From the Principal
The choice parents make regarding the education for their family is vital. At Christian College we feel that the privilege of sharing in this journey for our students is one of great responsibility... For this reason Christian College provides our students with a learning environment that reflects the values and expectations that exist in their homes. The ethos and culture provide our students with a place where they can feel safe, valued and encouraged in their educational journey. Our aim is to provide for each student’s academic, physical, emotional and spiritual growth and needs. The provision of extensive and wide ranging Teaching and Learning programs cater for each student’s interests and needs. Christian College has a renowned reputation for its pastoral care for students and its well structured student management procedures. The campus structure throughout the Geelong and surrounding areas allows for smaller campus environments to care for individual students whilst providing vast opportunities that exist in a large College community. Our program embraces the development of our student’s abilities to think for themselves, take responsibility for their growth as individuals and to think about and
care for others. We provide students with opportunities to experience a range of varied subjects to study combined with a richer ability to build their capacity to learn that extends beyond their time at Christian College. Christian College has excellent, dedicated teaching staff who provide engaging well structured educational programs from Kinder through to Year 12. Offering musical, artistic, sporting and many other specialist and co-curricula programs, Christian College provides something to inspire every student to develop a sense of purpose and worth for the future. Please enjoy viewing the enclosed DVD presentation of our College, which provides a ‘taste’ of the Christian College experience. I further invite you to visit our College website or to make an appointment at one of our campuses to see for yourselves how Christian College meets the educational needs and aspirations of your family. Glen McKeeman Principal, Christian College Geelong
Contents Christian Perspectives
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Williams House Kindergarten
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Junior School, Belmont
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Middle School, Highton
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Bellarine Campus, Drysdale
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Senior School, Waurn Ponds
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The Comprehensive Curriculum
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The Languages Program
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The Music Program
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Opportunities in Sport
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Art, Technology and Design
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Outdoor Education
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The Farm Experience
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A Serving Community
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Steps to Enrolment
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College Contacts
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Christian Perspectives ‘Seek ye first the Kingdom of God’ Matthew 6:33 In their daily interaction the staff and students of Christian College strive to exemplify Christian values and lifestyle as expressed in the Scriptures through the life and teaching of Jesus Christ. This sets the tone of the College as courtesy and consideration is extended to all involved - students, teachers, administration, bus drivers, maintenance staff and visitors to all our campuses. By participating in worship services, daily devotions and the Christian Education program, our students gain an understanding of the Christian faith and how it can impact individuals
and society. The life and teaching of Jesus Christ in Holy Scripture is the foundation on which values and character traits such as care, compassion, respect, tolerance, honesty and integrity become part of our everyday life at each campus. Throughout society, and in positions of leadership today, we need fine, upstanding young men and women with character who are prepared to serve others, accept responsibility and stand up for what they believe to be right. These are the qualities of Christian College students, both within our local community and overseas.
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Williams House Kindergarten ‘The beginning is the most important part of the work’ Plato
Williams House Kindergarten is located within the expansive grounds of Christian College, Junior School in Belmont. At our Kindergarten, children aged 3 to 5 years enjoy play based learning in a creative, inspiring and loving environment. Through programs that approach curriculum as ‘everything’ that happens during our time together, high value is placed on creating a sense of community as well as respect for the individual learning needs and interests of the children. Our eyes are open to the learning which occurs in the course of our everyday life together.
Beyond programs built on specific information on ‘set’ topics, staff are intentional about drawing on the ideas that are inspired by our observations of things important to our children. You will see that, via this ‘emergent’ approach, we are fostering an authentic love of learning, investigation and collaboration with others. Further to the opportunities offered to children in our own exceptionally resourced indoor and outdoor learning environments, Kindergarten programs are further complimented by our use of the Junior School facilities. In their Pre-School year all children have weekly access to specialist Music, Physical Education and Library classes. The value of this positive link with Junior School is affirmed by the smooth transition of the children into the Preparatory Year - an environment that already has so many positive associations for them. 5
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Junior School Belmont The Junior School program from Prep to Year 4 provides young students with the vital foundations of learning within a nurturing environment.
