A Broad and Purposeful Learning Journey
Secondary learning at MBC is designed to prepare girls for a rapidly changing world. Students are encouraged to become active global citizens who can think creatively, solve problems, collaborate effectively and adapt with confidence. The curriculum is broad, engaging and designed to support both academic growth and personal development.
Our Teaching and Learning Model supports this journey through purposeful learning, clear progression and differentiated support. Students are challenged to think deeply, take academic risks and strive for personal excellence.
Years 7 and 8
Building confidence and belonging
In Years 7 and 8, girls experience a broad curriculum that is relevant, challenging and engaging. This stage is designed to help students build confidence, discover their strengths and develop a genuine love of learning before moving into more specialised study.
Students learn across a wide range of subjects, including English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities and Social Sciences, Health and Physical Education, Religious Education, Languages, Digital Technology, Food and Textile Technology, Dance, Drama, Music, Visual Art and the Positive Minds Programme.
This breadth gives girls the opportunity to explore widely while developing a strong sense of belonging, self-esteem and resilience.
Year 9
Exploring strengths and interests
In Year 9, students begin to shape their learning more intentionally.
The curriculum balances core subjects with elective choices, allowing girls to deepen their skills and knowledge while discovering areas of enjoyment and proficiency. This model gives students enough breadth to remain well rounded, while also providing greater opportunity to specialise in areas of interest.
Year 10
Preparing for the senior years
Year 10 is an important transition point.
Students begin to focus more clearly on areas of interest as they prepare for the Senior Phase of Learning. Skills, content and assessment are increasingly aligned with senior study, and a broader range of subject choices allows girls to specialise in areas they may wish to pursue in Years 11 and 12.
Years 11 and 12
Pathways with purpose
In the senior years, students choose subjects that suit their skills, interests and future goals.
MBC offers a wide range of choices, with pathways that support university entry, vocational learning and school-based apprenticeships or traineeships. Students work towards the Queensland Certificate of Education, with General subjects contributing to a possible ATAR pathway, while VET studies can also contribute towards the QCE and a selection rank.
This flexibility allows each girl to pursue a pathway that reflects her goals and strengths.
STEAM and future-focused learning
STEAM plays an important role in the Secondary experience.
By integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics, STEAM learning helps students develop problem solving, creativity, critical analysis, teamwork, initiative, communication and digital literacy. It encourages girls to apply knowledge in meaningful ways and create solutions to real-world challenges.
These are the skills that support success not only at school, but well beyond it.
Wellbeing and personal growth
At MBC, academic challenge is balanced by strong pastoral care and a clear focus on wellbeing.
The current Secondary programme includes the Positive Minds Programme in Years 7 to 12, supporting students as they develop resilience, self-awareness and confidence during adolescence. The broader College wellbeing framework, including Hearts and Minds, reinforces the importance of belonging, relationships and personal growth across the student journey.
Girls are known, supported and encouraged to grow in both character and capability.
