NORTHSIDE CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
Student Enrolment
Information Guide
Character through Christ
The following information has been collated in an easy-to-read format to be of assistance to those
families considering applying for enrolment at Northside Christian College and will provide some more
in depth information than what is provided in the Prospectus itself. The topics covered have been
included as a result of questions most frequently asked by prospective parents.
We trust you will enjoy learning more about the Northside Christian College Community.
If you have any further questions or wish to submit a Student Enrolment Application, please do not
hesitate to contact our Enrolments Officer on +61 7 3353 1266 or via email:
enrolments@northside.org.au
Northside Christian College (Qld) Limited ABN 25 057 964 379 CRICOS 01799C
151 Flockton Street Everton Park QLD 4053
T +61 7 3353 1266 F +61 7 3353 4628
PO Box 599 Everton Park QLD 4053 www.northside.qld.edu.au
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An Introduction to Northside Christian College
Northside Christian College was founded in
1985 as a ministry of Northside Christian
Church in order to provide a high quality
education that would support the values of
Christian families.
The Directors of Northside Christian College
(Qld) Ltd are appointed by Nexus Church
(previously known as Northside Christian
Church) and are responsible for the spiritual,
legal and financial oversight of the College.
Managerial responsibility for the College’s
operations is delegated by the Directors to the
Principal.
A Christian Education
Northside Christian College views a Christian education as being an education that supports and
promotes Christian faith in the lives of its students. The College employs teachers who model Christian
living, whilst Christian Studies classes, class devotions and weekly Chapels are included within normal
school routines and the curriculum. We seek to encourage our students to study the Scriptures and to
know God, so that they might be able to see the world the way God sees it. In this way, we trust that
they might be able to serve the world through their Christian character and to respond with enthusiasm
and integrity to the challenges and opportunities that are before them.
We believe that a Christian is a person who has made Jesus Christ both Saviour and Lord of his/her life.
That is, a Christian is a person who:
• believes that Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, died and rose again;
• has recognised his/her sinful condition;
• has received forgiveness of his/her sins through faith in Jesus Christ; and
• seeks to live his/her life in obedience to God’s Word.
Christianity is, in essence, an ongoing relationship with God – not just a Sunday morning event, but a
way of life.
Northside Christian College has students from almost all Church denominations, although the majority
comes from evangelical, charismatic or Pentecostal churches. The style of worship at the College is
contemporary. As far as possible, students are the musicians, singers and leaders of worship and
chapels.
Staffing
All teaching staff are fully qualified to teach and are registered with the
Queensland College of Teachers.
It is an expectation that all teachers at Northside Christian College are
committed Christians and are actively attending a local Christian Church.
We believe that values and lifestyles are more ‘caught than taught’. Our
teachers are able to role model the Christian life for our students.
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General College Campus and Facilities Information
Situated on a twelve-acre property in Everton Park in Brisbane’s northern suburbs, Northside Christian
College has approximately 1280 students enrolled, or between 80 and 120 students per year level. The
College is divided into Junior, Middle and Senior Schools.
Current facilities include:
• A Block: Years 1 to 3 classrooms, Junior
Music room and Endeavour Studio;
• B Block: Years 4 to 6 classrooms, Junior
School Office and Educational Support
Centre;
• C Block: Science Laboratories, Senior
School classrooms, Senior School Office,
Student Services and Careers Office;
• Lower D Block: Main Reception, Principal’s
Office, Enrolments Office, Business Office,
Development
Office,
Student
Health
Rooms, College Café and Uniform Shop;
• Upper D Block: Middle and Senior School
Library and Computer Rooms;
• F Block: Middle School - Years 7 to 9
classrooms;
• G Block: Years 7 to 9 classrooms, Middle
School Office, Educational Support Office
and Student Welfare Office;
• H Block: Home Economics (Kitchen &
Dining/Textiles Room), Lecture Theatre
and Instrumental Tuition Rooms;
• I Block: Home Economics Rooms;
• J & K Blocks: Middle and Senior School
classrooms;
• L Block: Drama rooms;
• The White House: Art Rooms and Design
Technology Workshop;
• Preparatory Centre – 4 classes;
• Multipurpose College Hall;
• Junior School Library & I.T. Laboratory;
• Oval, Hard
Auditorium.
Courts;
and
1000
seat
The College has an agreement with the
Brisbane City Council for the use of Teralba
Park, Mitchelton for a range of sporting
activities, as well as accessing a wide variety
of other sporting and co-curricular venues
using our own dedicated bus fleet.
