Per Ardua ad Alta; through striving to the heights
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF THE FIRST PEOPLE OF THE LAND
We respectfully acknowledge the Whadjuk people of the Nyoongar Nation as the traditional owners of the land on which we stand and pay our respect to elders past, present and emerging. It is upon their ancestral lands here on the bay of Minderup on the Derbarl Yerrigan that Methodist Ladies’ College (MLC) stands. We acknowledge the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and non-Indigenous Australians to the education of all children and people in this country.
MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL AND CHAIR OF COUNCIL
Schools are facing increasing demands to prepare students for rapid economic, environmental and societal changes, for jobs that have not yet been created, for technologies that have not yet been invented and to solve social problems that have not yet been anticipated. Education can equip learners with the agency, the competencies and the sense of purpose to share their own lives and contribute to the lives of others.
The Future of Education and Skills: Education 2030, OECD
We are excited to embark on a bold new chapter in the MLC story as we shape girls’ futures now and for years to come.
In an ever-changing world filled with unprecedented challenges – social, economic and environmental – driven by globalisation and technological advancement, we as educators must embrace a culture of change to ensure our graduates are future-ready.
As a community that is deeply ambitious for girls, we have the opportunity to give our students the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values they will need to accomplish, thrive and shape their world.
For over 117 years, we have been reimagining education. Our new Strategic Plan, Shaping Futures: MLC 2030, builds on this legacy, ensuring we remain leaders in education and our graduates are not only prepared for today, but also poised to shape the future.
Words alone will not define our next chapter, but our commitment to actions will. By working together, we can navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
It is the warmth and vibrancy of our community and how we connect and inspire each other that has the greatest impact on us all. That’s why our plan is firmly centred on nurturing well-rounded individuals within the context of collaboration, connection and community.
We are grateful to embark on this journey towards 2030 with the support and engagement of the entire MLC Community. Together, we will break boundaries and nurture confident and capable young women who are empowered to create their own story and shape their own future.
Rebecca Clarke, MLC Principal Marie-Louise Martin, MLC Chair of Council
OUR STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK
Over the past 18 months, the College Leadership and Council have collaboratively developed a comprehensive Strategic Plan that will guide our journey towards 2030.
Our detailed planning process incorporated extensive community engagement and research. We gathered valuable perspectives and feedback through a series of surveys, focus groups and workshops involving parents, staff, students and Collegians. This input, combined with insights from leading global education research, provided the foundation and rigour that shaped our strategic vision.
Shaping Futures: MLC 2030 sets a bold course for our collective future and articulates our unwavering commitment to creating a thriving learning environment where every girl is empowered to live a life of meaning and purpose.
STRATEGIC ROADMAP
OUR MLC VALUES
INTEGRITY embodies our unwavering principles and ethical conduct.
• We are honest and truthful.
• We are authentic and genuine.
• We have a sense of justice; we do the right thing.
WONDER sparks our passion for curiosity and fosters a deeper connection with our world.
• We immerse ourselves in the joy and awe of learning.
• We imagine and discover.
• We seek out what is remarkable and extraordinary.
COURAGE empowers us to be brave, determined and unafraid to explore new horizons.
• We are resilient, tenacious and confident.
• We push boundaries and strive for new heights.
• We embrace new challenges and voice our opinions.
HUMAN ITY cultivates a caring environment where everyone thrives together.
• We are compassionate, kind and nurturing.
• We are a community that respects each other; (a place) where everyone feels valued.
Future-ready students need to exercise agency, in their own education and throughout life. Students who are best prepared for the future are change agents.
The Future of Education and Skills: Education 2030, OECD
EMPOWER STUDENT AGENCY, LEARNING AND EXCELLENCE
OUR GIRLS ARE FACING UNPRECEDENTED CHALLENGES IN A CONSTANTLY EVOLVING LANDSCAPE, REQUIRING THEM TO MOBILISE THEIR SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND VALUES TO MEET THE COMPLEX DEMANDS OF AN UNCERTAIN WORLD.
We are dedicated to fostering a learning environment that is at the forefront of education, empowering generations of girls through innovation and excellence, and promoting agency in learning.
To empower their future, we will:
1. Encourage independence and confidence so our girls take ownership of their unique learning journey.
2. Develop innovative thinking and creativity through evidence-based learning for future-readiness in a transforming and diverse world.
3. Embrace and leverage the safe use of emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, as tools for growth.
4. Engage with industry leaders, creating opportunities for real-world learning and innovative experiences.
5. Support each girl to nurture her individual talents and achieve personal excellence.
CHAMPION EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSIVITY
GIRLS’ SCHOOLS EDUCATE GIRLS TO BECOME THE CHANGEMAKERS OF THE FUTURE. BY LEARNING IN AN ALL-GIRLS’ ENVIRONMENT, YOUNG WOMEN FEEL LESS DISRUPTED AND ARE BETTER PREPARED FOR THEIR FUTURE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM.
To be successful in life, girls will need to respect and appreciate the ideas and perspectives of others, value discourse, and welcome all forms of diversity. For this reason, the importance of building a culture where everyone’s voice is heard is paramount so each girl can excel and achieve her personal best.
We are committed to providing an inclusive and equitable education where every girl is recognised and can become a strong and inspiring leader, break boundaries, and strive to the heights.
In championing this, we will:
1. Embrace and celebrate all forms of diversity within our inclusive community.
2. Advance equity and equality through an all-girls’ education and leadership development opportunities.
3. Foster a nurturing space where each individual learns, grows and feels valued.
4. Actively promote causes that further women’s rights and societal progress.
5. Cultivate diverse perspectives in discussions and decision-making.
Our vision is for a world-class education system that encourages and supports every student to be the very best they can be, no matter where they live or what kind of learning challenges they may face.
