Hillcrest Christian College Senior Learning Community Information

HILLCREST CHRISTIAN COLLEGE SENIOR LEARNING COMMUNITY

DIRK VAN BRUGGEN

HEAD OF SENIOR LEARNING COMMUNITY

Welcome to the Senior Learning Community.

Students currently in the Junior Learning Community or new to the College can plan for their Senior Year’s journey with certainty. They can also look at acceleration into these year levels from a very early age as our time table structure will remain consistent year to year.

As part of our subject offerings, we guarantee to offer each subject on the line structure irrespective of the number of students who choose it.

Not only are we providing a wide range of subject choices, we have also been able to secure partnerships with Bond, Griffith, QUT and Southern Cross universities where we can offer first year subjects as part of their Senior Years’ study.

This will provide students with the unique ability to complete their formal years of education at Hillcrest Christian College while still obtaining course accrued into first year tertiary studies as is expected from places such as the Queensland Academy of Health Science.

We are very proud to offer this to our students as it is a unique and specific way in which students at Hillcrest Christian College can receive significant benefits and opportunities beyond that which they would find at other schools.

To assist students in planning their courses, we offer significant support to ensure that each child has an individual learning plan that will maximise their opportunities of achieving their goals and dreams through their learning experiences.

Our Senior Learning Community (Years 7 to 12) also provides an unique distinctive, in that we have a gifted and talented program in Years 7 to 9 and an Honours Program in Years 10 to 12 for our gifted and talented students.

This Program is offered to students based on an individual student meeting the Honours Program criteria and their willingness to commit to the program.

We welcome students into their final phase of secondary learning as they enter the Senior Learning Community. We aim to provide each and every student the opportunity to succeed.

WHO WE ARE

HISTORY

OUR ASPIRATION

Hillcrest Christian College (formerly known as Southern Gold Coast Community School) was founded in 1982 to provide a holistic Christian education to students of the Gold Coast.

Our graduates will be mature and articulate global citizens. They will have been encouraged to maximise their academic potential and have been exposed to a wide variety of cocurricular activities. They will have developed into confident, caring and well-balanced young adults. They will have developed a life long relationship with our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Our graduates will be able to thrive in a rapidly changing world through their collaborative skills, technological competence, enterprising spirit and capacity for innovation.

Hillcrest has grown from its small origins at the Palm Beach Baptist Church and is renowned for its commitment to Christ-centred education and strong sense of community.

Hillcrest is a ministry of the Reedy Creek Baptist Church and a member of Christian Schools Australia that provides exceptional educational opportunities for the Gold Coast and Tweed community.

We endeavour to give all students a balanced perspective of the world and a confidence to face their future thoroughly educated and with a foundational Christian worldview.

OUR MISSION Our mission is to provide quality education and to deliver to society young people who:

OUR ORIGINAL STUDENT CHARTER Jesus said, ‘You are the light of the world.’

We, the students of Hillcrest Christian College, seek to reveal this light. We aspire to these standards: To work hard yet take time to be still; To live the truth while respecting differences in others; To follow what is right while remembering to stay close to those who stumble; To act justly but not condemn; To speak yet listen to other voices;

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have knowledge to discern what is good and have the skills and the spirit to commit themselves to action for a better society;

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demonstrate self-discipline, integrity and compassion in their lifestyle;

To act humbly and with integrity to serve God, to follow Jesus, contributing where we can, becoming the best we can.

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are prepared for success in personal life, in further education and in employment.

2 TIMOTHY 4:7

have discovered the truth of the Gospel of Jesus and are prepared to live this truth in the service of God.

OUR MOTTO Excellence in Christ

OUR VALUES • • • • • • • • •

The care of others Generosity and selflessness Personal integrity Love and loyalty Respect and forgiveness Responsibility and self-discipline Compassion and friendship Courage and perseverance Truthfulness and honesty

To celebrate success without conceit; To take risks yet respect tradition;

At Hillcrest Christian College, the attitudes we celebrate, promote and cherish directly reflect the culture unique to our College. Our Values, Mission and Aspiration and Student Charter are capable of standing the test of time as we head towards an exciting future.

