Presbyterian Ladies' College

MELBOURNE

Prospectus

As a Christian independent girls

school, Presbyterian Ladies College
aims to provide breadth, strength,
balance and quality of education (in
both the national and international
context) for the purpose of
encouraging leadership, service
and lifelong personal development
and learning."

Right from the start

A new school represents a new start at any age
new friends, new choices and opportunities, and new
challenges. At Presbyterian Ladies College, we aim to
take into account the needs of each girl as she makes
her new start.
She may enter the Early Learning Centre to begin establishing the
foundations of her future learning or start during the Junior School
years, allowing for early consolidation. Many students enter at Year 7
to begin their exciting secondary adventure or at more senior levels
to complete their final years. They encounter the qualities that make
PLC special professional, caring staff who encourage and challenge,
classmates ready for fun and friendship, and academic and
co-curricular programs that aim to excite and extend.
The new student is encouraged to aim high, to realise that to do her
best is her responsibility to herself. Her teachers and fellow students
will lead by example, setting and making clear their own expectations
in a warm, encouraging environment that is shaped by the Colleges
Christian foundation. This environment recognises that self-respect
is fundamental to developing respect for others, that tolerance
and understanding are central to developing a sense of responsible
citizenship for the future.
These qualities have been valued and nurtured at PLC from
its foundation.

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It wasnt difficult to adjust because the

girls are welcoming and the teachers are
so helpful; they really care about you.
Sarah, Year 11 Boarder

From the principal

Right from the start, PLC has been a leader in girls
education. Girls at PLC have enjoyed outstanding
educational opportunities since the College first opened
in 1875. The fine tradition of Christian and Presbyterian
education with its strong academic emphasis is still the
foundation and focus of the College. And yet the College
today is also future focused, responding to the needs of
girls growing up in the world of the 21st century.
PLC is a unique and vibrant community where learning and relationships
are at the centre of College life. Our broad and rigorous liberal
education, with its strong academic emphasis and rich and extensive
co-curricular program, seeks to instill in our girls an enthusiasm and
curiosity for learning whilst building and developing their confidence
and self esteem. Within this dynamic and exciting learning environment,
girls at PLC are encouraged to develop their skills and talents across
different areas and are challenged to pursue excellence and to achieve
their personal best. Our girls are encouraged to stretch themselves, to
face new challenges and to become critical thinkers able to discern
and analyse information. Technology is integrated across the curriculum
ensuring that PLC girls are equipped for todays digital world. PLC girls
consistently attain high standards in academic pursuits, music, drama
and sport.
Sport, physical education and health are integral parts of a PLC
education and girls are encouraged to develop their own fitness whilst
gaining an understanding of the importance of teamwork, commitment
and fair play. Equally, the wide variety of performing arts provides a
wonderful platform for the girls to develop confidence and hone their
communication and presentation skills, within a collaborative and
cooperative environment.

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At PLC we believe that girls will thrive and achieve their best in an
environment where they feel secure, valued and affirmed. Within
such a nurturing Christian environment, girls are encouraged to
develop a respect and concern for others, to acquire leadership skills
and self discipline and to have a sensitive, informed understanding of
other cultures.
A PLC education aims to develop articulate, competent and
compassionate young women of integrity, with Christian knowledge
and discernment, a willingness to serve others and a desire to use
their education and talents to make a significant contribution to
society. Many will become the leaders of tomorrow.
Your daughter deserves the PLC experience the kind of experience
she will remember and value for a lifetime.

