Northside Christian College Prospectus

Prospectus

Contents

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From the Principal

What is the point of school?

That might be a question reluctant students ask their parents and teachers from time to time, but it’s actually a very good one.

What is the purpose of gathering together for education every day, and at Northside Christian College in particular?

Of course, it is partly to gain the literacy, numeracy and knowledge about the world that students will need in their future, but that is far from our only purpose.

Here at Northside, we believe the College exists to prepare learners for life in a context of love, hope and faithfulness, putting Christ at the centre of all we do.

Our heart is to see students becoming lifelong learners, to nurture and prepare them for meaningful and purposeful lives.

Northside is a place to flourish, not just academically, but spiritually, physically and emotionally, too. We care about student wellbeing and recognise the role wellbeing plays in supporting students with their studies.

We want to see students grow in their understanding of God’s character, grow in their understanding of their purpose in life and positively impact the community around them.

We want students to leave the College as young people of humility, integrity and perseverance.

Northside is a place of unique warmth and genuine connectedness, and it is my honour to welcome you to it as you explore all we have to offer.

As you consider where to send your child for their education, please know that we stand ready to partner with you in investing in their future, and to walk with them on their pathway into adulthood and a diverse range of post-school pathways.

Michael Bond Principal

Why choose Northside Christian College?

Northside Christian College is a place to flourish. Here’s how we do that:

We believe

Northside Christian College offers a thoroughly Christian learning environment from Prep to Year 12. Our staff are committed to students’ spiritual formation and character development, directing what we teach and how we care for them. Our Values are based on 1 Corinthians 13: “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. And the greatest of these is love.”

We’re family

There’s a ‘village’ feel to Northside Christian College - with smaller classes, we know every student by name. It’s a welcoming place, meeting students and parents where they’re at, and putting wellbeing at the centre of all we do.

We guide

We know every student is on a unique pathway to their future. Our programs are designed to lead students towards their individual goals, ensuring that every child’s God-given qualities are recognised and developed, whether in the classroom, on the stage, on the sporting field or within their personal lives.

We support

Northside Christian College is committed to providing optimal learning conditions for all students. Student progress and growth is monitored and documented throughout the school year. The College provides continuous online reporting so there is constant feedback on strengths and areas that need improvement.

We inspire

Our students are all encouraged to “let their light shine”. One way we do this is through the school-wide INSPiRE program, a talent development initiative intended to ‘stretch’ the most able students through mentoring, learning challenges, excursions and competitions. Our goal is to see our students’ God-given gifts turn into talents they can use to benefit their worlds.

What do we stand for?

Since 1979, Northside Christian College has been seeking to educate and nurture students in a context of love, hope and faithfulness.

Our goal is not only rigorous academic endeavour, but to see our students flourish in every aspect of their development: intellectually, socially and spiritually. We are grounded in the gospel of Jesus, and work hard to make our College a place that honours his name.

Our Mission

Our Vision

“What makes coming to school special to me is the ability to learn social and communication skills and knowledge in a Christian environment, enabling me to practice and demonstrate Christian values. My favourite thing about Northside is the wonderful community we have, as you tend to know everyone at the school, including your peers and teachers.

— Vanessa S, student

“

“Transforming lives through Christ and the wonder of learning.”

“To be an inspirational Christian learning community.”

What is a ‘Christian education’?

A Christian worldview underpins every class at Northside Christian College. We aim to see students grow in their understanding of God’s character and purpose, and their own identity.

We emphasise both academic learning and the development of Godly values and wisdom. These values help to form the foundations for life and are vitally important to the development of each student. The presentation of these values in the curriculum and their demonstration in the lives of our staff serve to partner with parents in the spiritual formation of our students.

We begin each day in prayer, and students in every year take part in Biblical Studies (Prep to Year 6) or Christian Life Studies (Year 7 to Year 12) tailored to their age and stage of development. This curriculum has been designed to help students become familiar with what the Bible says, and to develop a growing understanding of God and his plan for humanity. It works in parallel with our social and emotional learning programs like Friendzy, You Can Do It! and PeaceWise – to help students apply Biblical principles to their lives and behaviours.