WHAT SETS US APART?

WHAT IS THE SENIOR LEARNING COMMUNITY (YEARS 7-12)?

OUR UNITED, SUPPORTIVE AND WELCOMING COMMUNITY

Senior Years is a time when a student’s identity begins to take a more defined form.

When your son or daughter joins Hillcrest your whole family becomes part of a community in which you will always find a warm welcome.

Hillcrest Christian College offers a rich mix of subject choices, learning pathways and opportunities in leadership and community service to lift student engagement in life and learning to a higher level.

There is a strong sense of ‘making a new start’ as students approach maturity and adulthood. It is a time to sew new seeds of integrity, cooperation, respect, confidence, outstanding personal values and a deeper personal faith.

The Senior Learning Community staff guide students through the art of goal setting and meeting the higher expectations of independence, responsibility, selfmotivation and self-discipline as students approach adulthood as they progress from Year 7 through to Year 12.

CONSISTENTLY STRONG ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS Although we are a non-selective school, our students achieve consistently high OP results. More than 70% of our students continue their studies at university, with the majority gaining entry to their first choice university degree.

We provide opportunities for students to undertake TAFE, vocational or traineeships while studying in Senior Years.

OUR CLOSE ATTENTION TO INDIVIDUAL STUDENT WELLBEING AND LEARNING NEEDS At Hillcrest the focus is on the individual, how they learn, how they think and how we can support them each and every day to help them reach their full potential; academically, socially and spiritually.

OUR CHRISTIAN BELIEF We are a Christian school that encourages students to reflect on spiritual life, ethical issues and values, enabling them to gradually discover their own pathway in life.

It is our hope that the students in our care will experience the love and joy of knowing our Lord as their Saviour.

HIGHEST STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOUR AND MUTUAL RESPECT Our school values reflect our culture and the personal attributes we teach, encourage and expect all students to aspire to.

OUR ENERGETIC, ENTHUSIASTIC AND EXPERIENCED STAFF Hillcrest teachers are well-trained professionals. They come to us with a wide range of academic qualifications, practical experience of contemporary teaching and essential personal qualities of dedication, personal faith and integrity.

OUR PASTORAL SYSTEM Shaping everything we do, our Year Level and Senior Studies Coordinators operate in tandem with each child’s academic pursuits and personal goals, monitoring and nurturing their social and emotional development through times of change as they grow and mature.

OPPORTUNITIES BEYOND THE CLASSROOM Education at Hillcrest continues to flourish outside of the academic classroom.

We offer a wide choice of cocurricular opportunities to meet a range of interests from sport, music, drama and debating to community service, mission and our outdoor education program through the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

LEARNING IN SENIOR LEARNING

Hillcrest Christian College offers students in Years 7 to 12 the ability to explore their personal talents and interests while being well prepared for the rigours of tertiary education and life beyond school.

Rich academic programs and a wide range of subject electives give our students plenty of choice and access to many potential future study and career options.

Hillcrest Christian College is at the forefront of offering students a range of academic pathways and learning opportunities.

Consistently strong academic results are testament to the quality of our learning and teaching practices. The majority of our students choose to further their education at tertiary level, with most gaining entry to their choice of university courses.

Our broad education promotes the intellectual, physical, emotional and spiritual development of each student.

While maximising their academic potential they are also exposed to a wide variety of cocurricular activities and nurtured, guided and supported as they make the steady transition from adolescence to adulthood.

Our aspiration is for graduates to leave our school as confident, caring and well-balanced young adults well equipped to thrive and make a meaningful contribution to society.

Technology is seamlessly integrated into the lessons and work of our students. There is a strong focus on the application of Information and Communications Technology in the classroom.

All students in the Senior Years use a B.Y.O.D (bring your own device) as an integral part of their day to day learning.

They have access to curriculum and class resources through an individualised Learning Management System that utilises state of the art cloud based software.

