From the Head of Junior School

This week we had many prospective parents attend our Tour Day. One of the things I value about this day is that it is truly authentic. Future MLC School families view the high quality of teaching and learning that takes place each day. If you know of families who are considering an MLC School education, please encourage them to make an application so they can secure a place for their daughter to receive the an excellent education.

Year 6 visit to Sydney Science Park  

MLC School has a strong partnership with Sydney Science Park. This week our Year 6 students visited this new and growing region as part of their studies. This real and purposeful learning opportunity will feature in our upcoming newsletter.  

Mother’s Day Disco 

Thank you to our hard-working P&F, Marketing and Community Relations, Facilities, Junior School administration and staff who collectively have made our Junior School Mother’s Day Disco a great success.  

Click on gallery to view full album

Homework 

This week the Sydney Morning Herald, published an article about homework in primary schools. The article noted that there is ‘no benefit’ to homework in the primary years. Indeed, research does inform us that there is very little academic benefit to homework in primary school. So why does MLC Junior School have homework? 

Our approach to homework is intentional and grounded in longitudinal research, and our commitment to the development of the whole girl. Research does indicate that homework has the greatest academic impact in the secondary years, where it supports consolidation, revision and preparation for more complex learning.  

At MLC Junior School, girls engage in homework so they may develop sound habits that will serve them well as they progress through their schooling. This includes organisation, responsibility, independence and the ability to complete a task within a given timeframe. Research also suggests that homework can support the development of these positive learning routines and self-regulation skills, which are important foundations for later success.  

Importantly, homework at MLC School is always designed to be familiar, purposeful and achievable. It is not intended to be difficult or overly challenging; rather, it reinforces classroom learning and provides an opportunity for girls to revisit concepts in a supportive and manageable way. We want homework to be a positive experience, one that builds confidence and a sense of accomplishment. 

We also recognise the valuable role that homework can play in strengthening our home–school partnership. It provides an opportunity for parents and carers to engage with their daughter’s learning. This may be by reading together, discussing ideas, or simply showing interest in what has been learned at school. This shared experience sends a powerful message: learning matters, and what you do at School is important.

At the same time, we are equally mindful of the importance of balance. Our girls are actively involved in a wide range of co-curricular activities. MLC School has one of the very best co-curricular programs in Australia. For this reason, homework is intentionally kept to a manageable length and designed to fit alongside the rich and diverse opportunities offer that part of our holistic MLC School education. 

Homework at MLC Junior School is purposeful, age-appropriate and supportive of both learning and wellbeing. It helps each girl to develop the habits and dispositions she will need in later years, while ensuring your daughter continues to take advantage of all that is on offer at our School.