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Recent Capital Works
Three of the College’s most recent Capital Works Projects totalling more than $7 million include:
• The Preparatory Centre;
• College Hall, Junior School Library, Library Square, Junior IT room and other classrooms; and
• The Senior Terrace
Curriculum
From Prep to Year 10, our curricular programs generally follow guidelines established by the
Queensland Studies Authority (QSA), and reflect the standards and updates as a result of the move
towards a National Curriculum.
In Years 11 and 12, all educational programs are developed from syllabuses accredited and published
by the Queensland Studies Authority and are moderated by the QSA or by a Registered Trade
Organisation if they are supplying a Certificate Course of Study.
Students are issued with a Senior Education Profile in December of Year 12, which may contain
different information for different students. All graduates receive a Senior Statement issued by the
Queensland Studies Authority. This Certificate lists the results in their studies over Years 11 and 12.
Most students will also receive a Queensland Certificate of Education. Those who qualify also receive a
Tertiary Entrance Statement issued by the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). This
Statement gives each student’s Overall Position (OP Score), which is a significant determinant of
his/her success of being offered a place at university.
Northside’s record in Overall Position (OP) scores
Overall position (OP) scores are gained by students and not, essentially, by schools. The OP record of
any school will be significantly determined by the aptitude of its students. Nevertheless, most
educators agree that a school plays its part in providing the quality of teaching and the general
environment that influences the learning of its students.
To this extent, Northside Christian College is pleased with its record. OP scores range from 1 (highest)
to 25 (lowest). On average, across Queensland, approximately 35% of eligible students gain an OP
score of 1-10. At Northside Christian College, an OP of 1-10 is gained by 55-60% of our graduates each
year. A high proportion are offered tertiary places.
In 2011, Northside had 108 OP eligible students. Of these:
• 5 scored an OP 1;
• 40% achieved an OP between 1 and 5
•
83.5% achieved an OP between 1 and 15
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Vocational Pathways
Senior students can elect to participate in the Vocational Education Program, where students undertake
Study Area Specifications (SAS) that are accredited by the Queensland Studies Authority. They are
usually involved in a one-day-per-week work placement and may commence a School-Based
Apprenticeship or Traineeship.
These students still receive a Senior Certificate, which lists the results of their studies. Students who
undertake SAS subjects receive either a Statement of Attainment for competencies completed or a
certificate based on their subject area.
Northside Preparatory
The Preparatory Year is specially designed to
prepare children for school.
This program is
based on active learning and investigations. It is
the first year in the Early Phase of Learning, which
spans from Prep to Year 2.
Our Preparatory classes have access to school
resources and participate in specialist school
activities such as Physical Education and Music.
Being part of school life on a full-time basis, the
curriculum content, teaching methodology and
learning environment provide a smooth transition
between the informal pre-schooling and the start
of the formal schooling phase of education for the
children.
The Preparatory Curriculum provides opportunities
for children to:
• develop their oral language, literacy and
numeracy skills;
• become independent thinkers and problem
solvers;
• learn how to cooperate with others;
• develop physical coordination skills; and
• listen, respond to and give directions.
The Junior School (Years 1-6)
The main features of the Junior School include:
•
an environment in which students can feel safe and
cared for;
• spiritual leadership and guidance;
• sequential core curriculum that covers the Key
Learning Areas of English, Mathematics, Science,
History,
Geography,
Computer
Studies
and
Information Skills, Christian Studies, The Arts and
Physical Education;
• specialist teachers for Music, Physical Education and
Library Skills;
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• a Junior School Music Room;
• a Junior School Computer Room;
• a Junior School Educational Support
Centre to support students who face
challenges with their learning, and to
encourage gifted students;
• a focus on basic literacy and numeracy
(literacy is taught using the Spalding
method);
• enrichment opportunities for gifted
students
such
as
targeted
extracurricular
activities,
external
competitions and higher order thinking
opportunities;
• regular on-going assessment and
reporting to parents on student
progress;
• participation in sporting carnivals
between Houses and at an interschool
level; and
•
participation in interschool sport for
Years 5-6.
The Middle School (Years 7-9)
In 1999, Northside commenced a
Middle School to cater for the
unique needs of early adolescent
learners (Years 7-9) and to provide
a smooth transition from primary
to secondary education.
The Middle School recognises that
these students are no longer
young primary children, nor do
they have the same interests and
needs as older secondary students.