This LMS called CANVAS is state of the art and provides a learning approach consistent with students’ use of technology in today’s society.

COMMUNITY

RANGE OF SUBJECT CHOICES

academic pursuits and help create the complete person.

Our range of elective subjects opens many potential doors to students. Students can choose from over thirty subjects for Year 10 to 12 and it includes a variety of subjects in the areas of English, Mathematics, Science, Language, Performing Arts, History, Economics/Business, Technology and more.

ACCESS TO A CAREER PATHWAYS OFFICER & CAREERS GUIDANCE

STRONG SUPPORT A system of safety nets support students as they are encouraged to stretch their capabilities. Leadership strengths, problem solving abilities and a sense of initiative are nurtured through opportunities to excel and compete at higher levels. Within the Year Level System, each student’s overall academic care, social development and wellbeing are monitored by their Year Level or Senior Studies Coordinator.

PURSUE PERSONAL BEST We encourage our students to be the best they can and to pursue the highest standards of character. There is an expectation of personal responsibility. We help our students to discover their pathway to personal faith and to set the benchmark by which they want to be measured today, and in their life beyond school.

DEVELOP LEADERSHIP SKILLS Our leadership program starts in Year 9 and runs through Year 12, offering a chance to develop leadership skills through workshops and service to others, in preparation for taking on a leadership position at the school, in the community and/or in the future.

SENIOR YEARS RESOURCE CENTRE Our Senior Years Resource Centre enables senior students to withdraw from the main school to study and socialise in an adult environment. The Centre provides a collegiate atmosphere and supports the needs of Year 10 to 12 students as they undertake their final years of study.

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES FOR BALANCE AND FULFILLMENT Adding another dimension to personal development are our programs in Community Service, Leadership, Outdoor Education, Overseas Tours, Performing Arts and Sport.

These cocurricular activities provide a fitting balance to

Hillcrest Christian College takes considerable care to provide individual assistance to students so that the decisions they make provide an effective pathway through their senior studies and leads to a variety of postsecondary options. To facilitate this, the Career Pathways Officer meets individually with each student to create a Senior Education and Training Plan (SETP) in year 10. This plan is continually monitored and updated as they move through their final Senior Years.

The College offers a range of careers programs to provide students and parents with the best information, knowledge and skills to plan future careers and tertiary training.

Individual career and subject selection advice is offered to all students through our Career Pathways Officer.

SENIOR SUBJECTS IN YEAR 10: A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY Year 10 students at Hillcrest have assistance from a Career Pathways Officer to help them identify their strengths and weaknesses, their future plans and goals, and they guide them towards subject choices that offer the best chance of personal success. We are one of a few schools in Queensland that commence senior studies in Year 10 rather than Year 11.

MAXIMISE ACADEMIC POTENTIAL Since 2014, an average of 60% of students at Hillcrest achieved an O.P. in the range of 1 to 10. 90% of our Year 12 students achieved an O.P. of 1 to 15 which places them in the top 5% of the State. These significant achievements give students greater access to the university courses of their choice.

OPPORTUNITIES BEYOND THE CLASSROOM Our facilities and cocurricular programs offer a wide range of opportunities in sport, music, performing arts, overseas tours, debating and public speaking. These include a four day Outdoor Education Camp. We encourage an interest outside the classroom to challenge yourself and to develop your talents.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Within a culture of excellence, students can work to their potential and achieve their personal best.

The programs offered at Hillcrest Christian College take into account the needs of every individual student as they transition through Years 7 to 12.

We believe if a student feels secure and valued, is inspired and challenged in their learning and happy in their environment, they will ultimately succeed. We provide an innovative education and outstanding teachers to help students develop intellectual strength.

We take great care to nurture every student’s potential and provide a supportive environment where effort is rewarded and success is viewed as normal. Our dedicated staff identify talent and provide support, both remedial and extension, where required.

At every stage of learning, students are asked to fully engage with the process and to take advantage of the extensive range of subject choices available to suit their interests and career aspirations.

