Celebrate the unique journeys' of our IB students

We are thrilled to celebrate the incredible achievements of our IB students this year and recognise their dedication to critical thinking, global perspectives, and academic excellence. 

The IB Diploma requires students to select a subject from six different subject groups - from language and humanities to science and mathematics - as well as undertake self-directed research in an extended essay, 'creativity, activity, service (CAS) projects and a course in the theory of the nature of knowledge. 

The program encourages students to excel academically while actively pursuing their interests beyond the classroom. It's been inspiring to see every IB student embrace the program's challenges while pursuing activities that ignite their interests and passions. 

In this feature, we highlight three IB students whose experiences beyond the classroom have shaped their personal growth and contributed to their academic success.  

Camille Shultis 

Camille’s lifelong passion for the environment deepened during her time at MLC. After joining the College in Year 7, she thrived in MLC’s Education Outdoors program, particularly during an 8-week stay at the remote campus in East Gippsland, MLC Marshmead. She recalls how this experience solidified her interest in environmentalism. “Sustainable practices are embedded in the Marshmead life and it became something that was important to me; I wanted to integrate them into my life,” she explains. 

Choosing the IB Diploma Programme allowed her to study Environmental Systems and Societiies (ISS) and Global Politics, aligning with her interests. “What drew me to IB was the classes it offered,” she shares. “I also liked the holistic style of learning. You don’t often see school programs that integrate that kind of well-rounded approach to learning.” 

Her subjects have included meaningful real-world learning experiences through numerous excursions, which connect her studies to practical experiences. She recalls trips to the Mount Rothwell Research and Conservation Reserve and the Tulane Rainforest, where she engaged with ecological conservation efforts firsthand.   

Camille has embraced her role as MLC’s Environmental and Sustainability Prefect this year, leading sustainability initiatives across the College. She has been an active member of the Green Team, one of MLC’s many student-led clubs, since Year 7, and led the team in Year 12, allowing her to collaborate with like-minded peers.   

Through these roles, Camille has turned her environmental concerns into action, inspiring a culture of environmental awareness and change in students. She’s driven events like student clothes-swaps to reduce waste, organised Smoothie Bikes where students blended smoothies with pedal power, co-led art projects repurposing old materials, and delivered regular speeches on pressing environmental issues at Assemblies.  

Earlier this year, Camille secured an early entry into a flexible double degree in Law at the Australian National University (ANU), where she plans to explore environmental science or policy alongside her legal studies where she can continue nurturing her environmental passions.  

Kate Zhang 

Kate is a shining example of pursuing passions while chasing academic success. This year, Kate chose the IB Diploma Programme to push her academic boundaries while balancing a diverse range of subjects, including Economics, Literature, Psychology and Chemistry.  

“I chose the IB program because I felt it was more directed towards challenging you to develop as a learner,” she reflects. 

With a love for photography, Kate was inspired to initiate the role of MLC’s first-ever student photographer, creating a role that will open opportunities for students with the same passion. From sports events to dress-up days, Kate has documented key moments that define the MLC experience. “I really enjoy photography and realised, going into Year 12, that I really wanted to make the most of my time and have photos to look back on,” she says. 

Her love for photography didn’t stop there. While balancing the demands of Year 12, Kate proactively organised a College-wide photography competition, drawing nearly 200 entries. She secured sponsorships from Instax and Australian Geographic, enlisted university professors as judges, and curated a gallery to showcase the winning entries. 

Kate recalls many teachers who have played a pivotal role in her time at MLC. “There have been a lot of teachers at MLC who have been inspirational for me and my development as a person,” she says.  

Looking ahead, Kate has her sights set on Commerce and Economics at Monash University, inspired largely by her Economics teacher, who fuelled her interest in the field. 

Kate’s remarkable journey, from balancing her studies to leaving her mark as MLC’s first student photographer, is a testament to her drive, creativity, and leadership—qualities that are sure to propel her toward a bright future.  

Bianca McMurtrie  

While completing Year 12, Bianca set herself an ambitious goal: to raise $10,000 to join a charity bike ride across Thailand next year. Her inspiration came after an MLC trip to visit Tharn Namchai Children's Home, a home established by Hands Across the Water and one of the international, education-focused communities supported through MLC’s community service program.  Moved by the resilience and stories of the children she met, Bianca signed up for an 800km bike ride across Thailand, with all proceeds going towards Hands Across the Water.  

Balancing this goal alongside the demanding IB Diploma and her leadership role as Deputy Senior Prefect, Bianca remained steadfast in her commitment to making a difference. Her leadership style reflected her values of inclusivity and empowerment.  

“As Deputy Senior Prefect, my role is to reflect what is happening in the cohort – I listen to others and try to implement their desired changes. I’ve been able to use my position to give a voice to others, which is really special,” she says. 

Looking to the future, Bianca’s aspirations are rooted in her passion for helping children. She envisions a career where she can make a meaningful impact on young lives, whether as a Primary Teacher or Child Psychologist.  

“I’ve always wanted to work with kids,” she explains. “I look back at my Junior School teachers who helped me during that time and shaped who I am, and I want nothing more than to do the same thing in return.” 

Reflecting on her IB experience, Bianca added, “IB really encourages you to become such an all-encompassing student, especially with the CAS components. I think it really suited me and my learning style.”