From the Learning Enhancement Department

From the Learning Enhancement Department

Thank you to our parent community!

It has been truly wonderful to meet with more than 100 families this term as we plan and personalise learning enhancement for students in 2026. The Learning Enhancement Department appreciates your time, trust, and collaboration during these discussions.

The Term 4 Parent Check and Connect Morning was an opportunity to share MLC School’s commitment to fostering flexible, inclusive learning environments that adapt to students’ evolving needs. Thank you parents for attending. We strive to ensure students who engage with the Learning Enhancement Department feel a sense of belonging and are supported at their point of need.

With dedicated staff for both personalised academic support and high potential learning, collaboration with parents remains a priority. This includes regular review cycles and active consultation. In 2026, student voice will also be incorporated, starting with Year 9, to further tailor learning experiences.

2026 Expanded offerings:

A staged rollout of High Potential Learning Programs will begin in the Middle Years in 2026. As well, academic support interventions will continue. 2026 Offerings include:

  • Expansion of the Horizons Program
  • da Vinci Decathlon
  • Ethics Olympiad
  • Writer’s Club
  • 1–1 Mentoring
  • Philosophy in schools 2026
  • Transition Program
  • Expanding the suite of Multi-lit offerings
  • Introduction of evidence-based intervention programs for Mathematics in some years

Communication

We encourage open communication with families and provides regular updates via Audacia (newsletter). All parents and students are invited to engage with the department, as appropriate, to ensure equitable access to these enriching opportunities.

Conclusions from Horizons 2025 Program – From the High Potential Learning Leader

As the term comes to a close, we have reviewed the immense academic depth accomplished through the pilot Horizons Program this semester. The 16 participating Year 7 and Year 8 students have used a Princeton University textbook to explore the most infamous psychological experiments of the twentieth century.

This term, as a final demonstration of their learning, students have been asked to write an extended response on the following, paradoxical question: ‘The most infamous psychological experiments of the twentieth century furthered our understanding of human nature not despite their disregard of ethical standards, but precisely because of them –  Discuss’ In this response, students are expected to synthesise a wide swathe of psychological experiments learnt across the term, and then evaluate the relative costs of achieving psychological breakthroughs at the expense of following ethical guidelines.

In 2026, we look forward to exploring new ‘beyond the curriculum’ topics and expanding the Horizons program to Stages 3, 4 and 5.

For questions or further information, contact led@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au.

– James Adams
High Potential Learning Leader

Wishing you a restful Christmas Season.

– Stephanie Dimitrelis
Director of Learning Enhancement