The main features of the Middle
School include:
• a curriculum designed to engage
young adolescent learners in the
context of a strongly pastoral,
Christian environment;
• Leadership Program – Teacher and student-led programs providing social interaction and
development opportunities;
• Life Skill lessons in social and personal development;
Specialist teachers and facilities;
• Middle School Educational Support staff available to support identified students requiring assistance
and to encourage gifted students;
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Features of the Middle School continued:
•
Opportunity for participation in a range of academic competitions (such as the Educational
Assessment Australia competitions for Computing, Mathematics and Science);
• dedicated Middle School classroom centre;
• gender streaming across some subject areas;
• separate Middle School Chapels;
• regular assessment and reporting to parents; and
• sporting carnivals and interschool sport opportunities.
Year 7 students are taught core subjects in their home room by their Form Teacher and one or two
other teachers. They also have specialist teachers for Music, Physical Education, Drama, Innovation &
Discovery (Art & Computing), Home Economics and Design Technology.
The same is true for Year 8 students except that they have a slightly expanded curriculum that
includes, for example, Home Economics, Design Technology, French and Japanese.
Year 9 students study the core subjects of English, Mathematics, Science, Studies of Society and
Environment and Christian Studies. In addition, they study six elective subjects (for one semester
each).
The Senior School (Years 10-12)
Traditionally, Senior in Queensland has referred to Years 11 and 12. Northside believes that having
Year 10 in the Senior School is an important preparatory year for Year 11 and 12 studies.
Consequently the Year 10 program is structured identically to the Year 11/12 program. This gives the
students more time in each subject and greater choice over their study program than is usually the
case.
All students from Year 10 to Year 12 study Christian Foundations, Life Skills, plus six Senior Authority
subjects. Christian Foundations and Life Skills incorporate Christian Studies, Career Education, Core
Skills Test Preparation, study skills and social skills development.
The main features of the Senior School include:
•
a strong Pastoral Care Program, and Christian
environment;
•
curriculum accredited by the Queensland Studies
Authority;
•
specialist teachers and facilities;
•
a strong pastoral care program;
•
career guidance;
•
a Vocational Education program including work
placement, school-based apprenticeships and
school-based traineeships;
•
inter-house and interschool sporting carnivals;
•
weekly interschool team sport for Year 10 with
other team sport opportunities for Year 11/12
students; and
•
opportunities for participation in a range of
academic competitions (such as the Educational
Assessment Australia competitions).
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Textbooks
Northside operates a textbook lending scheme for Years 8-12, which saves parents the expense of
purchasing texts. Textbooks are purchased by the College and loaned to Middle and Senior School
students according to their subject needs. A number of textbooks are now available in a digital format
which can be downloaded onto the iPad.
Educational Support
The Junior School and Middle School Educational Support Centres provide support to students with
significant learning difficulties (unfortunately, these resources are not unlimited). Teacher Aides and
volunteer parents provide other assistance through various support programs.
In the Senior School, the College offers a vocational education program that includes one day per week
work placement, some school-based apprenticeships and traineeships and a range of vocational (non
OP) subjects. This provides an excellent pathway for many of the students who have experienced
difficulty with academic learning.
Computers and Technology
The Junior School has a new Computer Lab Facility and uses desktop computers as well as Notebooks
and Interactive Whiteboards to deliver I.T. lessons and I.T.-rich tasks in day to day activities.
Middle and Senior School classes access Computer Rooms and area complemented where necessary by
several computers in each classroom. The Film & TV, Art, Music and Graphics curriculum also have
computer facilities, and the Science Laboratories have access to over 20 Netbooks. This is in addition to
the 1 to 1 initiative explained
further on.
In
addition
to
our
desktop
computer labs we now have
multiple
trolleys
of
Netbook
computers, which are used for
student work and research. To
support these and other wireless
computing devices, the College is
also continuing the expansion of
the campus wireless network.
The Future of Learning at
Northside has been the catch cry
for our technology initiative over
the last three years. Driven by our
College Mission which states that
our students will be, ‘educated and
equipped for any future’, our 1-to1 learning program focus includes:
Preparation for students to be
highly confident and competent in
technology-rich workplaces;
Provision for more equitable access to educational resources and learning opportunities;
Increased access to rich teaching and learning resources in the classroom.
Through the use of technology, Web 2.0 tools and mobile devices such as iPads, teachers are
partnering with students to help guide and foster creativity and innovation. Marzano's research based
evidence suggests that people learn best when they are actively involved in the process. As a result of
the introduction of the iPad, active learning opportunities have been enhanced within the College.
