The School’s Own View

Since 1875, the girls of Presbyterian Ladies’ College have enjoyed an outstanding education within a caring and vibrant learning community. Today, PLC builds upon these fine traditions, encouraging girls to embrace the world around them with confidence, curiosity and a compassion for others.

Pastoral care and the welfare of students are intrinsic to the school and underpin the extensive curricular and co-curricular programs. PLC’s Christian foundation sees expression through student participation and community fellowship activities.

Facilities

Facilities include extensive science laboratories; a new state-of-the-art Learning Resource Centre featuring a spacious new library and IT and AV labs; computing facilities; art and ceramics studios; a music school; netball and basketball courts; numerous ovals; a new state-of-the-art hockey and tennis facility; a gymnasium; a heated indoor Aquatic Centre; a 200-seat lecture theatre; a new Year 7 Education Centre; and an Early Learning Centre, all set within 18 hectares of parkland.

Curriculum

In the Junior School, PLC offers exceptional early literacy and numeracy programs that enrich students’ pathways for developmental learning. In the Middle and Senior Schools, girls engage in a strong core curriculum that provides the ideal preparation for either the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or the International Baccalaureate (IB).

PLC has an outstanding history of academic performance, with the class of 2012 again achieving top results:

• four girls achieved an ATAR of 99.95
• 14 per cent achieved an ATAR of 99+
• 25 per cent achieved an ATAR of 98+
• 46 per cent achieved an ATAR of 95+
• 70 per cent achieved an ATAR of 90+

These achievements stem from hard work, personal endeavour, the care and professionalism of teachers and the encouragement of fellow students and parents.

Sport

Sporting skills, physical health and fitness and an understanding of the importance of teamwork are integral to a healthy lifestyle and are emphasised in the sporting program, which incorporates the full range of Girls Sports Victoria (GSV) sports plus a number of specialist sports.

Extra-curricular activities

PLC offers a wide range of opportunities for girls. In 2012, girls participated in productions including Beauty and the Beast, 1984 and The Jungle Book with boys from Scotch College. House Concerts are also a major school highlight, with girls undertaking every aspect of the creative development of these mini-musicals, including script writing, acting, music, singing and dancing, backdrops, props and direction. PLC encourages girls to explore their love of music, whether though singing in choirs, playing in their own rock band or jazz group, composing music, performing in orchestras or simply refining their skills on one of many musical instruments from which they may choose.

There is a compulsory sequential outdoor education program in Years 7 to 11. Girls can join many clubs, including equestrian, Duke of Edinburgh, chess, drama, environment, music, debating, literature, SUIS and Amnesty International.

Scholarships

PLC offers academic, music, general excellence and boarding scholarships for girls entering at Years 7 to 11 in Senior School. Daughters and granddaughters of Old Collegians are encouraged to apply.

Boarding

Located in a delightful garden setting, a stateof- the-art Boarding House provides a friendly and safe environment for over 100 girls from regional Australia and abroad. This facility is modern and extremely comfortable, featuring individual bedrooms for senior girls. Boarders have access to the college’s extensive recreational and sporting facilities as well as computers for study needs.

School tours

Tours of the college facilities and meetings with the Principal and staff are available at PLC’s School Tour information mornings. Tour dates for 2013 include 22 and 25 May, 14 and 17 August and 23 October. All tours start at 9.30 am. For more information or a personal tour, please contact the Registrar, Mrs Angela Hurley, on (03) 9808 5811.

Alexander Wright Wales Scholarship

For entry into Year 7. Awarded for financial disadvantage. Must be completing Year 6 in a Victorian government primary school.

Boarding Scholarships and Bursaries

Based on an exam and financial disadvantage. Preference is given to students who demonstrate a capacity for leadership and participation in co-curricular activities.

Academic (Council) Scholarships

For entry into Years 7 to 11. Based on an exam, school reports and an interview.

General Excellence Scholarship

Awarded for high achievement in the scholarship exams and evidence of general excellence in a range of activities.

Music Scholarship

For entry into Years 7 to 11. Awarded for outstanding performance in an orchestral or band instrument, piano or voice. Based on an audition and an exam.

Old Collegians Scholarship

For entry into Year 7. Open to daughters or grand-daughters of Old Collegians. Based on academic excellence, financial disadvantage, school reports, an interview, and capacity for leadership and participation in co-curricular activities.