Creative Learning
Philosophy
Mercy College is a community of learning that provides students with broad and rich learning experiences throughout the curriculum and in partnership with parents. Through programs across nine disciplinary based learning areas, students experience and explore a world of knowledge and skills to equip them to be proactive and informed citizens now and into the future.
Students explore a diversity of styles and habits of learning through lesson activities, independent tasks, in cooperation with their peers and in practical and problem solving scenarios. Understanding how, why and when learning is best achieved is a critical aspect of personal development and is emphasised in a range of programs that challenge students to think deeply about their own individual learning. Empowering students to recognise their own learning strengths and enabling them to develop strategies for maximising their learning also promotes and encourages development in social learning environments.
Students are provided with opportunities that allow them to engage in critical and creative thinking, in the classroom and out in the community. Mercy values underpin curriculum and guide conversations about ethical issues. Today’s globalised world means languages and intercultural understanding are invaluable. Students, through their journey at Mercy College, develop a respect and appreciation for cultural diversity. Relationships are nurtured at the College and restorative conversations develop reflective and empathetic young ladies. Students are taught to understand and manage their emotions so as to foster a sense of resilience.
Mercy College understands the dynamic world and curriculum decisions continue to be informed by the skills, knowledge and understanding young people require to prosper today and in the future. In order for students to be open to developing new knowledge, skills and understanding they need to see why it is important is best achieved through authentic learning experiences.
The Year 8 students take part in the E.I.G.H.T. Program, a week long inquiry program. This hands-on learning experience requires students to engage, investigate, generate, hypothesise and translate. Student choice enhances student engagement in the program and allows them to continue to develop their creative and critical thinking skills, skills that will assist them in the inquiry process as they continue in their studies.
In 2025, we introduced the Year 9 Immersion Program, aimed at providing students with enriching experiences aligned with the various learning areas of the curriculum. This program allocates one day per cycle throughout the academic year for immersive excursions/incursions, expanding students’ horizons beyond the classroom.
Objectives:
Enhance students’ understanding of curriculum content through hands-on, real-world experiences.
Foster interdisciplinary connections by integrating learning across multiple subjects.
Promote student engagement and enthusiasm for learning through immersive activities.
Support the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and social skills in authentic contexts.
Cultivate a sense of curiosity, empathy, and global awareness among students.
The Year 9 Immersion Program will encompass a series of excursions and/or incursions designed to complement and extend classroom learning. Each learning area will be allocated approximately three immersive experiences throughout the academic year, totalling approximately 20 experiences. These experiences will take place on designated immersion days, ensuring minimal disruption to the regular timetable while maximising the benefits of experiential learning.