LEARNING PATHWAYS Hillcrest Christian College offers a wide range of learning options for students. These include: • • • • •

Guaranteed subject offerings Honours programs University studies on and off campus Enhanced university options TAFE and Vocational Pathways

Students undertake to combine a selection of these options to create an individual learning pathway in the College.

GUARANTEED SUBJECT OFFERINGS In their Senior Phase of Learning (Years 10-12) students choose from a wide range of learning options. Subjects currently offered include: • Accounting • Ancient History • Biology • Business Communication & Technologies • Chemistry • Dance • Drama • English • English Extension (Year 12 only) • English ESL • English Communication • Film, Television & New Media • French • Graphics • Home Economics • Information Communication & Technology • Information Processing and Technology • Legal Studies • Mathematics A • Mathematics B • Mathematics C • Modern History • Music • Music Extension (Year 12 only) • Science21 • Physical Education • Physics • Technology Studies • Visual Art Each student in Years 10 to 12 chooses up to six subjects.

Students must undertake the study of English and a Mathematics subject as two of their six subjects. In addition to these core subjects students can choose to undertake a range of other academic offerings.

LEARNING IN SENIOR YEARS

At Hillcrest Christian College we believe that every child is unique and has strengths and weaknesses that need to be identified and nurtured through their educational journey.

Meeting every child’s individual learning needs is absolutely central to our mission.

Our programs encompass both remediation for those who require it and extension for gifted and talented students.

Some children need more encouragement than others to ultimately achieve their full potential. Others thrive within an enriched curriculum that supports their talents.

Through tracking processes we are able to focus on individual learning needs.

INDIVIDUAL PATHWAYS A young person might feel confident in their learning through Early Years, but struggle in their early teens or in crossing the threshold in to Years 7 to 12. As each student’s educational needs change they need to feel secure in the knowledge that support is available. We endeavour to create individual pathways for students to ensure their educational experience is challenging and comprehensive.

EXTENSION AND ENRICHMENT Years 10 to 12 offers a range of extension and enrichment options. Young People have a range of learning styles and respond to different approaches. Hillcrest offers a range of pathways. Hillcrest offers a flexible learning environment that caters to the needs of the students. This includes: • Flexible time table, allowing the study of a combination of year 10, 11 and 12 subjects • Study blocks in the Senior Library for students who are doing alernative programs • Work place apprenticeship placements • After school tutorial programs

HONOURS PROGRAM YEARS 10-12 At Hillcrest Christian College we offer a unique distinctive, in that we have an Honours Program for our gifted and talented students. This program is available to students based on their being able to meet the Honours Program Criteria and their ability to commit to the opportunities that the program provides.

Small group tutoring in Honours English and, or Honours

Mathematics. These programs focus on enhancing the students skills and understanding in order for students to accelerate and extend their learning in English and Mathematics.

Mentor program with a selected staff member to plan potential pathways.

Access to Griffith Partnership Programs offered on Campus in the areas of Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology. Physical Education and Information Technology.

Opportunity to accelerate learning by studying subjects from other year levels. For example study 11 Chemistry whilst in Year 10.

Option to undertake the QCAA accredited courses for Extension English and / or Extension Mathematics in Year 12.

Access to study selected Bond, University of Queensland, Griffith and Southern Cross University subjects whilst in Years 10 to 12.

UNIVERSITY STUDIES (ON CAMPUS) Hillcrest has partnered with Griffith University to offer First Year University courses that are an extension of Year 11 and 12 subjects.

These courses provide the opportunity to complete at least one semester of study and possible guaranteed entry to selected Griffith subjects.

Courses are available in: • Chemistry • Biology • Physical Education

UNIVERSITY STUDIES (EXTERNAL) At Hillcrest Christian College, students with strong academic results have the opportunity in Years 10, 11 and 12 to enrol in a university subject and experience university subjects. Each university offers a different Program.

Students have the opportunity to study these subjects as part of their Year 10-12 studies.

Bond University – Student for a Semester This Program offers the opportunity for intelligent, ambitious students to kick start their career while still at high school.