Inside the Primary School (Prep-Year 6)

Our Primary School offers a comprehensive primary education program catering for children from Prep to Year 6. Even before they start ‘big school’, Prep students are being gently readied for transition with orientation days, a buddy system and home visits. Then from their first day, students are supported in an engaging and nurturing learning environment with a strong focus on literacy and numeracy. Our staff work in close partnership with parents and guardians in order to best meet the needs of our students.

Curriculum

Our Primary School provides students with a solid foundation in four foundational learning areas. These four areas include English, Mathematics, Inquiry, and Christ-Centered Social Emotional Learning. The foundational area of Inquiry includes the learning areas of Science, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Digital Technologies.

Our curriculum has a strong focus on the following seven General Capabilities:

Literacy

Numeracy

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Capability

Critical and Creative Thinking

Personal and Social Capability

Ethical Understanding

Intercultural Understanding

Specialist Programs

In addition to the four foundations of Primary School Learning, our Primary School students benefit from the opportunity to participate in a range of specialist programs and subjects including:

Library Chinese Mandarin Performing Arts (Music and Dance)

Private Instrumental Music Visual Art Health and Physical Education Sport

Extra-Curricular Activities

We believe that each student has been blessed with God-given gifts and talents. Students are provided with an opportunity to participate in a broad range of extra-curricular activities including art festivals, assemblies, chapel services, house events, INSPiRE program initiatives, lunch time clubs and activities, music recitals, and more.

We have a wonderful culture here of respect, kindness and care that exists between staff and students at Northside Christian College. I love working with our students, especially those who have previously found school difficult, and helping them turn corners in their lives to reach their potential.

— Mrs Furlong, teacher

“ “

Inside the Middle School (Years 7-9)

At Northside Christian College, we recognise that the middle years of education are an important stage in adolescent growth and development. The Middle School provides a crucial stepping stone between Primary and Senior Secondary.

Curriculum

In Years 7 to 9, a broad base of academic disciplines is designed to build deep knowledge and delay narrowing of options for as long as possible. The curriculum in Years 7-9 contains a foundational range of subjects that each student undertakes as they prepare for success in education, work and living a Christian life. These are varied as they progress through the years, but in Years 7 and 8 they are:

English Mathematics Science History

Geography

Christian Life Studies Chinese Civics and Citizenship Economics and Business Studies Health

Physical Education

I have made lifelong friends at Northside because the community here is just amazing. Northside is like a second family to me.

— Ms Natoli, teacher “ “

Discovery Subjects

In addition to the core Australian Curriculum subjects, students in Years 7 and 8 are able to select four Discovery subjects to study, two in each semester. They are:

Design and Technology

Digital Technologies

Graphic Design Media Arts Outdoor Studies

Performing Arts Visual Arts

Discovery subjects allow students to uncover talents and expand and develop interests and passions. While empowering them with practical skills and a chance to showcase their work, students will experience an element of choice and decision-making that is built on in future years as pathways are explored.

The Year 9 students participate in the Elective program, choosing subjects with Year 10s as they begin their own transition to the Senior School. The Year 9/10 Elective program supports students as they consider their Senior School pathway.

Transition to Year 7

The transition from Primary School to Middle School can be a challenging and overwhelming prospect for students. We help smooth this transition with a carefully planned Year 7/8 Camp to build relationships and enjoy experiences together. Transition is also supported through a range of other initiatives including an orientation day, information evenings, school tours and standardised testing.

Year 9 Year of Challenge

The Year of Challenge is our program for Year 9 students at Northside Christian College in their final year of Middle School. It provides opportunities for students to challenge themselves, build resiliency, growth mindset, empathy, communication, and develop their ethical framework. It is designed to be a highly stimulating, active and multi-layered program that aims to provide rich learning experiences for students involved. The challenges take place in a range of settings: beach, local community, city, and interstate, and cover many curriculum areas.

Inside the Senior School (Years 10-12)

At Northside Christian College, education is more than just qualifying for entry into university, TAFE or the workforce. It is our prayer that each Senior School student develops their gifts and talents whilst preparing themselves for a life that serves others and honours God.

