From the Head of Learning and Teaching: How best can I support my daughter’s learning in 2026?

Learning happens at the point of challenge. When we are stretched just outside our comfort zone, that is where the magic of growth happens.

It’s very important that as parents and educators, we don’t shield girls from learning that is hard. We need to encourage our girls to tackle challenge, rather than shy away from it. In NSW, recent HSC data has shown us that students are choosing ‘easier’ patterns of study because they are of the impression that they can achieve higher results in less challenging courses. Candidature numbers are down statewide in some of the more demanding HSC courses. I am proud to say that this is not the case at MLC School, and this was made apparent to us this week during our HSC/IB data analysis sessions. Girls are choosing subjects that will stretch their thinking in a variety of ways. The numbers of girls enrolling in Science and in Extension courses is increasing. Of course, this is not to say that every girl should be attempting an extension course as every learner needs to be challenged at her own point of need.

So what can you do to support your daughter to embrace challenge?

Reassure her that learning involves productive struggle. When she has found a maths test (or any test) difficult and she doesn’t achieve the result she would like, it is important to help her understand that learning takes time and failure is necessary for growth. The best thing that we can do is foster resilience.

• Ask her what went well in the task, but then encourage her to talk to her teacher about her gaps in knowledge and set a plan for improvement that is realistic and achievable.
• Most importantly, what will be the routines and dispositions that she will need to implement and demonstrate to grow? Tiny habits implemented regularly in your daughter’s routine will make the difference.
• Steer her away from fixating on the mark and towards a focus on understanding what she needs to learn in order to improve. When we take away the emotion and the fixation on ranks and marks, learning can happen.

Wishing your daughter a wonderful year of growth in learning.

– Melissa McMahon
Head of Learning and Teaching