Immersion Plays an Important Role at MLC School
At MLC School we place value on the learning experiences that occur beyond the classroom. Our Experiential Pedagogy Framework has been developed with a clear vision to provide our students with the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills that they develop in the classroom to real world contexts. Through the framework we aim to create unrivalled learning experiences beyond the classroom that spark curiosity, foster growth, and provide a platform to achieve excellence. Programs are designed to empower and prepare the MLC School girl to be a courageous, compassionate, and respectful global citizen.
These are exciting opportunities for Senior School students in 2023.
The Adventurers Program (Year 8 and Year 9)
The Adventurers Program is our approach to outdoor education and an intrinsic part of an MLC School girl’s education. Inspired by our Round Square membership this program supports our students to develop the skills to take measured risks, face challenges and persist against the odds. We encourage the MLC School girl to be dynamic and driven; thrive on practical, experiential learning; and inspired to tenaciously pursue their objectives, whilst overcoming setbacks and obstacles along the way. Adventurers camps are not an optional component, they are key to our overall educational objectives.
Immersive Learning Units (ILU)
Immersions at MLC School have long been a cherished part of the girls’ educational journey through Year 7 to Year 10 and consist of an in-school program and an off-campus experience. The off-campus experience is an important element to their learning and as well as a rite of passage. The ILUs utilise a combination of experiential learning and integrated curriculum design to create authentic teaching and learning environments for our students. These units foster cross-curricular learning allowing the MLC School girl to not only apply her knowledge and understanding to real world contexts but also allow her to be shaped by the experiences she has as well as the people she interacts with.
Immersion oppportunities in 2023 are:
Year 8 – Canberra and the Central West of NSW with an Indigenous focus
Year 10 – New Zealand for an Immersion with a sustainability focus and participation in environmental conservation projects.
Optional Tour and Trips
In addition to our Adventurers Program and Immersive Learning Units there are several tours and experiences that students can elect to go on during the school holidays. These trips are organised by various departments and groups across the School to support and extend classroom experiences. While these trips are optional, they are developed with educational outcomes in mind. The opportunities in 2023 are:
North Queensland Fieldwork Experience
Organised by the Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE) Department
This trip is designed for Year 12 International Baccalaureate (IB) and Higher School Certificate (HSC) Geography classes. Students will undertake five days of tropical North Queensland fieldwork, with time spent both on the Great Barrier Reef and with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including at the Daintree Rainforest.
Japan Tour
Organised by the Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) and Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE) Departments
Open to students in Year 10 to Year 12
Japan offers a unique opportunity to enrich students’ understanding of their Stage 5 and 6 PDHPE and HSIE courses, giving students a unique opportunity to experience first-hand some of the key course concepts and content they encounter throughout their studies.
In addition to curriculum enhancement, this journey is an excellent introduction to travel in Japan. At the end students will be well versed in the vagaries of transport and travel, understand the unspoken rules and expectations of the society and be able to move around in a foreign environment with greater assurance and confidence.
Art and Design Hawaiian Tour
Organised by the Design, Art and Technology (DART) Department
Open to Art and Design students from Year 9 to Year 11
Art and Design head to Hawaii to participate in art making workshops at Volcano Arts Centre looking at sustainable art practices and cultural influences. Using recycled materials and local resources from timber, plastics, and ceramics.
They will visit two islands and several historical sites including Pearl Harbour, Volcano National Park, Diamond Head and Waimea Bay, Maunakea the world’s tallest sea Mountain. Visiting Sea Horse and Octopus farms, swimming with turtles and experiencing Hawaiian culture at a traditional Luau for an amazing two weeks of rich culture.
Arnhem Land Immersion with Culture College
Open to students in Year 10 and Year 11
Culture College Aboriginal Corporation (Culture College) is a social enterprise established to inspire and educate secondary school students and empower the next generation of Australia’s leaders.
Students will be immersed in the living culture of Aboriginal clans of East Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory of Australia, one of the most culturally intact and pristine regions left on Earth. This unique program provides privileged access and interaction with the Yolŋu people and their lands of which they have been the traditional owners for over 50,000 years. Students on this trip will:
- Interact with family of Dhalinybuy/Bukudal Homelands
- Learn about the differences between homelands and communities including language, bush foods and medicines, moieties, totems and dreaming stories
- Learn and participate in a culture that has existed for over 70,000 years
- Come with open hearts and minds and you will leave with a wealth of knowledge about the country you live in
Round Square International Conference – Hosted by the Brookhouse School in Kenya
Open to students in Year 10 and Year 11
We send a small delegation of up to 10 students to represent MLC School at the Round Square International Conferences hosted by The Brookhouse School located just outside Nairobi the capital Kenya. At conference delegates will hear from keynote speakers who are having a positive impact on the world as well as engaging in peer-to-peer discussions related to the theme of the conference. Throughout their time at conference, they will explore the Round Square IDEALS and examine topics of importance to member schools from around the world.
Friendships are made through activities, expeditions and events organised by the host school. Visitors are introduced, not only to the host school, but also to its country, culture, and environment.
Duke of Edinburgh Award – Gold and Silver Adventurous Journey in the Northern Territory
Open to students enrolled in the Silver and Gold Award
This trip will allow students to complete the requirements of the adventurous journey which is a key component of the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
– Blake Fatouros
Director of Experiential Pedagogy
Click on the image gallery to view full-sized images.
