Welcome to Secondary
Secondary can be equally exciting and daunting. There can be lots of change, from fun electives and epic camps to new friendships and assignments due in 3 classes on the same day.
We think that we’ve mastered the balance though, and it’s much more exciting than it is daunting.
In Secondary, students are encouraged to strive for excellence, connect deeply and serve faithfully as they discover who God has made them to be. Through a blend of focussed academic programs, strong community, challenge, and choice, students develop their gifts and are equipped to contribute meaningfully to God’s world.
We understand that Secondary students are growing in independence and forming their own ideas and identity. Our goal is to help our students understand the story they are a part of and unveil God’s work in the world, including the plan he has for them. We also understand that relationships are key, and our students learn the value of community, interdependence, and recognising others as image-bearers of God.
Our curriculum in each subject is formed around our school threads, helping students understand that they are made in God’s image to be Truth Discerners, Purposeful Learners, Justice Seekers, Awe Dwellers, Community Builders, Creation Keepers, and Welcoming Advocates. Learning is hands on across all subjects through ‘Formational Learning’ experiences in which students do real work for real people in our community and beyond.
Student Leadership
There are a range of Student Leadership opportunities available to students in the Secondary school. Students may volunteer or be nominated by staff for leadership positions on the various teams that have a particular focus on culture and community within the school. Student leaders attend leadership camps and workshops to develop their leadership skills.
School Captains, as well as a range of other captains in the areas of Sports, Arts, Student Culture and Faith Leadership, are elected by staff annually from the Year 12 student cohort. These leaders are responsible for running assemblies, making speeches at key events, liaising between staff and students, exemplifying the MECS Threads and encouraging all secondary students in the area of their captaincy.
In each year level, Student Representatives are elected as the student voice for their year level. These leaders meet regularly as the Student Representative Council (SRC) to plan and implement initiatives within the school to build community and address any student concerns. Some fundraising initiatives may support projects within the school or external charities.
Students also have the option of joining the Faith Leadership Team (FLT). The Faith Leadership Team seeks to shape a school culture that reflects Jesus. The vision of FLT is for every student to know their identity in Christ and pursue Him passionately. FLT members lead through initiatives like prayer groups, Bible clubs, worship events, and fundraisers—helping peers grow in faith and community. They value humility, passion, and a willingness to step beyond comfort zones. Through prayer breakfasts, discipleship groups, and regular events, FLT continues to leave a legacy of students growing as leaders and blessing the school community.
Student Services
Wellbeing
We are committed to fostering an atmosphere where every student feels a sense of belonging, recognises their identity as an image-bearer of Christ, and is empowered to find their God-given purpose. We recognise that student wellbeing impacts each of these areas and therefore seek to build resilience, foster positive relationships and provide support and guidance.
Teachers take the time to get to know students, understanding their passions, learning styles, strengths, weaknesses and motivations. Students subsequently feel valued for who they are and safe to be themselves at school, to take risks in their learning and to stand for the values that MECS and their parents instill in them. Parents play a pivotal role as part of this relational community, partnering with MECS staff and through aspects that include encouraging their children to embrace challenges, take risks, work with teachers on social, emotional and academic goals and supporting age-appropriate boundaries and expectations.
Student wellbeing is supported through a Student Wellbeing Coordinator in Primary and by Student Wellbeing Officers in Secondary, who work closely with the school counsellor, coordinators, teachers and other support staff.
Learning Support
We recognise that learning is not one-size-fits-all, and part of our role is to identify and respond to any barriers that may impact a student’s learning journey.
Our Learning Support team works collaboratively with students, families, teachers, and wellbeing staff to create reasonable adjustments and set achievable goals that foster growth; both academically and personally. We offer a range of targeted interventions designed to support students as they progress towards their full potential.
We value our partnership with parents and carers and see this as vital in the long-term development of each child. With a holistic approach, Learning Support at MECS continually monitors both learning and wellbeing, ensuring that every student is known, supported, and empowered to thrive.
Cultural Liaison
Our Cultural Liaison Team strives to offer a warm welcome and bridge the gap between school and home for families in our community from a diverse cultural and linguistic background. We are committed to being welcoming advocates for our English as an Additional Language (EAL) students, ensuring they feel seen, supported, and included in every aspect of school life.
We offer translation and interpreting support to parents and caregivers around school administration matters; learning and partnership conversations between teachers and school leaders and parents.
Through inclusive classroom programs and a wide range of effective teaching strategies, we cater to students at all stages of English language development. In our Primary School, students benefit from our dedicated EAL Literacy Enrichment Program, which complements classroom learning and provides targeted support to help learners grow confidently in their English literacy skills. EAL Intervention is provided in the Secondary School in Years 7-9. Students are assessed on their language competency and appropriate small-group intervention provided in year level groupings. Students are guided and supported in their English studies.
We are proud to nurture a learning environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive. We recognise God’s love for all people from every tribe and tongue and the heartbeat of the gospel to see all people experience the transformational story of the gospel and know God’s grace, forgiveness, love and hope.
In Secondary, our Cultural Liaison Team also support the facilitation of our Indonesian Study Tour open to students in Year 10 and above studying Indonesian.