Students can select from the range of Business, Technology, Sustainable Development, Humanities & Social Sciences, Law, and Health Science offerings. Students are required to attend one lecture and one tutorial every week, depending on the subject requirements.

Griffith University – GUESTS Program The GUESTS Program offers students the opportunity to stretch their academic boundaries and sample university life by studying a single course at Griffith University in Year 12.

Once they successfully complete their GUESTS course they receive an ‘Offer of Guaranteed Entry’ into an associated Griffith degree Program. This provides full credit for the course and it will then count towards the requirements of their degree.

Southern Cross University – HEAD START The Head-Start program provides an opportunity for Year 11 and 12 students to gain direct entry and advanced standing into a variety of courses offered at Southern Cross University. It offers the chance to gain a taste of university life, stimulate interest in academic pursuits and enhance educational performance and long term aspirations.

Queensland University of Technology – START QUT START QUT is an Enhanced Studies Program that offers university experience and preferential entry for Year 12 students undertaking the Queensland Certificate of Education. Passing two START QUT subjects gives guaranteed entry to some QUT courses.

University of Queensland – Enhanced Studies Program The UQ Enhanced Studies Program (ESP) provides an opportunity for high achieving students to enrol in one course (subject) at The University of Queensland during semester one of their final year of school. Students attend classes with University students and have the opportunity to study in a range of disciplines, including mathematics, history, philosophy, economics, music, psychology, law, languages, literature and political science.

STUDENT DEVELOPMENT

Hillcrest Christian College’s College structure allows us to focus on the specific and total needs of students at different developmental stages.

Adolescents are engaged, challenged and energised in Years 7 to 9; emerging young adults are extended, guided and launched in Years 10 to 12.

In the Senior Learning Community, students develop at an incredible rate academically, physically, socially, emotionally and spiritually. Our emphasis on student’s personal and faith development ensures Hillcrest graduates are confident, caring and well-balanced young adults well equipped to thrive in a rapidly changing world through their collaborative skills, enterprising spirit and capacity for innovation.

Student development encompasses: • Personal development/pastoral care • Leadership • Community service • Careers counselling • Personal growth

PASTORAL PROGRAM At Hillcrest Christian College we understand that a school environment that cares for every child is crucial. Our pastoral and personal development programs nurture self-esteem, resilience, appropriate behaviour and positive management of conflict to create a supportive, respectful and inclusive school community.

Every classroom teacher at Hillcrest has the primary responsibility for the wellbeing of students in their care.

At the same time all staff have a collective responsibility for the wellbeing of our school community through active participation in our extensive support systems. Most importantly, Hillcrest recognises the vital role a supportive family plays in the wellbeing of each student. We therefore encourage active participation by parents, grandparents and friends in our school community.

Senior Studies Coordinators are the most important link to the school for both parents and students. They care for each student by working together with Pastoral Care Teachers and Classroom teachers to monitor student development, both academically and personally. They do everything possible to help ensure that any problems or difficulties that may arise are managed successfully.

Students are encouraged to get to know their Senior Studies Coordinator and talk to them if they have a

problem. Senior Studies Coordinators know their students well and communicate with parents frequently and openly to support students.

PASTORAL CARE Hillcrest Christian College has a Pastoral Care system that operates across 7-12 and supports the wellbeing of every student. This system has the structures, philosophy and practice to effectively support age appropriate practices for students in years ten to twelve.

Pastoral Care groups consist of 20 to 25 students who meet each morning, getting to know one another through class activities.

The Pastoral Care Teacher oversees each class, monitoring the development and wellbeing of each student as they progress through Senior Learning Community.

Should any student issues arise, the Pastoral Care Teacher work in close association with the student’s class teachers, other staff and parents to address the situation.

DISCIPLINE Young adults may make mistakes or errors in judgement at times. We prefer to view such misdemeanours as learning opportunities. Any situation that impacts on others however is regarded as totally unacceptable.

