Year 7 - Methodist Ladies' College

Experience Year 7 at MLC

A Year of Discovery, Connection and Growth

Starting high school is a big step for students and families. At MLC, we embrace this milestone by making the transition exciting, supportive and empowering. Our Year 7 program is carefully designed so every girl feels known, valued and ready to thrive.

Through engaging academics, a strong wellbeing framework and a rich co-curricular life, students are encouraged to explore, grow in confidence, and develop a strong sense of identity as learners and leaders. Year 7 is where friendships form, independence grows and futures begin.

Orientation Week

Belonging from Day One

We begin the year with a dedicated Orientation Week to help students feel confident and connected before academic routines begin. They will:

Meet their House Group and Mentor
Build friendships through team building
Tour the campus and meet key staff
Get a feel for high school—without the pressure

This week sets the tone for a smooth, supported and fun start to their MLC journey.

A Rich and Rewarding Academic Journey

Building Agency Through Curiosity, Confidence and Choice

Year 7 at MLC is all about discovery. Every student explores the full breadth of our curriculum—from Sciences and Humanities to the Arts, Design and Technologies. We’re also the only school in Perth to offer four language choices from Year 7: French, German, Japanese and Chinese.

We don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. With smaller class sizes, passionate specialist teachers and individualised support where needed, we take the time to understand each girl’s learning style and provide the right balance of challenge and care.

In every classroom, we prioritise:

Agency – encouraging curiosity, independence and ownership
Collaboration – building confidence through group learning
Reflection – helping students understand how they learn best

Students are also supported to develop healthy, sustainable study habits. Homework is set at approximately one hour per night, four nights a week—teaching time management without overwhelming.

Learn to Learn

Skills for School and Beyond

Unique to MLC, Learn to Learn is a course taught exclusively to Year 7s, designed to help them become confident, capable learners. Delivered fortnightly, it equips students with practical strategies they will use throughout their schooling.

Each term explores a new theme:

Term 1: Organisation for success
Term 2: Learning strategies
Term 3: Notetaking and research
Term 4: Applying these skills

Whether it’s managing technology, setting goals or staying motivated, Learn to Learn builds the foundation for future success.

Wellbeing at the Heart

Inspiring Girls to Thrive

At MLC, wellbeing is woven into daily life. Our Year 7 program is designed to meet students where they are—nurturing their personal, social and emotional development through weekly, age-appropriate sessions.

Topics include:

Healthy friendships and relationships
Digital wellbeing and cyber safety
Study-life balance and resilience
Sleep hygiene and self-care

Sessions are interactive and varied, including small group discussions, workshops, and cross-year activities with our Year 10 Peer Support Leaders and Junior Years students.

Each girl is supported by:

A dedicated Mentor Teacher
A Head of Year overseeing pastoral and academic progress
A Head of Middle Years supporting Years 7–9
In-house College Psychologists
The College Chaplain

Co-Curricular Life

Discover Passions. Build Confidence.

Our vibrant co-curricular program gives students the chance to try new things, connect with others and build important life skills. Year 7s are encouraged—but not required—to get involved in activities such as:

Music, Drama and Dance
Sports
Specialist academic coaching and competitions (e.g. da Vinci Decathlon, Maths and Science challenges)
Language clubs and enrichment

These experiences foster resilience, collaboration and time management—while helping students discover what they love.

Leadership and Community

Giving Back and Stepping Up

Leadership and service start early at MLC. In Year 7, students can take on roles including:

Mentor-Mentee Group (MMG) Representatives
Student Representative Council (SRC) members
Sustainability Committee
Library Monitors
Team Captains

We also proudly offer the Ignite Award, available in Years 5–8, which encourages students to develop resilience, leadership and initiative through outdoor adventures, voluntary service and skill-building activities.

Community service is guided by our College Chaplain and includes volunteering at school and local events. Students who complete 40+ hours of service in Years 7–9 are recognised through our Values Colours program.

A Home Away from Home for our Boarders

Build Friendships for Life

Our Boarding House is a warm, welcoming environment where Year 7 students quickly feel at ease. With a dedicated team and strong integration between Boarding and day life, boarders are fully immersed in the MLC experience—sharing the same opportunities, friendships and care.