From the Head of Learning and Teaching

Year 12 Commence Trial Examinations with Purpose and Determination

This week marked an important milestone for our Year 12 students as they commenced their Trial HSC and IB examinations. These assessments represent the culmination of years of learning and provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and habits of mind they have developed throughout their secondary education.

The atmosphere across the School has been one of focus, determination and quiet confidence. We wish every Year 12 student the very best as they continue through the examination period and acknowledge the commitment they have shown in preparing for this important stage of their academic journey.

New Year 9 Elective: EnLightened: Latin and Philosophy

We are delighted to announce the introduction of a new Year 9 elective, EnLightened: Latin and Philosophy.

Designed by Amy Kirk, High Potential Learning Leader, and Candace Robertson, Head of Department – Languages, this interdisciplinary course brings together the rich intellectual traditions of Classical Latin and Philosophy to develop thoughtful, curious and independent thinkers. Central to the program is the development of a personal voice. Students are encouraged to think deeply, form considered opinions and develop the conviction and confidence to defend their views through reasoned argument and respectful dialogue.

The precision and analytical rigour fostered through the study of Latin complements the inquiry-based nature of Philosophy, creating a powerful learning experience that strengthens critical thinking, communication and intellectual independence. Through the exploration of enduring ideas that have shaped civilisation, students will not only examine the thoughts of great thinkers but also clarify and articulate their own place within the world.

This exciting elective reflects our commitment to providing intellectually rich learning experiences that challenge students to think deeply, communicate clearly and engage meaningfully with complex ideas. Elective offerings for Year 9, 2027 open up in Week 4.

Around the Grounds: Learning Walks

One of the greatest privileges of my role is visiting classrooms and seeing learning come to life across the School. This week, several Year 5 lessons captured the qualities that make learning at MLC School both challenging and rewarding.

In Mathematics, I observed students busily investigating complex problems involving area. What stood out was not simply their ability to arrive at solutions, but the confidence with which they articulated and defended their mathematical reasoning. Students were empowered to share their methods, explain their thinking and learn from one another’s approaches. The classroom was alive with discussion, curiosity and mathematical reasoning.

In English, I visited High Potential Learning Leader, James Adams’ Year 5 High Potential Learning lesson, where students were engaged in a conceptual study of rebellion through Dickens ‘A Tale of Two Cities’. I was incredibly impressed by the sophistication of the girls’ interpretations, their nuanced understanding of complex ideas and their exceptional command of language at such a young age!

These visits were a powerful reminder that learning in our Junior School is active, explicit and visible. Most importantly, it is designed to challenge every learner to think deeply and develop a personal voice. Across classrooms, we are intentionally building resilience and persistence by setting high expectations and sending a clear message: doing hard things can be difficult, but it is also deeply rewarding.

What was particularly evident this week was the strong culture of psychological safety that underpins this work. Students were willing to take risks, share tentative ideas, make mistakes and learn from them because they knew they were supported by their teachers and peers.

– Melissa McMahon
Head of Learning and Teaching