A safe space to learn and thrive

Atopic that the newly appointed Principal of MLC, Julia Shea, speaks passionately about is the power of an all-girls education.

“A common statement is that ‘ life is co-ed, so students should learn in a coeducational environment ’,” Shea says “Whilst life is co-ed, the world isn’t great for girls yet: in career earnings, in personal safety, in the visibility of leadership.”

W ith over 20 years’ experience across multiple states and in both boys’ and girls’ schools, she has seen the benefits of all-girls schooling first-hand.

“An all-girls environment provides a safe space for girls to learn, to take calculated risks, and reject the gender stereotypes that can hold them back , ” Shea says.

A growing body of research illustrates the power of this environment for girls’ learning and development. For example, a 2017 study of NAPLAN data found that young women at all-girls schools achieved higher scores than girls at co - educational schools, even when socioeconomic status was taken into account.

Further research compiled by the Alliance of Girls Schools Australasia shows higher levels of confidence, selfesteem and psychological and social wellbeing, and that girls feel their opinions are more respected in an allgirls environment than in a co-ed one.

“As I have a background in and real passion for mathematics, I find it particularly powerful that graduates of girls’ schools are six times more likely to consider majoring in maths, science and technology and three times more likely to consider studying engineering than girls who attend co-ed schools,” Shea says.

It is also paramount to provide girls with opportunities to extend their confidence, explore their interests, and challenge themselves, she adds.

“I was drawn to MLC because it is a truly exciting place to learn and its person-centred approach to learning and wellbeing matches my own educational philosophy. It’s so exciting to join a school that is resourced to be able to provide these opportunities to girls and young women.”

From the moment a girl steps through the gates at MLC, she steps into a world of opportunity. The proudly independent all-girls school offers more than 60 subjects across VCE, VCE VET and the International Baccalaureate program, and girls can also join any of the school’s 20-plus musical ensembles, bands and choirs.

Sport is high on the agenda, too. There are more than 30 sports activities to choose from, and the school encourages girls to stay active with an inclusive health and fitness program. Student-led clubs are also a popular feature at MLC, where girls can try everything from Auslan, coding and chess to K-pop and philosophy.

“Our students have a diverse range of interests and talents, and we want to empower them to discover these interests, to take risks and challenge themselves,” Shea says.

“Whether she finds her strength in sport, science, mathematics, the humanities, music, languages or fine arts, all our students are valued.

For unlimited opportunities for your daughter, apply now to secure your place on the waitlist.

“ Through our unmatched breadth of choice and opportunity for our students, it’s a place where every girl will have her talents and interests nurtured and achieve her best.”

Since it was established in 1882, MLC has become renowned as one of Melbourne’s highest-performing Prep to Year 12 day and boarding schools. Shea believes this is due to the quality of teaching at MLC and its dynamic, broad and balanced curriculum with integrated wellbeing.

“Our curriculum not only guides what our students learn and how they structure their learning on a day-today basis, but it also brings together a common set of knowledge, skills and shared experiences to create a strong sense of belonging,” she explains.

“ We’ve always ensured that MLC’s curriculum is rigorous and relevant and that it is constantly transforming to ensure our students are well-prepared to enter an ever-changing and fastmoving world.

“In addition, our incredible teachers are lifelong learners themselves, and they have a strong culture of ongoing professional development.

“ This means they are set with the latest evidence-based practices and methodologies to tailor their teaching to enhance student learning.”

Student wellbeing is equally valued, and is integrated with learning rather than treated as a separate area. Each student has a network of support, including a designated teacher who is personally responsible for her wellbeing.

Specialist staff provide learning support and learning enrichment, and take care of physical and mental health needs, and MLC also partners with wellbeing experts who provide age-appropriate education about developmental and social issues.

Shea is confident about MLC’s future journey and that of its students. “MLC is a community of unique learners, explorers and achievers, and I can’t wait to see what our students do with so much to discover at their fingertips,” she says.

207 BARKERS ROAD, KEW, VIC 3101 ENQUIRIES (03) 9274 6316 mlc.vic.edu.au admissions@mlc.vic.edu.au

YEARS

MLC Kindle (6 weeks – 5 years) Prep – Year 12

DENOMINATION

Non-denominational GENDER Girls (MLC Kindle co-ed) FEES

Prep – Year 12, $21,420 to $35,910, see website for MLC Kindle

BOARDING Yes

SCHOLARSHIPS Yes

ATAR

(Median for 2022): 89.05 mlc.vic.edu.au/apply