With its bright, stimulating classrooms and modern expansive playing fields, the Junior School at Belmont enjoys a wonderful family atmosphere where each child is valued and encouraged to reach his or her potential. The care, encouragement and innovation shown by dedicated staff make school a happy and exciting place. The Junior School program from Prep to Year 4 provides young students with the vital foundations of learning within a nurturing environment. Emphasis is placed on the vital development of literacy and numeracy skills through a balanced approach
using the latest Early Years Learning strategies in addition to well regarded aspects of formal learning. The program is enriched with six specialist learning areas with teachers who are qualified and experienced in each of these specialist areas. Music, Physical Education, Library, Information Communication & Technology, Japanese and Art studies, all enhance the educational experience of students through different ways of learning. Woven into the program is the development of positive personality traits and leadership qualities. Honesty, compassion, commitment, empathy, respect for authority and care for others are some of the Christian values that we seek to develop so that our students will be equipped as fine, responsible citizens in future years. 7
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Middle School Highton Our aim is to constantly motivate students to learn through a variety of teaching strategies and ‘handson’ practical experiences.
The Educational Program The Middle School program from Year 5 to Year 9 is both challenging and engaging as we introduce a wide range of studies. These encourage students to discover and develop new talents and skills. Our aim is to constantly motivate students to learn through a variety of teaching strategies and ‘hands-on’ practical experiences. Great opportunities are given for students to participate in sporting teams, musical ensembles, bands or choirs as well as dance groups and musical productions. Such activities
and competition develop students’ confidence in their own abilities and establish good self-esteem. The Homeroom Teacher At Middle School, the daily contact with ‘my teacher’ is continued by having several subjects taught by the Homeroom teacher. This ensures a smooth transition into Middle School particularly at Years 5 and 7. The Homeroom teacher becomes a good listener as well as the main link in the vital communication between home and school. Consistent Guidelines It is vital that students at this stage of their maturity have structured guidelines and ‘boundaries’ throughout their adolescent years. Encouragement of co-operation, concern for others, individual effort and acceptance of responsibility are integral to the Middle School experience. 9
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Bellarine Campus The broad based academic programs, along with extra curricula activities foster a shared ‘partnership’ between the College and the families of our students.
Christian College Bellarine has established a fine reputation for providing students on the Bellarine Peninsula with outstanding educational opportunities from Years Prep. to 9. College buses transport students from all areas of the Bellarine Peninsula, East Geelong and surrounding areas. Places at the Senior School in Waurn Ponds are assured for each Bellarine Year 9 student. The Learning Environment Underpinned by Christian foundations, we strive to provide each student with a caring and disciplined learning environment that allows each child
to feel valued and secure. Learning occurs both inside and outside of the classroom, including in our Barn and Environmental Centre where students take a ‘hands-on’ role in sharing the responsibilities for animals, vegetable gardens and various sustainable projects. The Educational Program The broad based academic programs, along with extra curricula activities foster a shared ‘partnership’ between the College and the families of our students. Our students’ passion and excitement for the specialist subjects of LOTE (Japanese and Indonesian), Physical Education, Library, Information and Communication Technology, Music and Art begins in Prep. and provides pathways for further study opportunities as students progress through the College.
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Senior School The supportive, shared working relationship between students and staff provides a learning environment conducive to individual accountability and achievement.
The Christian College Senior School at Waurn Ponds has established a vibrant and challenging environment for students in their final vital years of secondary education. The supportive shared working relationship between students and staff provides a learning environment conducive to individual accountability and achievement. Throughout Years 10 to 12 our educational programme is designed to encourage the successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) whilst developing each student’s personal growth and character development.
