The Academy of Mary Immaculate’s Synergy program immerses Year 9 students in the city of Melbourne, where they discover what challenges ‘their’ city is facing and how can they contribute to its future.
Known as The City School for Girls, the Academy of Mary Immaculate is located opposite the Melbourne Museum. The City of Melbourne has been a significant classroom for 168 years.
The Year 9 Synergy program focuses on the dynamic changes that students can create. Synergy immerses students in the city of Melbourne, they discover what “their” Melbourne looks like, what challenges are being faced in the city and how can they contribute to the future of Melbourne.
The Synergy classroom is a future focussed collaborative classroom, set up to prioritise creativity and adaptability. A Synergy term begins with an intentional exploration of the concepts of teamwork and collaboration, encouraging self-discovery as a learner while embracing the opportunity to both challenge and be challenged.
In 2025 the Synergy Program will be launched with a new direction, set to inspire and empower the next generation of learners in the City of Melbourne. The new program focusses on design thinking, integrating real-world learning opportunities with critical thinking and creativity in the classroom setting of the city.
Stepping into the Synergy classroom at the Academy of Mary Immaculate is unlike entering any other learning space. Gone are the traditional rows of desks; instead, students find themselves in a dynamic environment filled with round tables, bean bags, multiple whiteboards, an extensive book collection, and even a dedicated space for casual discussion. This unique setting fosters an atmosphere of exploration, creativity, and collaboration—where learning is more than just acquiring knowledge; it is an immersive, hands-on experience.
Engaging with Melbourne’s past and present
Each Year 9 cohort experiences Synergy through a tailored curriculum that responds to both the needs of students and opportunities that arise within the city. A strong foundation in First Nations history and culture is central to the program, with students engaging in guided walks with Indigenous elders, exploring the Koori Heritage Trust, and participating in cultural immersion experiences in the Royal Botanic Gardens. These activities foster a deeper appreciation of Melbourne’s rich Aboriginal heritage and ongoing contributions to its identity.
A historical lens is also applied to Melbourne’s colonial past, with expert-led history walks and scavenger hunts uncovering stories hidden within the city’s laneways and landmarks. Urban development and renewal are explored through visits to the Metro Tunnel Headquarters, where students have the opportunity to experience the future of Melbourne’s infrastructure through VR technology, hands-on model building, and even Minecraft simulations.
Melbourne’s culture: a hands-on approach
Melbourne’s vibrant arts, sports, food, and fashion scenes are essential elements of the Synergy experience. This year, two new hands-on certifications have been introduced for all students: a barista training course and a nationally recognised food handling certificate. Not only have families enjoyed an improved level of home-brewed coffee, but many students have already leveraged these certifications to secure part-time and holiday employment.
The Learning Project: bringing it all together
The culmination of the Synergy Program is the Learning Project, where students delve into self-directed research on a topic of their choice. This year’s projects have explored diverse themes, including the role of technology in public gardens, the burden of state debt for Melbournians, the legacy of philanthropist MacPherson Robertson, and how Melbourne schools support neurodiverse students.
The success of these projects is made possible through the generosity of over 50 professionals, university staff, and industry experts, who contribute their time and expertise to mentor students. Additionally, Melbournians themselves have played an active role, engaging enthusiastically in on-street interviews conducted by the program’s student reporters.
A lasting impact
The program is more than just an academic exercise—it is a transformational journey of challenge, growth, and discovery. New friendships are formed, fresh perspectives are gained, and students leave with a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.
Ultimately, Synergy is a reflection of its name: “the creation of a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.” It is an experience that extends beyond the classroom, equipping students with the skills, curiosity, and confidence to engage meaningfully with their city and beyond.