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Computers and technology continued:
The iPad is a device which allows for many hands on and interactive activities which also fosters
collaboration and active involvement by the students.
As part of our College mission statement, we aim to develop a culture of acceptable and responsible
technology use within the College. At Northside this involves developing young people who:
•
•
•
Use technology in an acceptable and responsible way;
Are discerning;
Have ability to shape and influence the future use of technology in our society.
The College has also developed a number of resources to help both students and parents make the
most of learning opportunities whilst staying cybersafe. Our L-Plate and Plate Programs guide students
through a developmental and innovative course in cybersafety and digital citizenship and our eQuipped website (http://equipped.com.au/) provides parents with tips and necessary information for
parenting a digital generation.
The College campus has an excellent network infrastructure in place. A high quality, dedicated internet
connection provides fast internet throughout the College. Each building is connected by fibre-optic
cable allowing maximum connectivity and network access. All College computers are networked and
students enjoy using the high capacity and high speed wireless internet for iPad, Netbook and Laptop
use both inside and out of the classroom.
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Code of Conduct
The College aims to be a Christian community, which emphasises love for God and love for one's
neighbours as oneself. In particular, our students are expected to act responsibly, to maintain a
Christian standard of living, to take full advantage of the educational opportunities afforded them
through the College and to adhere to guidelines set down for them.
These expectations are published and made available through Student and Parent Handbooks, College
Diaries and online via the College website. The College refers to these expectations and guidelines as
The Code of Conduct, which is worded age-appropriately depending on the age/Year level of students.
Ongoing or serious breaches of these expectations will lead to firm but fair corrective measures
employed by the teacher, including detentions (or other withdrawal of privilege) and where deemed
appropriate, will also involve the Year Level and Area Coordinator/s and parents, and for more serious
or ongoing breaches may ultimately involve suspension or exclusion from the College.
Extension, Enrichment, and Opportunities for Gifted Students
Students can be extended in their studies with a range of opportunities, such as:
• Tournament of the Minds;
• Educational Assessment Australia Competitions for Mathematics, Science and Computing;
• Maths Teams Challenge;
• Solar Car Challenge;
• Senior students may elect to enrol in Tertiary subjects in addition to their regular subjects;
•
University courses (for selected Senior students as an enhanced studies program);
• Physics, Chemistry, Biology Olympiads for Senior students;
• Chess club, science club, writing club, language club, debating, musicals, Arts Festival;
• Extension classes in some core subject areas;
• Robotics;
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Extension, Enrichment, and Opportunities for Gifted Students (cont)
•
Curriculum-based approaches;
• Curriculum compaction (Acceleration) may be considered for some students;
• The curriculum in Key Learning Areas is being modified to incorporate strands for academically
gifted students.
Camping Program
All year levels from Year 4 to Year 12 have an annual camp.
•
Year 3
Overnight sleepover at the College
•
Year 4
Overnight sleepover at the College
•
Year 5
Tallebudgera Outdoor Recreation Centre
•
Year 6
QCCC - Mapleton
•
Year 7
Canberra and the snowfields
•
Year 8
Edmund Park Outdoor Education Centre
•
Year 9
Noosa North Shore
•
Year 10
Mt. Barney Lodge and National Park
•
Year 11
Leadership Camp & Work Experience
•
Year 12
Kingfisher Bay, Fraser Island
Camps target a range of aims over the years. All camps seek to develop: positive relationships between
students and their peers as well as staff, team work, resilience, responsibility, confidence, positive
attitudes, health and perseverance.
Students regularly attend excursions related to their studies.
Co-Curricular Opportunities
There are many opportunities for students to be involved in co-curricular activities.
Some examples are listed below:
•
Chess
•
Debating
•
Robotics
•
Science club
•
Choirs
•
Bands
•
Dance
•
Musical Theatre
•
Year Level Camps
•
Peer Support Programs
•
Duke of Edinburgh Award
•
Gardening group
•
Mentoring Programs
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• Language Club
•
Writing Club – ‘Inklings’
• Junior School Lunchtime Activities – Facilitated by Junior School Coordinators
• Middle School Lunchtime Activities – Facilitated by Year 9 Leadership Groups
•
Aged Care Home visits
•
World Vision
• Overseas Cultural and Missions Trips including destinations such as – Korea, China, Uganda,
Japan, Torres Strait and Europe.