The wide range of subjects offered caters for the individual learning needs of the students at this vital stage of their educational journey. Christian College Senior School is proud to offer over 30 different VCE studies where students can pursue not only purely academic studies in Mathematics, Science, Information Technology, Commerce and Humanities, but also have opportunities to excel within the excellent programmes operating in Music, LOTE, Art, Design and Technology or Outdoor Education. The Senior School of Christian College is proud of its outstanding academic program. Throughout the years our students have consistently achieved 100% success in obtaining their VCE qualification with a high percentage of students receiving ENTER scores above 80. 13
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The Comprehensive Curriculum Learning enhancement together with well structured and implemented transition programs thoroughly prepare Christian College students for academic success.
Solid foundations in literacy and numeracy are laid at the Junior Schools through the Early Years structure. This leads on to the engaging and innovative Middle School program where students study core subjects of English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Physical Education, Health, Information Technology, Music, Sport, Japanese and Indonesian. In addition students are offered a wide range of elective studies to develop new skills and interests before making choices for their future tertiary studies and careers.
The vital final years at the Senior School provide specialized teaching across all learning areas, supporting success in their choices of VCE studies. Learning enhancement together with well structured and implemented transition programs thoroughly prepare our students for continued academic success. Over recent years the College curriculum has also been enriched to include aspects related to individual learning styles, thinking skills and diversified learning. A detailed reporting system and a well established pastoral care program means that teaching staff and College families support each other in ensuring the best education for each student at Christian College.
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The Languages Program Through understanding comes greater opportunities to promote tolerance and peace.
Through effective language communication we gain a better understanding of one another and a tolerance of different cultures and lifestyles. At Christian College the study of L.O.T.E. (Languages other than English) is focussed on Japanese and Indonesian. As well as the advantages of learning to communicate in a second language, the study gives our students a better understanding of the differing attitudes and customs in the neighbouring areas of Asia. Through understanding comes
greater opportunities to promote tolerance and peace. Christian College has a very active exchange program with a Sister School in Wakayama Province, Japan as well as a Twin School Agreement with a prestigious school in Lombok, Indonesia. Visits between the schools are an integral part of the L.O.T.E. programme. Our families have warmly welcomed Indonesian and Japanese students into their homes and provided them with an insight into Australian family life. Christian College has a fine reputation for excellent results at the Senior level in both Indonesian and Japanese. Many students choose to continue their language studies at tertiary level. Others are using their skills in a variety of vocations such as diplomacy, tour guiding, hospitality and language teaching. 17
The Music program at Christian College is the most outstanding in the region with our senior ensembles performing at an elite level and student solo performers achieving excellent results. The Music Department provides many performance opportunities for students including College music evenings, performances in the community, AMEB examinations, eisteddfod performances, music camps as well as regular music tours interstate or overseas. There are currently over 600 students choosing to take instrumental tuition at Christian College with 40 specialist instrumental staff. The Christian College Bands, Choirs and String Orchestras play an active role in the College community and are a prominent and valued activity in the overall program. Groups cater for student musicians through all stages of their musical development. Our students perform at the highest level in friendly,
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caring and supportive environments under the guidance of expert direction. The vibrant classroom music curriculum from Kindergarten to Year 12 gives students many benefits. These include academic enhancement, personal development through creative expression, taking responsibility for their own learning and commitment, development of coordination and fine motor skills, acquisition of self discipline and tolerance of others. Many of our graduating Year 12 students have auditioned successfully for highly selective tertiary music places. It is through the experience of playing, listening and appreciating music that much is developed and learned for life.
The Music Program
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Through sporting pursuits at Christian College students are provided with the necessary knowledge, skills, behaviours and opportunities to live a healthy and physically active life. Physical Education provides the platform for the development of motor skills and movement competence, along with health related physical fitness. Engaging in physical activity, games, sport and outdoor recreation also contributes to a sense of community and social connectedness. Physical Education classes and sporting opportunities are provided for students at all campuses. As students progress they have opportunities to participate in team and individual sports within a non competitive as well as a competitive environment. The main emphasis is on the development of sport specific skills, rules, concepts and tactics.
