Year 8

It has been another busy week for Year 8 as the girls move through the final stretch of their formal assessments for the year. With Science, Technology and Visual Arts assessments being completed, I have encouraged the cohort to stay organised and keep putting their best effort into their learning. 

Leadership has also been a strong focus over the past fortnight. As mentioned last week, it was wonderful to see so many Year 8 students nominate for Middle Years leadership positions and then have the courage to speak in front of their Houses last Friday. I was lucky enough to see the girls from Abbeythorpe deliver their speeches and they were thoroughly impressive. Regardless of the outcome, putting yourself forward, sharing your ideas and being willing to step outside your comfort zone are all important examples of leadership. Voting for the Middle Years positions closes this Friday! 

We continued this Leadership theme during Luminary this week through the Lean In Girls leadership activities. The girls were challenged to think beyond traditional ideas of what a leader looks like and to recognise that leadership does not always require a title. It can be demonstrated through small, everyday actions, including supporting others, speaking up and contributing positively to our community.

Next Thursday, Year 8 students will participate in an interactive Elephant Ed workshop focused on developing the knowledge and confidence to navigate consent, boundaries and the online world. Students will explore age-appropriate issues including consent and respectful decision-making, digital footprints, sexting and image-based abuse, peer pressure and the influence of sexualised media.

The session is evidence-based and discussion-focused, providing students with practical strategies for making safe, informed and respectful choices. We recognise that some of these topics may prompt questions or reflections for students, and MLC School staff will be available during and after the workshop should any student wish to talk further or seek support. 

Please contact Angela Renwick, Head of Students, Years 7 to Year 9, if you have any questions.