Immersive Learning at MLC School
At MLC School, immersive learning is key to our educational approach. We believe education extends beyond the classroom, fostering critical thinking and personal growth through diverse experiences. Our Experiential Learning Program includes co-curricular activities, service projects, and outdoor education, placing students in real-world environments. This enhances academic knowledge and equips students with essential life skills for success. Below are highlights of the immersive experiences this term.
Year 1 Steps Back in Time: A Glimpse into 19th-Century School and Farm Life
The Year 1 girls had the opportunity to experience school and farm life as it was in the late 19th century. The girls were immersed in activities that allowed them to step into the shoes of children from the past, thinking how schooling and daily life have changed over time.
Dressed up in period costumes of straw hats and cotton pinafores, the girls began their school day with a salute to the British flag before marching into an authentic 1880s schoolroom. Led by a strict schoolmistress in full character, the girls stood to sing God Save the Queen before settling into their seats for lessons. Using slates instead of exercise books, the girls practised their cursive handwriting, took part in a science lesson, and even tried their hand at sewing.
The day also included a taste of a 19th-century physical education (PE) lesson, with girls participating in an outdoor drill and maypole dancing in the schoolyard.
Then it was time to explore the former working areas of the farm, learning what life was like for children before and after school in the late 1800s. They visited the old milking shed and the beautifully preserved stables built by the Rouse family, learning about the important role of horses in transport and farm work. The girls got to brush the horse saddles, feed the sheep, and even scrub clothes on an old washboard!
It was an exciting way for the girls to connect with the past.
– Bernadette Weston, Elizabeth Astle and Sasha Ross
Year 1 Teachers
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At MLC School, immersive learning is key to our educational approach. We believe education extends beyond the classroom, fostering critical thinking and personal growth through diverse experiences. Our Experiential Learning Program includes co-curricular activities, service projects, and outdoor education, placing students in real-world environments. This enhances academic knowledge and equips students with essential life skills for success. Below are highlights of the immersive experiences in the Senior School this term.
Year 2: An Adventure in the Botanic Gardens
On a slightly rainy day, our enthusiastic Year 2 students, accompanied by their dedicated teachers, Amanda Tsioustas, Teacher and Tim Lennon, Director of Indigenous Education, embarked on an exciting excursion to the Botanic Gardens for the ‘Connection and Country’ program. Despite the weather, the students’ spirits were high as they eagerly anticipated a day of learning and exploration.
The rain led to a few adjustments in our planned activities, but the modified program was just as engaging and educational. The students began their adventure with a fascinating indoor session where they learned about the rich cultural heritage of the local Aboriginal people. They were introduced to traditional stories that have been passed down through generations, providing a deep connection to the land and its history.
Following the indoor session, the rain eased up, allowing the students to venture outside for a guided tour of the gardens. They explored various plant species and learned about their significance in Aboriginal culture. The students were particularly intrigued by the bush tucker plants and their uses in traditional Aboriginal cuisine. The hands-on experience of touching and smelling these plants made the learning experience even more memorable.
Despite the rain, the Year 2 excursion to the Botanic Gardens was a resounding success. The students returned to school with a deeper appreciation for Aboriginal culture and a greater understanding of the connection between people and the land.
– Amy Kirk
Teacher, Year Coordinator
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Year 6 Immersed in Sea Life and Wild Life
Year 6 visited the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo. The excursion linked to the CLP topic for the term, ‘adaptation’, It was an immersive journey into the lives of Australia’s animal inhabitants.
After arriving in Darling Harbour by train, the students were split into two groups and went to the facilities separately. Over the course of the day, the students met a platypus, stingrays, grey nurse sharks, little penguins, a dugong, rock wallabies, two Australian death adders, and some koalas.
- ‘The sea museum made me feel immersed with the sea life,’ Katherine said.
- ‘It (the WILD LIFE zoo) was an amazing experience – just like being in the bush,’ Matilda said.
- The unicorn fish were Sienna’s favourite. ‘It was fascinating going under the tunnel with all the sea life,’ she said.
- ‘Today was my first excursion but it was a really great experience,’ Hailey.
