next projects.

– Review and develop MLC’s Communications and Marketing Strategy to deliver innovative and creative ways to engage with MLC community members, past, present and future.

– Explore families’ aspirations for their daughters and how this informs their expectations and communication needs of MLC.

– Finalise our Advancement Strategy to enhance general engagement across all sectors of the community and, in time, build philanthropic support.

– Develop intercultural understanding and engagement through our international community and our indigenous community links. Consider the use of digital and multimedia communications to best support these connections.

Pillar 6 Secure future

Statement of intent:

MLC is committed to a secure and sustainable future that supports investment in facilities and resources which deliver a world class education for MLC students.

Strategic aims:

– Develop the College in a financially secure manner ensuring strong operating cash flows to facilitate ongoing development and investment in developing excellence in all aspects of the College.

– Continue to recognise the financial demands placed on families who choose an independent education, and set MLC fees in line with relevant financial indicators.

– Develop the culture of philanthropy within the MLC community and further develop the engagement and reach of the MLC Foundation.

Key actions:

Continue our program of enhancing the College site to provide a COVID / pandemic safe environment for now and the future.

– In response to the current economic situation, continue to monitor and engage with individual families to identify those in need and provide targeted support, as may be appropriate.

– Ensure the operations of the College are optimally managed and operate with sustainable and best practice structures and systems that support the College’s Vision and Mission, now and into the future.

– Ensure MLC maintains the highest level of governance over its operations, decision making, risk management and regulatory compliance.

– Incorporate consideration of environmental sustainability in all new developments.

Develop the College energy strategy, and incorporate investigation of new technologies in support of sustainability.

– Proceed with solar installation program.

– Build on our 2020/2021 digital experience and its impact across all areas of the College, as we consider the future of education.

MLC

207 Barkers Road

Kew Victoria 3101 Australia

T: +61 3 9274 6316

E: admissions@mlc.vic.edu.au

mlc.vic.edu.au