Alice Springs Declaration 2019
Wellbeing and learning represent an integrated concept. You cannot be successful on one without the other.
The Right Drivers for Whole System Success, Andrew Fullan
GROW WELLBEING AND BELONGING
WE UNDERSTAND AND ACKNOWLEDGE THE INEXTRICABLE LINK BETWEEN BEING WELL AND DOING WELL. TO ENSURE OUR STUDENT AND STAFF WELLBEING IS AT THE FOREFRONT OF WHAT WE DO, WE COMMIT TO PROTECTING AND NURTURING EVERYONE BY CREATING A SAFE AND POSITIVE COLLEGE ENVIRONMENT, SO THAT EVERYONE FEELS CONNECTED AND HAS A VOICE.
We will foster a connected community and positive education outcomes – a place where everyone has the confidence to be themselves and where our girls feel a sense of belonging.
To prioritise wellbeing and belonging, we will:
1. Enhance the wellbeing, mental and emotional health of our students and staff, ensuring parents and caregivers are our partners in this approach.
2. Equip individuals and teams with life-ready skills for current and future challenges.
3. Strengthen a strong sense of belonging and connection within our diverse community.
4. Develop ethical, empathetic individuals who will positively impact their communities.
5. Embody our College Values to support the holistic growth of our community.
INSPIRE STAFF COLLABORATION AND EXCELLENCE
CREATING A COLLABORATIVE ENVIRONMENT IS INTEGRAL TO ACHIEVING EXCELLENCE. A PLACE WHERE STAFF ARE EMPOWERED TO USE THEIR PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERTISE, WORKING TOGETHER TO DELIVER OUTSTANDING LEARNING OUTCOMES. FOR MLC TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN OUTSTANDING TALENT, WE MUST PUT CULTURE AT THE HEART OF EVERYTHING WE DO.
Our educators will be empowered to innovate, create impact, and excel, providing the highest standards of education and continuing our proud history of educational excellence.
To inspire futures, we will:
1. Promote a thriving professional learning community that embraces collaboration and drives continuous improvement.
2. Encourage staff as part of their continuous improvement, to be thought leaders and share their expertise locally, nationally and globally.
3. Develop staff skills and capabilities, celebrating their achievements and professional growth.
4. Enable leaders and teams to create impact within and beyond MLC.
5. Implement school-wide collaborative approaches to enhance ongoing educational excellence.
The deconstruction of community is visible across society … Schools are in a unique position however, to be counter cultural and create thriving hubs of community and partnership.
McCrindle Education Insights Report 2023
STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY AND CONNECTION
TO PREPARE THE NEXT GENERATION FOR THE CHALLENGES THAT LIE AHEAD, WE MUST SUPPORT A CONNECTED COMMUNITY THAT ENCOURAGES KINDNESS AND MEANINGFUL INTERACTIONS. OUR PARENTS, STAFF AND COLLEGIANS ARE OUR PARTNERS IN BUILDING CONNECTIONS AND A PLACE WHERE OUR GIRLS CAN THRIVE.
We will foster and engage a strong and vibrant community to unite students, families, staff and alumni in a common purpose as we grow together.
To build a connected community, we will:
1. Promote meaningful interactions through purposeful activities.
2. Empower community members to become active advocates for MLC.
3. Foster a culture of kindness and philanthropy throughout our extended MLC family.
4. Nurture enduring lifelong connections to MLC.
5. Secure a sustainable future through strategic planning and community support.
HOW WE WILL SHAPE THEIR FUTURE
Throughout
the life of Shaping Futures: MLC 2030, we will deliver projects that enable us to realise our goals.
Here is a snapshot of our early projects:
FUTURE FACING LEARNING FRAMEWORK
The learning framework provides direction to students, teachers, leaders and families to ensure our learning experiences have the complexity and depth to facilitate growth and shape the knowledge, skills and competencies required to prepare our girls for the future. MLC is one of only a handful of forward-thinking schools nationwide selected to partner with the University of Melbourne in a research-practice partnership. This collaborative research venture offers our educators the opportunity to join forces with academic experts to reshape and impact MLC students and the future of education in Australia.
WELLBEING FRAMEWORK
To do well, you need to be well and our bespoke wellbeing framework, underpinned by our College Values, will guide the growth of each girl at MLC. Our framework will be designed to instil the essential qualities of grit and determination, helping us create an environment where thriving becomes the norm.
LEADERSHIP
We will nurture an environment where both students and staff are encouraged to embrace challenges and seize opportunities for personal and professional growth. We will develop future leaders and strengthen the leadership skills of our staff through ongoing professional development. With MLC’s comprehensive range of leadership opportunities, MLC girls are empowered to seek out what leadership means for each of them. Whether it is through teamwork and collaboration, building confidence or making a positive contribution to their community, we want our girls to be motivated to lead change now and in life beyond our College.
SPORTING EXCELLENCE
The development of a new high-performance sports’ program at MLC will support and empower our athletes to realise their full potential both on and off the sporting field, and to build a culture of sporting excellence through high-level IGSSA participation.
ADVENTURE HUB
We will reimagine our outdoor play areas, starting with a purposefully designed Adventure Hub for our Junior Years’ girls. Engaging in play that involves risk-taking and problem-solving is vital for children’s development, helping to build resilience and confidence. Active, exploratory play is closely linked to enhanced wellbeing, supporting emotional health and development of social skills for the overall growth of our students.
MASTER PLAN
Reimagining our learning and engagement spaces with a focus on STEM will be a key priority. We will launch a new Master Plan for future capital and campus development that will inspire and empower our girls to create their own story.
