Outside the Classroom
There is only so much learning that can take place within the four walls of a classroom, which is why we embrace opportunities to explore students individual interests as well as God’s incredible world. From hiking adventures, to riding Puffing Bill and hosting lunchtime art exhibitions, there’s something for everyone.
We believe that education goes beyond the classroom so at MECS we offer enriching programs that complement our academic curriculum and allow students to explore their passions, grow in character, and develop new skills.
With a wide range of options to choose from, including sports, arts, music, drama, language, and more, we offer something for every student. Our program fosters teamwork, resilience, leadership, and a sense of belonging, while also promoting physical health, creativity, self-expression, and personal growth. Students have the opportunity to challenge themselves, make new friends, and create lasting memories.
Incursions, Excursions & Camps
We believe that students grow closer to God through experiencing His creation firsthand and experiences outside the classroom allow for students to participate in a wide range of activities and challenges that support our day-to-day key concepts.
In Primary, each cluster has an excursion or incursion each term that is linked to learning outcomes within their Core Studies units. These range from trips to the Shrine, Botanic Gardens, our Zoos and Museums, to hands on incursions to learn about science, Space, ocean creatures, as well as hosting mathematics and speech competitions. Students in Middle Primary & Senior Primary attend an annual camp, varying distances from home to build their independence, increase their understanding of God’s world and embrace new and exciting challenges.
In Secondary, students experience multiple excursions & incursions integrated with their various subjects ranging from orienteering day trips and city exploration to visiting Parliament chambers and Universities. Our well-known camping program provides a range of opportunities for students to be immersed in creation, as well as experience many new challenges. From paddling waterways on the Banksia Peninsula, to hiking Wilson’s Promontory, treading Melbourne city streets, or connecting with communities in rural Indonesia, students experience the beauty, diversity and resilience of the world and are able to reflect on their place in it.
Through our camps, excursions and incursions, students are given time and space for spiritual reflection—to notice, appreciate and connect with others and their Creator. These moments are vital for wellbeing and spiritual health as well as fostering awe, gratitude and perseverance.
Sport Program
We are part of the CSEN (Christian Schools Event Networks) competition. As part of this program, students from Year 7-10 have the opportunity to participate in a fortnightly inter-school sporting competition from a variety of sport offerings including AFL 9s, Badminton, Basketball, Netball, Soccer & Volleyball. Teams are combined of students from Years 7 & 8 on a Wednesday afternoon and the following Wednesday afternoon is for the teams for students in Years 9 & 10. For students not participating in the inter-school sport program, they will be involved in a sport development group which consists of working on the skills of sports in a non-competitive environment.
Being a member of CSEN allows for our Year 11 & 12 students to have the opportunity to participate in a range of sports throughout the year from the various Rally Days hosted by the organisation. Each term there is a Rally Day with different sport offerings that students can sign up to be a part of. These are single-day events that allow for fun and competition. In Term 4, students in Year 7 & 8, and Year 9 & 10 also have this opportunity for some different sports that aren’t part of the regular competition.
Students in Year 3-6 are able to participate in Hoop Time which brings together school kids from across Victoria for single-day round robin tournaments, culminating in an end of year finals series. Our Year 5 & 6 students also have the opportunity to participate in single-day CSEN Championship Tournaments.
Our sports carnival days consist of a Swimming (Secondary only), Cross Country and Athletics carnival where each tribe (Jarra, Kaja, Mani and Wirri) try to achieve as many points as possible through participation to have the most points of the day and be named as Tribal Champions. Successful individual performances from students at these events may result in students being invited to represent the school for those events at the interschool level in the CSEN major carnival competitions.
Creative & Performing Arts
For students specifically interested in the areas of Creative & Performing Arts, we have a number of different opportunities to develop their skills including electives, private instrumental tuition, VET courses, VCE subjects and exhibiting & performing opportunities.
Productions
Our productions are a highlight of the school calendar, bringing together students from across year levels in an inclusive, vibrant celebration of music, dance and storytelling. Each show is crafted to inspire both participants and audiences, combining energetic choreography, memorable ensemble numbers, and heartfelt solo performances with meaningful messages that reflect our values as a school community. Past productions have included beloved classics such as The Wizard of Oz, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Shrek the Musical, as well as original works like Journey Through Time, which explored the rich history of our school. These productions provide an invaluable opportunity for students to grow in creativity, teamwork, and confidence while creating memories that last a lifetime.
Instrumental Lessons
Learning a musical instrument is a powerful way for young people to grow — not just as musicians, but as creative, confident and connected individuals. We offer a vibrant instrumental program where students can learn violin, viola, cello, piano, guitar, bass, ukulele, drums or voice from our team of qualified and passionate teachers. Lessons are held during school hours on a rotating timetable to minimise disruption to classroom learning, with the option of paired lessons for younger or beginner students to build confidence. Research shows that learning an instrument enhances cognitive development, improves memory, boosts concentration and fosters social skills — benefits that extend far beyond the music room.
For enrolment forms or further information, please contact our Instrumental Coordinator, Mr Tristan Forrest, at tforrest@mecs.vic.edu.au, or visit the school office.
Performance Opportunities
We are passionate about giving students rich opportunities to perform and grow through our band and ensemble program. Each year begins with the CSEN Music Night, where vocal students rehearse and perform alongside peers from other Christian schools — a two-day experience that builds connections, confidence and stage skills, culminating in a special theatre performance for family and friends. Within our own school community, students can join our Junior (Years 7–9) or Senior (Years 10–12) worship bands, which rehearse each Tuesday lunchtime and lead music at assemblies throughout the year. Beyond worship, students can showcase their talents in events like Live@Lunch (Term 2 and 4), where soloists and bands perform to peers and staff in an informal setting, and the annual Musical Showcase, a highlight of our calendar that brings the school community together for an inspiring night of music featuring both ensemble and solo performances across Primary & Secondary. These programs provide invaluable opportunities for students to build teamwork, develop musicianship, and experience the joy of sharing music with others.
Visual Arts
The Visual Arts are celebrated through a range of events that highlight student creativity and foster community. In Secondary, each semester our ‘Art in the Arvo’ shows transform lunchtime into a gallery experience, where students’ work is displayed in an informal setting complete with a cheese board and a People’s Choice prize. These relaxed showcases invite peers and staff to pause, appreciate, and engage with the imagination of our young artists.
Beyond these regular exhibitions, our annual Art Competition provides students with the chance to respond to a theme, encouraging thoughtful exploration of ideas through a variety of mediums. The competition recognises both creativity and depth of expression, with winners acknowledged by the school community.
The year culminates in our Arts Celebration Night, ‘Colour & Chords’ — a major event that brings families, staff, and students together to honour the achievements of our Primary & Secondary visual and performing artists. From music and song to the vibrant displays of student artwork, the evening reflects the diverse gifts of our community and the joy of sharing them.