•
Sister School Cultural Exchange and Study Tours – Yang Jeong Girls’ School, South Korea
• Additional sports coaching, training and competitions
•
G2T - Garden to Table Club
•
RC Club - Radio Controlled Club
• Artistic Excellence Program – Harvest Rain Theatre Company
• Artist in Residence Program
• Engaging with visiting performers and artists (e.g. History Week)
• Technical Team Training – Lighting, Sound, Audio Visual and Event Management
Sport at Northside
Students are encouraged to begin life-long habits of healthy living. Staff seek to assist students to
maintain an adequate level of physical fitness. The College’s Physical Education and Sporting programs
are designed to foster these aims and to encourage students to pursue individual sporting goals.
The College’s Programs include:
• Preparatory to Year 8: Physical
Education specialist classes;
• Year 9 to 12: Physical Education
elective classes;
• Preparatory to Year 12:
house Athletics Carnival;
Inter-
• Years 4 to 12:
Inter-house
Swimming and Cross-Country
Carnivals;
• Years 5 to 10: Interschool Teams
Sport;
• Opportunity to represent the
College, District, Region and
State in Athletics, Cross-Country,
Swimming
and
many
team
sports. Northside students have
achieved representation at all of
these levels, in a wide variety of
sports;
• Participation in CSSA (Christian
Schools Sporting Association)
carnivals.
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Instrumental Music
Students can choose from a wide range of
instruments as well as voice and speech and
drama on a fee-for-service basis.
Lessons can occur before or after school,
during morning tea or lunchtimes, or during
class time on a rotational basis, where the
parents and teachers agree that the student
will be able to cope with the disruption to their
classroom learning.
Fees are payable directly to music tutors, in
advance.
Parental Involvement
Northside welcomes and actively encourages the involvement of parents in the education of their
children. Parents choosing to be involved can be rostered on to Prep to assist with a variety of activities
each Term. Many parents also assist in Junior School classrooms, special events and catering, on
excursions or with the Educational Support Program.
College Expectations of Parents
The greatest expectation that the College has of parents is that they show an interest in their children’s
learning and associated activities, such as attendance at concerts, special events and sports days as
they are able. Northside believes that it partners with parents to see students provided with a safe,
happy and dynamic learning environment.
Parents are expected to supervise homework (without doing it for the child), even up to the Senior
years.
Parents from throughout the College assist in the College Café, which provides funds for various
projects and resources. The ‘Coffee Club’ (a parents’ group) fundraises for special projects on a regular
basis.
Each family is asked to either provide a worker for two Saturday morning Working Bees each year or
pay the annual Working Bee Levy.
We also ask that parents support the standards and procedures of the College including the College’s
Reputation Policy.
Parents are asked to fully support the College’s uniform requirements for students.
Enrolment Procedures
A Student Enrolment Application and all required documentation must be received before an enrolment
application can be processed. The Enrolment Officer will contact you to confirm the receipt of your
application.
During the enrolment process and prior to an offer of a place being made, an interview may be
scheduled for the prospective parents and the student/s.
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The offer of an interview and subsequent offer of a place is dependent on a range of factors including
but not limited to: suitability of the applicant, behavioural, social and emotional and academic
progress, and evidence of commitment to College values, a completed application and whether the
applicant is an existing or past family of the College.
An interview generally incorporates meeting with the relevant Head of School, the Business Manager
and the Principal.
The timing and offer of an interview is dependent on a range of factors, and does not guarantee
enrolment. The College generally interviews 2 to 3 years out from the anticipated year of
commencement. Families are welcome to submit an application once proof of birth can be supplied. If
an application is made well in advance, the College generally requires information such as academic
and other details to be updated in order for the application to progress.
The College may require standardised testing or other relevant information to assist in deciding
whether a student’s placement at Northside is appropriate.
The Enrolment Officer will keep parents informed regarding the progress of an application.
Benefits of an education at Northside Christian College
•
Christian values and worldview that support your family values;
•
a family fee structure with discounts for families with more than one student at the College;
•
continuity of education Prep through to Year 12;
•
a College that seeks to connect with and make a difference in immediate and international
communities through meaningful and practical targeted projects;
•
implementation of Spalding, Habits of Mind and the Art and Science of Teaching Frameworks;
•
attention to the basics and foundations of reading, writing and arithmetic;
•
a technologically-rich learning environment and excellent I.T. facilities;
•
an extensive and exclusive transport (bus) service
•
a partnership between home and school;
•
a safe, friendly and happy atmosphere;
•
an excellent academic program;
•
a caring, disciplined environment;
•
counselling and guidance services;