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Christian College has established an excellent sporting reputation, consistently winning regional events and being competitive at State Championships across fifteen different sports. The Christian College Sports Clubs - Basketball, Netball, Equestrian and Hockey also provide students with opportunities to participate in College sporting teams within local competitions. Living a healthy and physically active life is the challenge we set for each of our students. Through the diverse and varied curriculum offered at Christian College we aim to assist all students in achieving this goal.
Opportunities in Sport
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Art, Technology and Design
Christian College staff are dedicated to fostering within our students, a life-long appreciation and love of design and the arts. At all Christian College campuses, students have the opportunity to engage in a range of challenging art, technology and design subjects including two and three dimensional art, studio arts, visual communication and design, design and technology (wood/textiles), systems engineering (electronics/robotics), media studies, and food technology. In addition to the core and elective subjects on offer, students are encouraged to participate in numerous extension activities such as gallery and museum visits, afterschool classes and extension programs, intensive weekend courses, school production workshops (costume and
set construction/design), community arts projects, exhibitions and artist in residence programs. The Annual Christian College Arts Extravaganza held in October each year at our Senior Art and Technology Centre provides a wonderful opportunity for our students from Kindergarten to Year 12 to showcase and perform their work to a wider community audience. All teachers in the Art, Technology and Design Faculty at Christian College are passionate about their respective subject areas, and, as a team, are dedicated to fostering within our students, a life-long appreciation and love of design and the arts. 23
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Outdoor Education
Living in unpredictable and sometimes hostile environments necessitates students being prepared and developing personal independence and group interdependence. Outdoor Education is an elective study offered at Christian College from Year 9 level. At Senior School it continues as VCE Outdoor and Environmental Studies. This subject is based around the study of a range of Victorian outdoor environments. Students gain a knowledge and understanding of each environment and of the ways in which humans have utilised the areas since the earliest days. Journeying through these environments enables students to also develop competence in a range of outdoor recreational activities. Participation in outdoor activity provides students with a great opportunity to appreciate the intricacies of God’s creation.
Living in unpredictable and sometimes hostile environments necessitates students being prepared and developing personal independence and group interdependence. This can provide for character development and a life long enjoyment and appreciation of natural places. In recent years Christian College has celebrated the top Year 12 results in Victoria in Outdoor and Environmental Studies as well as achieving a Premier’s Award. The Junior and Middle School camping programs also introduce students to the native Australian bushland with emphasis on our role in its conservation and preservation. 25
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The Farm Experience Students at ‘Back Creek’ learn by experience the importance of co-operation, teamwork, patience and compassion as they resolve difficulties. The residential ‘Back Creek’ Rural Studies programme is a unique experience for Year 9 students. Located near Scotsburn, the rural campus is a viable commercial dairy farm of over 900 acres near Ballarat. Girls and boys go to the farm in separate gender groups of 20 to 25 students throughout the year and reside at the Scotsburn farm for 5 weeks. The students are actively involved in farm duties – milking cows, rearing calves, feeding poultry, market gardening – as well as hosting farm visits by Kindergarten and Prep. students. Academic studies of English, Mathematics, Environmental Science and Christian Education are applied to real-life situations at ‘Back Creek.’ Small business skills are learnt in the sale of fresh fruit and vegetables
that are surplus to the catering requirements at ‘Back Creek’. During their stay students develop a real sense of responsibility and the meaning of a good work ethic. They often learn by experience the importance of co-operation, teamwork, patience and compassion as they resolve difficulties and master the challenges of independent living away from home. The challenges are to accept responsibility within a team and a workplace, and to recognize the need for perseverance to achieve success. Both students and parents have recognized many ways in which the farm experience has developed character and brought a real sense of responsibility, compassion and cooperation – all invaluable in adult life.