Our Senior School provides students with an opportunity to carefully select their subjects based upon their areas of strength and future career goals. Students may pursue the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or the VCE Vocational Major.

The focus of Year 10 is broadening students’ understanding of themselves as global citizens, and preparing them to take their place as ethical and responsible citizens in the world. Increased opportunities for students to exercise autonomy are offered through the provision of a flexible learning space and the chance to choose electives that correlate with their interests and future career paths. An emphasis is placed on careers education and work readiness. As part of the careers component at the College, our Year 10 students also have the option of completing hospitality courses and a first-aid course to help them prepare for employment. There is also an opportunity for Year 10 students to commence their VCE studies in Year 10 by participating in the College’s “acceleration” program.

A sample of the Year 9 and 10 electives offered are:

Digital Technologies

Design and Technology: Food Studies Psychology

Advanced Science

Folio/Photography

Legal Studies

Media Studies

Robotics Team Development

Athlete Development Design and Technology: Textiles Environmental Science Community Christian Service (Year 10 only)

Our Year 11 and 12 students are provided with another layer of support through mentoring opportunities with College staff. Students are paired with a staff member and are encouraged to meet at least fortnightly to discuss how the student is travelling, if they have any concerns or need any support and guidance.

VCE Program

The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) is a two-year certificate awarded to students who successfully complete Years 11 and 12. Northside Christian College also provides opportunities for students to apply to accelerate and commence a VCE subject in Year 10. Successful completion of the VCE provides students with an opportunity to pursue tertiary pathways. The College remains committed to offering a varied and flexible program for Senior students each year. The final availability of subject options each year depends on student preferences, staffing and timetable requirements, but most prerequisite subjects required for pursuing tertiary education will be run, even with small class sizes. Below is a sample of subjects offered at Northside: Biology

Business Management Chemistry

English/EAL Food Studies Health and Human Development Legal Studies Mathematics – Foundation Mathematics Mathematics – General Mathematics Mathematics – Mathematical Methods

Media Physics

Psychology

Art Making and Exhibiting Visual Communication Design

Vocational Major

Northside Christian College also provides an opportunity for students to complete the VCE –Vocational Major, which is a two-year vocational and applied learning program. This program is offered within the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) aimed at Year 11 and 12 students (replacing Senior and Intermediate VCAL) and enables successful transitions into apprenticeships, traineeships, further education and training, or directly into employment. Within senior secondary education, vocational and applied learning builds critical and creative thinking, communication skills, teamwork and collaboration, curiosity and innovation. It provides students with real-world knowledge, including about the workplace, and practical and transferable skills. Student work is individualised to incorporate student interests and skills as much as possible.

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Students can choose to complete VET studies during Years 11 and 12 as part of their VCE or Vocational Major. Students undertake nationally recognised training from either accredited state curriculum or national training packages which contributes to their VCE or Vocational Major. VET units also count towards the student’s Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR). VCE VET courses are delivered externally by different training providers in partnership with the Northern Melbourne VET Cluster and are conducted in venues across the region.

I have been at Northside since Prep and throughout this time, my teachers have always looked out for my education and wellbeing. They go above and beyond to make sure that I have access to the best opportunities they can offer, and I know that they have my best interests at heart. This makes coming to Northside special for me.

— Isabelle K, Year 12 student

Pastoral Care

Northside Christian College wants students to flourish. We recognise that the wellbeing of our students is essential and plays a vital role in their learning.

Northside is grateful to have a student wellbeing team, including a qualified chaplain and counsellor, that proactively supports students. This team works closely with Home Group teachers, subject teachers, learning support staff, the INSPiRE team, and administration staff. It also collaborates with parents, health care professionals, and other stakeholders.

The College has introduced a weekly check-in program called EI Pulse to help understand and support the wellbeing needs of students. EI Pulse provides weekly real-time feedback on how students are progressing with their wellbeing, and opens pathways for assistance for those who need help.

