Middle School
Middle School students well catered for at MLC
While Methodist Ladies' College implemented a Middle School structure and philosophy in 2007, anew Middle School building designed to include flexible teaching and learning spaces has been in use since the start of the 2009 school year, . The building caters for the unique needs of adolescent students in Years 7 to 9 in mind, particularly the importance of relationships and community which have a great influence onstudents in early adolescence.
Designed over five levels on the campus cliff-top, with expansive views of the Swan River, the building complements MLC's age-specific Middle School program and features state-of-the-art facilities.
Each of the Year group floors contains six classrooms, four of which can be expanded by retracting bi-fold doors which separate them. The use of glass on the interior walls of classrooms enables girls to work independently in a multi-use area which is complete with computers, while being passively supervised by teachers. Each floor also contains seminar and interview rooms and teachers' offices.
Outside leisure areas include an amphitheatre and large, covered riverside terraces. For the comfort of students and staff, the temperature in the Middle School is regulated by reverse cycle air-conditioning and the widespread use of glass in the building's design enables the use of natural light.
The Stephen Lee Auditorium at the basement level features a sprung floor for the comfort of Dance students. The Auditorium is a dedicated place for Drama and Dance classes to be held and a more intimate performance space for students than the College's 700-seat facility, Hadley Hall. The surrounding foyer enables families to socialise before and after events.
The top floor of the building is home to the Creative Arts Department and features a multi-purpose exhibition area and a covered terrace set up as a wet workspace for students. Two large Art studios are separated by bi-fold floors, and the floor contains teacher offices and storage areas.
Founding Head of Middle School Maria Camilleri said Middle School students needed a sense of community and belonging, which in turn influenced the relationships they developed with teachers, friends, family and the wider community.
"Research tells us that community links and involvement in Middle School education have a huge, positive impact on student learning and enhance the education of the whole child," Mrs Camilleri said.
"At MLC, we are committed to providing a formal Middle School education that is responsive and appropriate to the developmental needs of adolescent girls - an education that fosters College traditions and values and enhances the MLC Community.
"The principles we established to guide the planning, development and implementation of our unique Middle School ensures MLC continues to remain at the cutting edge of education in the 21st Century."
The new building was dedicated by former MLC Principal, Reverend Stephen Lee To educate, inspire and equip girls to fulfil their potential, in line with our values.