Student wellbeing is taking centre stage at Methodist Ladies’ College (MLC), with its approach that fully integrates academic learning and personal development across every aspect of student life.
The Curriculum for Learning and Wellbeing, launched in 2024, is designed to ensure students thrive in and beyond the classroom. Principal Ms Julia Shea explains that while student wellbeing has always been a fundamental focus of the MLC experience, the initiative moves beyond traditional wellbeing programs by embedding support into daily student life.
“Rather than treating wellbeing as a standalone program, we have fully integrated it into the student experience and personalised it to every student,” she says.
The curriculum has been shaped by contemporary research on the most effective curriculum designs for secondary years, insights gained from remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic and, most importantly, feedback was sought from whom the curriculum impacts most — students, families and teachers.
The new structure provides clear learning pathways from Year 7 to Year 12, helping students develop essential skills and knowledge in a structured way. MLC’s renowned breadth of subject choice allows students to explore their passions, leading to greater engagement and success.
“We know that when students are encouraged and able to pursue what they love, they are motivated, with better outcomes not just academically but also emotionally,” Ms Shea says.
In the secondary years, every student is supported by a dedicated Mentor, a key member of the staff who focuses on helping students achieve their personal and wellbeing goals. A reimagined timetable ensures students receive personalised support, with small mentor groups and fortnightly one-on-one check-ins with their Mentor. Research indicates that strong student-teacher relationships contribute to both academic success and overall wellbeing, a key consideration in the curriculum’s design.
The wellbeing focus extends to younger students, with Junior School where students develop essential life skills alongside academic learning. Personal and interpersonal development, collaborative problem-solving, and social justice awareness are embedded across subjects, helping students build confidence and a sense of belonging within the MLC community.
The In@MLC program, introduced at the beginning of each year, supports Prep to Year 6 students in transitioning smoothly and feeling connected. These elements align with the whole-school PROSPER wellbeing principles, reinforcing a consistent approach to student wellbeing from the earliest years
MLC has also recognised the role of physical activity in supporting mental health and academic performance.
“Regular physical activity supports mental health by reducing stress and anxiety, enhances academic performance through improved concentration and memory, and boosts self-esteem and confidence, paving the way for lifelong wellbeing,” Ms Shea explains.
MLC’s expanded Health and Fitness program includes activities such as spin classes and Pilates before school, catering to a wide range of student interests and abilities. This year, over 420 students participate each week; this is significant given that research shows 90 per cent of girls aged 17 in Australia do not engage in sufficient physical activity.
Building on this momentum, MLC is investing in a new Physical Education and Sport Precinct to provide students with enhanced movement and physical engagement opportunities. Ms Shea emphasises the importance of keeping young women active, not just for their physical health but for their confidence and happiness.
“It’s about ensuring they have the skills and motivation to make movement a lifelong habit,” she says.
With its new approach, MLC is setting a benchmark in education, ensuring that students develop academically while building resilience and confidence to navigate the complexities of modern life.
