MLC Middle School provides a safe environment that meets the specific needs of young girls socially, emotionally, academically, physically and spiritually in Years 6, 7 and 8. The learning environment in Middle School aims to address the needs of each girl as a whole person.

At MLC School we know that girls in their middle years of schooling (10–14 year olds) have needs that are quite different from those of a primary or senior school student. The Middle School learning program is one that nurtures both a capacity for critical thinking, and a commitment to learning. The learning environment encourages girls to actively explore beyond the boundaries of traditional schooling. Girls are encouraged to make the most of the opportunities that enable them to learn either on their own or in groups.

The Middle School Pastoral Care Program, supported by Mentors, provides opportunities for students to make connections with their learning and build relationships with peers and adults. It supports students in their exploration of new experiences through academic and extra curricular programs. Specialised Middle School staff know how to meet the learning needs of younger adolescents and bring curriculum expertise to engage students in real and relevant learning experiences within and beyond the classroom.

Middle School is located on the Genista Campus on the northern side of the Senior School. The Year 6 and Year 7 classrooms border the playground, which is for Middle School girls only. There is space for netball, handball, skipping ropes, outdoor chess as well as outdoor seating.

Exposure to Information Technology is a certainty for young
adolescents and using advanced technologies in a creative, exciting and safe way is very much a part of the Middle School at MLC.

Learning and Recognising Leadership ~ Ubuntu

Ubuntu is a South African word that means ‘a person is a person because of other persons’. It acknowledges one’s humanity, the importance of valuing everyone and living and working together to build community. Ubuntu Awards are peer and staff nominated and awarded twice annually.

Positive relationships are essential for effective learning and in
Middle School learning to lead is fundamental for leading learners.
Learning leadership continues as a focus not only in the classroom, on the sports field and through service learning, but also through modifications to the Middle School Leadership program.

All Year 7 girls learned in mentor time about current leadership theory and practice. Ongoing leadership development occurs through wekly meetings with the Head of School and the Pastoral Care Co-Ordinator and workshops to strengthen their leadership capabilities.

Service Learning

Successful service learning programs are those where there is explicit benefit for both the provider and the recipient of the service. It is not a volunteer program or voyeuristic. It is grounded in experiences and activities that facilitate learning for everyone.

Extension of the Service Learning program provided greater opportunity for girls to learn about other people and themselves. MAD (Make A Difference) days were held each term to provide personal care packages and stationery packs for the Teachers' College in Timor, the Model School in Nepal and Samaritans Purse Christmas boxes. Year 6 again baked and packaged Chistmas treats and performed concerts of Christmas carols for neighbouring nursing homes. There was fundraising, sourcing and purchasing of uniforms for a representative sports team for a school in Sri Lanka and an International Food and Dance Festival to celebrate our multiculturalism and to raise funds for Medecins Sans Frontieres.

The program with Merrylands Special School saw Year 7 students in regular and ongoing classroom visits for most of the first three terms of this year. Girls learned how young people with disabilities are more the same as them than different and that in helping others learn new skills, we also learn more ourselves. The success of this program has seen its extension to Holsworthy Special School, and Merrylands School’s Learn to Swim Program.

Ordering Books for the new Academic Year

Campion Bellbird Books (incorporating Pronin's Book Service) are the preferred book supplier for MLC School. Orders must be prepaid by credit card or cheque. If you require books please contact Bellbird Books directly on 9460 7133. Orders can be faxed or posted directly to Bellbird Books, Locked Bag 250, Artarmon, NSW, 1570 or order on line.

Click here to order online from Campion Bellbird Books.