Elaine Collin
Principal

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From knowledge to wisdom

To discover the joy of learning is to set a pattern that will
remain for life. Our students will live and work in a world
that will depend on their readiness to assess new ideas
and adapt to change with energy and confidence. These
attitudes flourish when achievements are valued by staff,
students and families. Working together is an important
aspect of life at PLC.
In the Early Learning Centre, the natural curiosity of the girls and boys
is nurtured and stimulated in an environment that owes much to the
Reggio Emilia philosophy. The excitement of discovery is shared and
celebrated as children make sense of another part of their world.
This approach to teaching and learning one that stimulates exploration
and develops independence lays the foundation for future academic
development and life-long learning.
Establishing the basis for sound literacy and numeracy skills is
fundamental to the Junior School curriculum. A rich academic program
that encourages all students to develop as confident learners enhances
the consolidation of these critical foundations. Art, Computing,
Drama, French, Music, Physical Education, Religious Education, Science
and Social Studies, all have an important place in the total program.
The importance of strong foundations is further acknowledged in the
Senior School curriculum. From Years 7 to 10, students follow a broad
core curriculum that includes a choice of languages. Electives at
Years 9 and 10 offer opportunities for students to pursue individual
interests. When a student makes her course selection for Years 11
and 12, she has the option of a range of subjects within either the
Victorian Certificate of Education or the International Baccalaureate.
Some will accelerate their studies, either within the VCE or by taking
a university subject in Year 12.

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The formal academic structure is just one of the factors that underpins
the academic achievements of our students. Right from the start,
different learning strategies are built into the curriculum. Thinking skills
and reflection, co-operative learning, organisational strategies, the
considered use of information technology, excursions, visiting artists
and speakers, take learning into both familiar and new contexts.
Special programs, and specialist staff, work with students in the Early
Leaning Centre, Junior and Senior Schools. Extension and enrichment
for highly able students in academic and creative areas, support
programs in literacy and numeracy, and research and study skills, help
students to develop their potential. Chess, Mathematics Olympiad and
competitions across a range of subjects all give students opportunities to
explore new options and learn more about their interests and abilities.
The value of academic programs relies on skilled, professional staff
encouraging girls to explore their potential in an environment
where expectations of success are regarded as normal.

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Outlook.9 was a highlight for me.

I discovered so much about the city
and my local area Sreha

A question of balance
A balanced education involves much more than the
pursuit of academic success. At PLC, students are
surrounded with opportunities to explore new interests
and develop existing ones interests that will contribute
to academic and personal development and for many,
provide a source of life-long enjoyment. Music and sport,
drama and debating, chess and theatre sports all allow
students to learn more about themselves and develop
confidence as they learn and perform with students from
different year levels.
In the Early Learning Centre, music and physical activity stimulate the
senses and develop physical co-ordination. Bright, colourful play areas
inside and attractive, park-like grounds provide contrasting environments
in which children learn to take risks, assume responsibility and become
more sensitive to the interests and needs of others. The children and
staff eagerly anticipate the special performances that contribute to a
coherent community and delight families and friends.

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Throughout Junior and Senior Schools, we provide an environment

in which students can feel comfortable exploring a range of interests
and abilities. Over 60% of PLC girls and some 45 professional musicians
and teachers work together to create the life of the Music School.
All standards, from the beginner to the student who achieves her
Licentiate, practise and perform in one or more of the many ensembles
and choirs. House and School drama productions, musicals, concerts
and jazz cabarets introduce students and families to the excitement and
exhilaration of performance.
Skills and a sense of teamwork, developed in physical education
classes, equip students to participate in House and Inter-school
sports. Again, different ages and levels of ability are catered for with
participation emphasised. From Years 5 to 12, teams compete against
those from other schools in regular matches and carnivals. PLC is a
member of Girls Sport Victoria, an organisation of 24 girls schools that
provides the structure for Senior School competition. Girls also compete
in aerobics, rowing and snow sports against a wider range of schools.
Public speaking and debating, again as House and School competitions,
camps and bushwalking, clubs and activities, all invite students to live
life to the full.
The leadership roles assumed by students in many of these activities
add another dimension to their personal development, to their
understanding of the importance of teamwork and their growing
appreciation of the complexity of personal relationships.
Past experience and more recent research suggest that a broad and
balanced program has been a significant factor in the success of many
PLC students.

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There is no better way to make

friends than by participating in House
activities." Naomi, Year 7

In the years that follow, the personal development curriculum keeps

pace with the developing maturity of the students and exposes them
to challenges and affirmation. Specific programs aim to promote various
skills for life and complement opportunities students have to assume
responsibility and develop a healthy self-confidence.