Where behaviour is deemed to go beyond the management of the classroom teacher, the Year Level or Senior Studies Coordinator talks through the issues with those involved, while also acting as a representative to guide the student.

Our approach to discipline is sensitive to the age and needs of all parties, and includes strategies to ensure students learn to take responsibility for their actions and make wiser choices in future.

LEADERSHIP

As the leaders of tomorrow, Hillcrest Christian College students enjoy a range of opportunities to acquire the skills to function as enterprising individuals and to set the benchmark by which they want to be measured today, and in their life beyond school.

At Hillcrest, leadership training and service learning occurs through a range of programs and activities for Years 9 to 12. Students are challenged to not only fulfill their own potential but to use their unique gifts and talents to serve others. Leadership programs are presented through interactive, hands-on workshops and open forum discussions aimed at developing teamwork, resilience and good relationships.

COMMUNITY SERVICE Hillcrest Christian College’s Community Service programs raise awareness of social issues and provides students with a rich diversity of activities through which they can explore ways to contribute to their school and the broader community.

Many leadership opportunities occur through service, both in and out of school, teaching key intra and interpersonal skills such as confidence and understanding, courage and empathy, resilience and optimism and an overall sense of responsibility.

LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Our young people involve themselves in a wide range of community service experiences including: • Beach to Beach cancer awareness • Red Cross blood donations • Fundraising for Compassion • Community service to people in need • Red Shield Appeal • Feeding the Homeless

Opportunities include: Prefects and Captains, Leadership Programs, Outdoor Education Programs, Community Service and assistance at open days and school events.

The feedback from both the students who are involved in these activities and the community who receive the services has been extremely positive.

Students in Years 7 to 11 can nominate for the Student Representative Council. In Year 11, selected students participate in additional workshops and activities to encourage their participation in efforts to assist community organisations.

CAPTAINS AND PREFECTS Our Captain and Prefect system provides an avenue for students to demonstrate their leadership potential. 2 College Captains, 2 Vice Captains, Prefects, 8 House Captains and the International Captains are elected to carry out leadership duties in Year 12.

Year 9 students have the opportunity to be House Vice Captains or take a leadership role in the Student Representative Council (SRC).

MISSION OPPORTUNITIES At Hillcrest Christian College we believe it is important to connect students with communities at local, national and international level.

This global perspective helps them appreciate the cultural diversities of the communities in which they will one day work and live. It also helps them to reach out to those who are in need and live in different conditions.

A range of opportunities exists for Hillcrest students to participate in mission opportunities. These include: North Queensland and Thailand Mission, individual outreach opportunities and involvement in community and church programs such as youth group leadership.

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

SPORT & CO-CURRICULAR

PERFORMING ARTS

Participation in the Sport and CoCurricular program at Hillcrest Christian College is seen as central to the holistic education of its students.

The Performing Arts program features the Choral Excellence Program, along with numerous band ensembles and orchestras, drama clubs and competition dance teams.

This is consistent with the education aims of the College by providing experiences at all levels in a supportive and Christ-centered environment. The program is integrated from Prep through to Year 12 and is solely focused on developing young people to reach their full potential.

Hillcrest Christian College also provides opportunities for excellence in a variety of contexts. Students displaying individual excellence in a sport can trial to represent the College at both State and National levels through the Hinterland District Sports Association. Individuals may also pursue excellence in Swimming, Cross Country and Athletics, which is underpinned by Hillcrest’s Running and Athletics training programs.

Our Chess, Debating, Public Speaking, Mooting and Art Club programs complement the academic progress of students while also engaging with the broader community through formal competitions. The Duke of Edinburgh program delivers an opportunity for eligible Senior Learning Community students to engage in Bridge, Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards, which expose students to adventurous journeys that challenge them personally, physically and socially.

Engagement in the Sport and Co-Curricular Program provides students with one of the key dynamics to develop a well-rounded approach to life-long education. While excellence in sport and co-curricular is the peak of success within its individual context, we believe this success needs to work hand-in-hand with a balanced approach to all areas of education. This philosophy enables students to enjoy success in their natural talent and primary interest, while also casting a broad perspective of all areas of their experience at the College.

