1. PROACTIVE LEARNING 

All girls have different academic capabilities. Entry at Year 4 or 5 prepares students for the academic expectations at MBC, particularly in preparation for transition to Secondary School. The Primary School is proactive in implementing identification processes for individual learning needs and offers a comprehensive Learning Enhancement programme that encompasses Learning Support and Learning Enrichment. In Year 6, the Learning Enhancement team, along with class teachers, work closely with staff in the Secondary School to ensure the transition for all students is a smooth one.

MBC is proud to be an authorised International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, offering the Primary Years Programme in Prep to Year 6. The IB programme encourages both personal and academic achievement, with the aim of developing internationally minded people who, recognising their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world. By using this internationally respected framework, we are confident that the quality of learning is at an international standard. This framework, in conjunction with specialist teaching staff in the areas of visual art, health and physical education, religious education, languages (French/Japanese), and music, prepares students for the academic expectations that come with a move into Secondary.

2. BUILDING CONFIDENCE

One of the biggest concerns for any child commencing at a new school is “will they make friends”?

In the MBC Primary School, we have several strategies to alleviate these anxieties for students entering in Year 4 and 5, including an Orientation Day with ‘get to know you’ activities and the allocation of a buddy (current MBC student in the same year level). Through our extensive offering of extra and co-curricular opportunities, the girls get the chance to have a go at new sports and cultural activities, and through these activities, they mix with students across classes and in other year levels. Entry in Year 4 or 5 gives students an opportunity to make a valued contribution to the Primary School before they move into their Secondary years and allows students to establish friendships and feel confident with their peers.

3. ORIENTATION AT SCHOOL

Girls commencing in Year 4 or 5 have the opportunity to become familiar with the physical environment at MBC before entering Secondary. They become more confident in finding their way around the campus and are more comfortable utilising the many facilities MBC has to offer, including the state-of-the-art Science facilities, Music Centre, Swimming Pool, language classrooms, sports facilities, and dedicated Primary Library.

4. PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENT LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME

Under the traditional leadership model used at many schools, there is no guarantee of being accepted as a student leader. We’re very proud of our unique Student Leadership Programme in the primary school as it is extremely inclusive. All students take on a role and are mentored within a small group, and the girls hold their student leadership positions for the duration of Year 6. This programme supports all students while ensuring individuals learn to accept responsibility and take action in their community to serve others.

The Year 6 leaders meet with their teacher-mentor regularly throughout the year and the responsibilities undertaken by each group provide wonderful opportunities for students to develop an understanding of the commitment that goes with accepting responsibility.

Leadership Roles vary each year, depending on the interest in different roles by the girls, and the availability of mentors. The Leadership Roles regularly offered are:

• Chapel & Wellbeing
• Dance
• Drama
• Early Years
• House (Alison Greene, Wesley, Whitfield, Drewe)
• Information Technology
• Music
• New Family Tours
• Photography
• Protocol (Leading assembly)
• Service and Fundraising and
• Student Representative Council

In addition to these roles, we also have sporting captains as part of our sporting competition. These roles are determined once each sporting season commences. The girls all participate in a number of learning experiences where they explore how they are able to contribute to the growth and development of the MBC Primary School and discover the leader within themselves. 

5. GETTING READY FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL

Now that friendships have been established and the anxiety about a new school is behind them, in Year 6 students will be involved in a number of transition activities to pave the way for the move to Secondary School. There will be opportunities for them to meet and ask questions of Secondary teaching staff, Heads of House and College student leaders. They participate in Secondary House service events (such as free dress days and lunch-time activities); they visit secondary learning spaces and get to know some of the specialist areas – food and textile technology, drama, dance and they will participate in Orientation events including meeting their carefully selected Inter Year Carer. Eight Inter Year Carers are selected for each House, and throughout the year, these girls provide care, support and guidance for the Year 7’s, often resulting in long-lasting friendships.

6. WORKING TOGETHER

Joining Moreton Bay College in Year 4 or 5 means your family joins a thriving community. There are many opportunities for parents of students in Year 4 or 5 to be involved in the College community, whether it be helping in the classroom, attendance at social events, acting as a year level parent representative, assisting with support-a-reader or marshalling at sporting events. We love getting to know our families, and Parent support of the College’s activities is always appreciated. There are also several support services offered to College families, including a Psychologist, Occupational Therapist and Speech Therapist.

7. SINGLE-SEX EDUCATION

Girls and boys learn differently, and girls in all-girls schools achieve significantly stronger academic results than any other group in Australia. In an all-girl environment, teachers can accommodate and nurture these differences in abilities and interests, and without competition from boys, girls are free to pursue greatness and each achievement is celebrated. 

Girls’ education is a specialised field, and our carefully chosen teaching staff tailor their classes specifically to the way girls learn, develop and communicate. This means that students are more engaged with their teacher and with the content, which leads to better academic outcomes.

An engaging curriculum, specially developed to inspire and unlock the potential of girls, builds confidence and pride in their learning abilities, and the scope and diversity of our teaching programme develops girls that want to be at school and want to learn.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP AND JOIN A TOUR

Our focus is on providing a learning environment where all students feel comfortable and confident. We see entry in Year 4 or 5 as an exciting opportunity for students and families to join our College and discover why we’re the experts in girls’s education.

Are you interested in learning more about joining us in Year 4 or 5? You can call our Enrolments Team on 07 3249 9322 or book a private college tour using the form below. We'd love to welcome you and your family to MBC.