MENTONE GIRLS’ SECONDARY COLLEGE

Mentone Girls’ Secondary College students, through courage and work, develop compassion, independence and tolerance in a dynamic learning environment, enabling them to make a fulfilling contribution in local and global communities.

Facilities: The college offers many excellent facilities including a junior learning centre, science labs, media and visual arts studios, a performing arts centre, technology rooms, a double-court gymnasium with upstairs seating for 400 and a weights/circuit room with attached classroom.

Curriculum: Mentone Girls’ Secondary College believes in promoting excellence and encourages all students to achieve their best. The college offers a balanced and broad range of VCE studies and VET programs to cater to the varied needs of the senior students. Year 10 students are offered the opportunity to accelerate by undertaking a VCE Unit 1 and 2 study, or a VET program, as appropriate. The Year 7 to 10 curriculum is designed to provide students with a very thorough grounding in the core subjects as well as the chance to explore a wide range of learning experiences prior to VCE. The Year 9 Language and Society program, an important element in the curriculum structure, gives Year 9 students a range of authentic learning experiences, including inquiry-based projects in English and Humanities. The Habits of Mind program is further strengthening the learning skills and attributes of Junior and Middle School students. Year 7 students are supported in the transition to secondary school by having their own separate centre and through a range of curriculum and co-curricular initiatives throughout the year. The college has a focus on developing and implementing ICT-rich tasks and all Year 9, 10 and 11 students have their own netbook computer.

Extra-curricular activities: Mentone Girls’ Secondary College values development of the whole person and offers an outstanding co-curricular program. The extensive program develops initiative, independence and acceptance of responsibility and provides opportunities for learning in settings outside the classroom. There are numerous opportunities for participation and leadership in the areas of sport, music, drama and debating. The Student Representative Committee is very active and students have input into the school magazine and the environment committee. The college is developing global links through its Engage with Asia program and its sister school relationships with schools in Japan and France. An international student study program commenced in 2013 with the enrolment of a small number of Chinese students.