Educational Philosophy

Northside Christian College has developed a unique and strategic teaching and learning framework. It provides an opportunity for teaching staff to reflect on what we teach, why we teach it and how we can teach it in a way more closely aligned with the mission and vision of the College. The framework also provides a chance for the College to consider the knowledge, skills, work habits, and character traits we want to instil in our students and a chance to reference this with a wide range of 21st century expectations, from teamwork and interpersonal skills to interacting with technology in all its forms.

Northside includes social and emotional learning within the curriculum. In Primary School, the College uses the Friendzy program, a Biblical social-emotional learning program that assists students in developing skills in self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, social awareness, and relationships. In the Middle and Senior Schools, the College introduced a Pastoral Care period in addition to the Home Group classes to further help students. In the Pastoral Care lessons, staff deliver the PeaceWise youth relationships and conflict management program, as well as the You Can Do It socialemotional learning program.

Finally, we are grateful to have two student prayer groups that contribute to our student’s peer-topeer pastoral care. Vision Prayer provides an opportunity for students to spend time together in prayer, worship, and the Word. Furthermore, the Secondary School students help run the Vision Junior Prayer Group.

Reaching Higher

For students who excel academically, musically, artistically or on the sporting field, Northside Christian College provides avenues of extension and enrichment.

The INSPiRE program provides an opportunity for our students to explore their giftings outside of the regular classroom in a variety of ways, and is our College’s most targeted approach for releasing potential to transform our world. Students identified as being of high ability in a range of subjects and skills - such as STEM, debating, creative writing and art - are able to receive development, mentoring and enrichment opportunities.

All students have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument, with specialist tuition available in piano, guitar, drums, orchestral instruments and voice.

Sport and physical education is a key learning area for students across every stage at Northside Christian College, and all students have an opportunity to participate in a wide variety of sporting programs throughout the school year. Athletes can test themselves against the best at other schools in athletics, cross country and swimming as part of the Christian Schools Events Network (CSEN), and in regular competition via the Western Christian Schools Sports Association (WCSSA), which covers seasonal sports including netball, volleyball, soccer, basketball, tennis, cricket and softball. The aim of these sporting networks is to promote friendship, goodwill and a spirit of sportsmanship and comradeship, together with healthy competition. Our Year 5 and 6 students also participate in District Sport facilitated by School Sport Victoria (SSV).

My favourite thing about Northside is all the many extra curricular sport programs such as Year 5/6 district sport, cross country, swimming squad and many more. I also really like the music program and opportunities to play in the Jazz and Year 6 band. This has really helped me to play an instrument as part of a team and in front of an audience!

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.

— Levi Y, student

“

Child Safety

A key objective for Northside Christian College is to embed child safety practices into our culture, because maintaining a child safe organisation is not a one-off task. It must become part of our school’s ongoing processes and be embedded into our way of life.

Guiding principles for the College’s Child Safety Policy, Code of Conduct and Procedures include: the College has zero tolerance for child abuse; the best interests of the student are paramount; child protection is a shared responsibility; all children have a right to feel safe and be safe at school, and have equal rights to protection from abuse; the College will consider the opinions of students and use their opinions to develop child protection policies and procedures; the College is committed to the cultural safety of and will take into account the diversity of all students, including (but not limited to) the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, students with disabilities, and students who are vulnerable, and will make reasonable efforts to accommodate these matters.

Admissions & Enrolments

Enrolment process

Register for a Principal’s tour

Apply online ($100 per application).

Parents may be invited to attend an enrolment interview with the Principal, Director of Learning and/or Business Manager, if a place is available in the year level requested.

Based on the completed application and the interview, an enrolment offer may be given to a student. Enrolment offers must be returned within the time stipulated in the offer, together with the $300 non-refundable enrolment acceptance fee (per family) and fee payment agreement.

Fees

Our current fee schedule can be found here

Scholarships

Northside Christian College offers scholarships of up to 70% discount on tuition fees.

Students entering Year 7 and Year 10 have the opportunity to apply for a Secondary Academic Scholarship and a General Excellence Scholarship.

Students entering Year 10 also have the opportunity to apply for the Christian Leadership Scholarship.

Find out more