Year 6 learned so much and loved the experience. Though they were all tired and sore by the end of the day, they said it was worth it.
– Peta
Year 6 Student
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Year 7 Mathematicians Dissect Geometry at The Sydney Opera House
At the end of the term, 25 eager Year 7 mathematicians visited the Sydney Opera House to participate in a workshop exploring the geometric principles of the world-famous building’s design. It was fascinating to learn about how the simplicity of a circle was the key to unlocking the design and construction constraints. Below is a reflection of the excursion from student Sissi.
‘We participated in the “Dissecting Geometry” activity at the Sydney Opera House and learned many new things about the history of the iconic design, and how the venue came to be what it is today, through the simple innovations by architects that built it, linking the curved designs back to the fundamentals of mathematics and geometry. Building upon those ideas, we worked together in groups to make our own models and designs of architectural buildings with the same concepts as the Sydney Opera House, then coming together to share our thoughts and processes. It was a highly collaborative, hands-on task, and communicating with others was enlightening; we were able to see our combined works of imaginations being built into tangible models. The instructors were all very helpful and supportive, creating a safe learning environment. I felt lucky to have the opportunity to be part of such a unique project, and it was certainly a memorable experience.’
– Sissi
Year 7 Student
– Alex Schroder
Mathematics Enrichment Teacher
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Six Memorable Weeks in France: A Language Immersion Experience
Learning a language offers more than just a chance to study—it provides real opportunities to use the language in practical settings. Whether it’s travelling with family and friends or participating in an exchange program, language skills can open doors to new experiences.
In the below article, Priyanka (Year 12) shares her experience of spending six weeks in France as an exchange student, offering insights into how the immersion helped improved her French language skills and provided valuable cultural exposure.
– Natasha Collins
Assistant Head of Department – Languages
During the summer holidays, I spent six weeks on exchange in France, which I found to be such a remarkable, worthwhile experience. I was matched with a lovely French host family who had two younger daughters, they live in Thionville, a charming town in the Lorraine region. Thionville is just half an hour away from Schengen, where France, Germany, and Luxembourg meet—famous for the Schengen Agreement signed there in 1985.
During my time in France, I attended lycée (high school) for four weeks and had a two-week break over Christmas. My host family and I visited towns like Dijon, Nancy, Metz, and Troyes. I had the privilege of being there in December so was able to enjoy the Christmas markets in Thionville and a few other neighbouring towns as well as a smattering of snow.
The lifestyle in France vastly different to how we live in Australia. Every day, we would have a two-hour break for lunch where we’d leave school and head into town to eat in bistros and cafés. Some days, we wouldn’t finish school until 6pm, so we’d arrive before sunrise and leave after sunset. Quite a change from back home!
I also had the chance to visit Luxembourg a few times, both with my host family and with friends. One particular memory that stands out, was getting the bus to go ice skating in Luxembourg after school with friends. It felt truly surreal to be able to take a 20-minute bus to arrive in another country with an entirely different culture and different languages (French, German and Luxembourgeois are spoken).
Overall, the experience was incredible. I made lifelong friends and memories that will stay with me forever. I learned to be independent and adapt to a culture so different from my own. It was a bit scary at first, but looking back, it was an adventure I’m so glad I embarked on. I’m so grateful I had the opportunity undertake this experience – it really pushed me outside my comfort zone, yet was so unforgettable and rewarding.
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Launch of the 2025-2027 Strategic Plan 
I am both humbled and excited to join MLC School as the new Head of Learning and Teaching. The School’s mission of inspiring young women to be fearless thinkers and agents of change—who “Dare to be More”—resonates deeply with me. In today’s rapidly changing world, we need fearless thinkers who can solve complex problems and lead with confidence. To achieve this vision, our learners require a rich, knowledge-based curriculum that empowers them to think conceptually, ask insightful questions, reason critically, and draw informed, thoughtful conclusions.
Year 11 students Isabelle and Allegra are currently serving on Strathfield Council’s Youth Advisory Board. This leadership role provides an opportunity for students to have a voice and be representatives of their peers and our MLC School community. 