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Serving the Community
Giving of ourselves to assist others in need leads to a real sense of community. The Christian College philosophy states ‘Students will be encouraged to recognise that they belong to a world society, and to acknowledge their responsibility to positively contribute to the relief of the less privileged in this global community’. The Project Care outreach program from Prep. to Year 12 undertakes to give support with time, effort, involvement and fundraising to some local and global causes including Relay for Life, The Heart Foundation, Guide Dogs Association and East Timor Schools Program. The visits to Central Australia by groups of Year 10 students studying the ‘Our World – My Responsibility’ elective
involve spending time with aboriginal children in the schools and gaining an understanding of some of the problems facing indigenous young people. Helping out at The Salvation Army’s ‘Project 614’ program to support the homeless and less fortunate on the streets of Melbourne gives Year 11 students studying VCE Religion and Society a rare insight and opportunity for service. Support for staff and students of schools in the Viqueque region of East Timor has continued over the past five years. The Christian College Friendship Houses in Viqueque currently provide venues for local community health support and education programs. 29
Junior School Belmont
Middle School Highton
Bellarine Campus Drysdale
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Senior School Waurn Ponds
Steps to Enrolment We are privileged that you are considering Christian College for your child’s educational journey. Campus Contact Families who are considering enrolment for their son or daughter at Christian College are warmly invited to contact the Campus of your choice. The Campus Receptionist will then forward to you a copy of the Student Enrolment Application Form. This form can also be downloaded from the College website www.christiancollege.vic.edu.au An appointment may then be made at your convenience to speak with the Head of Campus. It is requested that you bring the completed Student Enrolment Application form with you to this discussion.
Meet with Head of Campus The Head of Campus will explain to you details of specific College procedures, curricula and student expectations. Any additional queries about Christian College may also be raised at this time. A brief tour of the Campus is included so that families may see the students and staff at work. We will strive to provide a learning environment that is motivating, challenging and rewarding, as well as encouraging Christian attitudes, character and values.
Tuition Fees Christian College is committed to the provision of a fine education at reasonable cost. We aim to make Christian College available to as many families as possible in the Geelong region, who desire for their children a quality education within a Christian learning environment. Details of the current tuition fee structure may be found on the Christian College website > Enrol Now Included within the general tuition fees are the costs of the Year level Camp (Years Prep to 8) and faculty day excursions at each Year Level. Additional costs include textbooks, College uniform, a family capital works levy and the Year 9 residential rural studies program at ‘Back Creek’ Scotsburn. Christian College offers a limited number of General Excellence Scholarships annually. Applications for these close early in the year prior to enrolment at particular levels. Sibling discounts are made to assist families with several children at the College. Sponsored Student Placement positions may also be available for families on limited incomes. Further information and application forms are available upon request.
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College Contacts
Christian College Geelong General Enquiries 18 Burdekin Road, Highton, 3216 Tel. (03) 5241 1899 enquire@ccg.vic.edu.au
Middle School, Highton 18 Burdekin Road, Highton, 3216 Melways Map 465 B2 Head of Campus Mr Wayne Hines Tel. (03) 5241 1899
Williams House Kindergarten 39 Broughton Drive, Belmont, 3216 Melways Map 465 D3
Bellarine Campus 40 Collins Street, Drysdale 3222 Melways Map 238 G8
Director Mrs Bernadette Johnson Tel. (03) 5241 3556
Head of Campus Mr Scott Elliss Tel. (03) 5253 2998
Junior School, Belmont 39 Broughton Drive, Belmont, 3216 Melways Map 465 D3
Senior School, Waurn Ponds 135 Pigdon’s Road, Waurn Ponds, 3216 Melways Map 464 K3
Head of Campus Mrs Marion Nott Tel. (03) 5241 1565
Head of Campus Mrs Susan Strong Tel. (03) 5241 1577
The Christian College website outlines the latest College news and events as well as further information on educational programs, College structure, philosophy and organisation.
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