Independence and resilience

The overall development of students is our aim so
their progression towards becoming independent,
responsible citizens, equipped with skills for life, begins
from the time they enter PLC, whatever their age.
Staff in the Early Learning Centre involve children in making
decisions and accepting responsibility as they thrive in a happy
learning-environment. Right from the start, children enjoy the security
that underpins steady emotional, physical and intellectual development.
Experienced staff plan to ensure that Junior School students also
know this security as they develop the confidence to make friends,
take risks and meet challenges. Cross-age activities and co-curricular
programs that include buddies, big sisters, protective behaviours and
outdoor education, complement classroom practices that aim to
engender a healthy self-esteem.
Staff recognise that a multi-step transition program helps new students
to make a smooth start in Senior School. Throughout Year 7, girls
have a regular time with their form teacher to discuss issues such as
friendships, co-operation, time management, setting priorities and
resolving difficulties. Their Year 10 leaders provide an important link
with students in Term 1, and often well beyond.

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The sequential Outdoor Education Program begins with a Year 3

teddy bears sleep-over and carries through to the Year 11 Leadership
Camp and the Duke of Edinburgh program. Varied experiences
contribute to students developing a respect for the Australian bush and
the skills necessary to enjoy it in safety. Teamwork and independence,
a sense of fun and achievement, leadership skills and social and
environmental awareness these aims are central to the Outdoor
Education program.
For students from the country and overseas, the Boarding House can
guide the transition to independence for those who plan to undertake
tertiary study in Melbourne or elsewhere.
In Junior and Senior Schools, specialist staff also contribute to guiding
students towards becoming independent learners. The Department of
Individual Differences organises programs in enrichment and extension,
study skills and language support, both within the classroom and in
individual and small-group tutorials. The Counselling Department, with
qualified psychologists and a Careers Counsellor, contributes to the
personal development programs and provides support for students, staff
and families.
At all levels, visiting professionals complement the work of College staff
to present a curriculum that recognises the growing needs of young
people and aims to give each girl an education that will prepare her for
a fulfilling life as a secure adult.

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Leadership and service

Developing a sense of responsibility for herself and
others is one of our priorities for each girl.
Right from the start, students are given guidelines within which they are
trusted to act responsibly and to recognise the consequences of their
actions. The child in the Early Learning Centre who must remember to
put on her hat before going outside to play; the Junior School Class
Captains and monitors; the Year 6 House Captains and those with
responsibility in music, sport, social work and pet care, are all developing
the confidence to take the lead.
This approach continues throughout Senior School. Students increasingly
accept responsibility, and enjoy privileges, as they move from Year 7 to
Year 12. At each year level, many assume leadership positions, further
extending their capacity to exercise initiative, to take others with them
and to contribute to the PLC Community. They are supported in these
roles by formal programs for all girls at Year 9 and Year 11. That the
school leaders at Year 12, who are elected by their peers, lead so
effectively, reflects their qualities as much as the mature judgment of
those who elect them.
Service is an integral part of school life and even the youngest is
encouraged to help. Throughout the school, girls take the initiative to
raise funds to support the work and needs of others. Guest speakers
and student visits to outside organisations help girls to see beyond
their own world and become aware of their ability to help others.
Year 9 students participate in community service; girls who undertake
the International Baccalaureate or the Duke of Edinburgh Award also
make a commitment to service. Other groups work on improving the
environment by tree-planting and cleaning-up in country Victoria and
participating in programs such as Clean Up Australia.
Leading by example underpins our philosophy and practice and, in this,
the work of our parents and Old Collegians is crucial. They model service
to our school community in many ways, reminding us that we
all have the capacity to make a difference.