EXCELLENCE PROGRAMS The College offers Excellence Programs in the areas of Sport and Performing Arts.

Students may participate in our Basketball Excellence Program where Hillcrest’s teams are regarded as amongst the best in Queensland and Australia. Other opportunities for team-based excellence exist within our Futsal, Netball and Volleyball programs where Hillcrest competes at a State Championship level each year.

Hillcrest’s renowned Choral Program is of international quality featuring 13 choirs, and specialist vocal staff.

Recent tours have been to international festivals in South Korea and Hobart.

Our Instrumental Program has over 320 musicians from Prep to Year 12. The fully inclusive Year 4, 5 and 6 band and strings programs run as part of the curriculum.

Annual College musicals are a highlight of our school calendar with recent productions including Seussical (2016), Jesus Christ Superstar (2015), Wonderland (2014), Fiddler on the Roof (2013) and Les Miserables (2012).

Hillcrest’s Dance Academy is run in partnership with the Currumbin Academy of Performing Arts (CAPA) and offers classes in all forms of dance from Kindy to Year 12. Over 250 students are enrolled in this program.

Participation in Performing Arts experiences can provide a number of benefits to the individual. As well as being an incredibly enriching experience, recent educational studies have emphasised the benefits that involvement in the Performing Arts can have in facilitating proficiency and achievement in mathematics, reading and cognitive development, and verbal scores and skills for secondlanguage development. All Performing Arts areas improve a student’s ability to collaborate and to apply higher-order thinking skills.

Personalised tuition in Music or Speech & Drama can assist in the development of confidence and self-esteem, in addition to the development of specific skills and techniques pertaining to the Performing Art studied.

Students also develop a unique way of understanding the world, and at the same time, learn valuable means of selfexpression and communication.

COLLEGE LEADERS

The Hillcrest Christian College Captain and Prefect System has been refined over many years and has provided a special avenue for students to serve the College and community and to demonstrate their leadership potential.

Different approaches have been adopted over the years and the current system takes an inclusive rather than an exclusive approach. Year 11 students who wish to become Prefects are encouraged to nominate themselves. Students who do nominate are required to meet certain expectations and must be prepared to act as positive role models at all times. Not all students do nominate and some students choose not to seek a Prefectship.

A general information session is organised to outline the Leadership opportunities early in the year. Students who nominate themselves are also interviewed to ensure that they do understand just what being a Captain or Prefect entails and also to make sure students are not likely to over-commit themselves by taking on the Prefect role. As a result of the interviews, students whose past behaviour could indicate that they may not be able to provide a positive role model are sometimes asked to work on improving any areas of concern (e.g. uniform, academic commitments). These students may become Prefects at a later stage.

College, International and House Captains have special leadership responsibilities. The College Executive determines these positions.

During Term 4, all Year 11 applicants for Prefect positions are expected to attend a number of special workshops organised by the Head of School and Senior Years Studies’ Coordinators.

Captains and Prefects are expected to carry out their duties promptly and efficiently and are called on at times to assist at special events such as Open Day, Presentation Night and the Junior Learning Community functions.

The rewards for being a Captain or a Prefect are often intangible but nevertheless, very real, and will often serve the students for the rest of their lives. Students often learn much about themselves and what it means to work as part of a committed team. They learn to develop many skills associated with inter-personal relationships, leadership, taking initiative, public speaking, organisation, time management, staying motivated, accountability, etc.

JOIN US ON OUR JOURNEY

HILLCREST CHRISTIAN COLLEGE 21 Bridgman Drive, Reedy Creek Qld 4227 PO Box 2503, Burleigh Waters Qld 4220 07 5593 4226 | office@hillcrest.qld.edu.au | hillcrest.qld.edu.au Hillcrest Christian College is an Interdenominational Ministry of Reedy Creek Baptist Church and is operated by Hillcrest Christian College Ltd. CRICOS No. 01043C. ACN 010381334 ABN 68 947 459 366