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With a world view

The world for the PLC student of today is very different
from that of previous generations. Change is her constant;
the world will be her neighbourhood, whether she is
living in Melbourne or another country. Travel and life in
different cultural settings are likely to be realities for the
majority of our students, whether temporarily when they
travel for pleasure or employment or at a more personal
level through friendships. To prepare a young person
to thrive on the challenges of a cross-cultural life is an
important piece in the jigsaw that represents an education
for the future.
The PLC curriculum offers students the opportunity to develop a broad
world-view. The study of languages has been highly regarded from the
schools earliest days and is a feature of the curriculum from Year 3 to
Year 12. Students may undertake extended language study tours to
France, Germany and Japan; in recent times, students and staff have
undertaken study visits to Ge Zhi High School in Shanghai, Classics
tours to Italy, Greece, France and England, a History tour to Paris,
St Petersburg and Moscow and a Music tour through Asia. And for the
student who does not undertake such travel, there is the opportunity to
host, or share classes with, the many exchange students who visit PLC.
Within the broader curriculum, an international perspective is developed
across a range of subject units with the International Baccalaureate, an
option for senior students.
Of course, the PLC Community itself, with almost eighty international
students and many others who have family ties with, or who have
lived in, other countries, provides the ideal opportunity to develop an
understanding of cultural diversity and contribute to our world-view.
Similarly, our boarders, a group of 110 students from rural Australia and
many other countries, bring a range of perspectives and understandings
that enrich College life. They have the opportunity to move well beyond
national boundaries and form friendships that can envelop entire
families.
An orientation program for overseas students and families aims to ease
the transition to life in a new country with a different culture. Our crosscultural connections program aims to bring all staff and students to an
understanding of the difficulties experienced when someone makes such
a transition, whether in adolescence or adulthood. This is a transition
many of our students will make.
In 2005, PLC consolidated its position as a school that is committed to
preparing students for the world in which they will live by successfully
undertaking the rigorous accreditation process for membership of the
Council of International Schools.

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Constants in a changing world

In PLCs Annual Report of 1876, Professor Charles Pearson,
Headmaster, wrote, "I think it is of the last (greatest)
importance in a large public College that the relations
of teachers and taught should be based on a feeling of
mutual trust, and that the discipline of the College should
be maintained by the good feeling and high sense of
honour of the students."
Society has changed since Professor Pearson wrote this Annual Report.
In 1958, PLC completed its move from East Melbourne to Burwood
and much of the life at PLC described in this Prospectus would amaze
this early Headmaster. However, were Professor Pearson to visit the
school and look beyond the superficial, he would recognise many
of the qualities he valued still very much in evidence.
Just as PLCs early students led the way as young women moved onto
university, so todays students are still at the forefront in their pursuits.
Almost all Year 12 leavers proceed to university studies and, in recent
years, two have been awarded the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship.
As from the start, PLC has skilled, professional, dedicated staff; students
who are committed to doing their best in every field of endeavour;
and relaxed, trusting relationships between the two. In summary, PLC
enjoys and values a learning culture that promotes high expectations,
that encourages students to believe in their capacity to meet these
expectations, and one in which teachers and students support each
other to this end.
Our motto, Lex Dei Vitae Lampas The Law of God is the Lamp of
Life is the foundation of a PLC education. PLC welcomes girls of all
faiths, as it did when it opened in 1875, but the Christian foundation
that guided the Scottish founders is still embedded in the values and
teaching of the Early Learning Centre, the Junior and Senior Schools.

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PLC extended Kates horizons and raised

her standards and aims to a whole new
level one that she still applies to all she
does. Viktor, father of an Old Collegian.

Right from the start

Children deserve a happy, nurturing environment,
right from their very first day. So when the time comes for
childcare, kindergarten or school, the choice
of a quality, caring option is of great importance.
The Early Learning Centre at Presbyterian Ladies College offers warm,
professional childcare for children from the age of six months. Not all
parents require care for their children at this age. Others enrol their
three- and four-year-old children in early learning programs that aim to
provide a wonderful foundation, socially and educationally, for that allimportant first year at school. The stunning facilities have been designed
with a childs view of the world in mind. Professional staff, aware of
that view, shape a learning journey that accommodates individual
differences. The happiness of purposeful children is evident.
The Early Learning Centre encapsulates the entire PLC community.
In addition to the children of staff, it also accommodates the sisters
and brothers of PLC girls, the daughters and sons, and grandchildren,
of Old Collegians, and children from the wider community. Parental
involvement in the Early Learning Centre mirrors the involvement and
interest shown by families in the Junior and Senior Schools. A sense of
community exists right from the start.

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Presbyterian Ladies College

ABN 16 005 650 386 CRICOS Senior 016362J Junior 016361K
141 Burwood Highway Burwood VIC 3125 Australia
Telephone +61 3 9808 5811 Facsimile +61 3 9808 5998
Email registrar@plc.vic.edu.au Website www.plc.vic.edu.au