# 1. Overview
Freshwater Christian College is a private, independent Christian school located in Brinsmead, Queensland. It offers a comprehensive K–12 program with a faith-informed, values-driven approach, designed to partner with families to nurture well-rounded learners.
The college is a medium-sized school that emphasises a supportive, inclusive atmosphere. Class sizes typically sit in the mid-range for private schools, fostering strong student–teacher relationships. The culture blends academic focus with pastoral care, encouraging student leadership, community involvement, and participation in a broad range of co-curricular activities.
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# 2. Academics & Learning
Freshwater Christian College aims to deliver a well-rounded curriculum that supports both academic achievement and character development. Strengths commonly highlighted include English/reading literacy and STEM, with opportunities for leadership development embedded in the program. The school typically provides a faith-integrated learning environment that reinforces values alongside academics.
Special programs often include extension or gifted/talented opportunities and pathways that support students who wish to accelerate or deepen study. The college focuses on delivering a solid Australian Curriculum foundation, with a focus on developing critical thinking and communication skills. Student–teacher ratios are designed to enable meaningful teaching and individual attention (roughly in the mid-teens for teacher contact time). Support for diverse learners is available, including EAL (English as an Additional Language) support and targeted SEN (Special Educational Needs) assistance, along with learning support services as needed.
NAPLAN trends over recent years have shown stable to improving performance in key areas such as reading and numeracy, reflecting the school’s ongoing emphasis on literacy, numeracy and learning needs support. The school communicates progress and supports families in understanding where students are and how to help them progress.
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# 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
Sports and extracurricular activities are a key strength for families evaluating the school, with a broad mix of option areas.
- Sports offered: basketball, netball, soccer/football, cricket, rugby/x-country, volleyball, athletics, swimming, and other ICT-facilitated physical programs.
- Strong teams or achievements: participation in regional competitions with opportunities for school representation in various sports; some teams achieve premierships or strong regional results.
- Music, arts, drama programs: choir and instrumental ensembles, school theatre productions, and general performing arts opportunities.
- Clubs: robotics, coding, chess, debating, STEM clubs and other interest groups.
- Partnerships: connections with local clubs, regional sports associations and robotics competitions to extend learning beyond the classroom.
This section is particularly important for parents and carers of boys aged 10–14, who often value a robust sports and activity program balanced with academic commitments.
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# 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
Wellbeing and pastoral care are central to the school experience, with structures in place to support students’ emotional, social and academic development.
- Anti-bullying approach: proactive, clearly communicated anti-bullying policies and reporting channels; restorative practices are commonly used to address concerns and restore relationships.
- House system: a house-based framework to foster belonging, leadership opportunities and healthy competition.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: access to school-based counsellors or wellbeing staff who support students and families.
- Transition support for new students: orientation programs, buddy systems and targeted transition support to help new students settle in quickly and confidently.
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# 5. Facilities
The campus provides a range of facilities to support learning, sport, creativity and everyday school life.
- Sports grounds
- Libraries
- Science labs
- Music / performing arts centers
- Tech / innovation labs
- Cafeteria
- Updated playgrounds
The facilities are designed to be visually engaging and functional, supporting both academic work and enrichment activities.
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# 6. School Values & Community Culture
Families consider the school’s values and the kind of community it helps to cultivate.
- School values / mission: a Christ-centred education that emphasises character, service, integrity, respect and responsibility.
- Leadership style: student leadership and collaborative, inclusive decision-making are encouraged; staff and administration aim to model service and servant leadership.
- Behaviour expectations: clear expectations aligned with positive behaviour supports and restorative practices.
- Community reputation: generally regarded as a supportive, faith-based community-focused school with active involvement from families.
- Diversity & inclusion: commitment to welcoming families from diverse backgrounds and creating an inclusive learning environment.
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# 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
Key practical details to help families plan daily life around school.
- School hours: aligned with typical Queensland school timings; day often runs from morning start through to mid-to-late afternoon (exact times published by the school).
- Before/after school care: OSHC or similar programs are available to support working families.
- Uniform requirements: formal uniform is standard, with a sports uniform for physical activities and certain events.
- Transport (train/bus routes): school runs typically supported by local bus routes and transport options within the Cairns region.
- Canteen availability: on-site canteen or meal facilities operating on school days.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): private school fees are generally in the mid-to-upper range for Australian independent schools; scholarships or bursaries may be available.
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# 8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Begin with an expression of interest or online inquiry, followed by an application and submission of requested documents (birth certificate, immunisation records, previous school reports, etc.). The school may arrange an interview or information session, and potential placement testing or an assessment may be used for some year levels. Offers are made if spaces are available, and enrolment is confirmed after receipt of any required deposits and completion of enrolment forms. Timelines vary by year level and position availability.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- A waiting list can apply when the school is full for a given year level. Priority is often given to siblings and returning families, with positions allocated as spaces become available. Families on the waitlist are usually kept informed of progress and estimated timelines.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Entry typically involves an interview or meeting with school staff, and may include an assessment or discussion around readiness for the program. Selection is generally based on fit with the school’s values, academic readiness and space availability. Documentation such as immunisation records is usually required.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are possible where spaces exist, with transitional arrangements to help students adjust to the new environment. Availability depends on current enrolments and year level capacity.
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# 9. Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- Families often choose for the faith-based, values-driven approach, supportive wellbeing and a balance between academics and extra-curricular opportunities.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who value a Christian-informed education, a strong sense of community, and opportunities to engage in academics alongside sport, arts and leadership programs.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Extended learning options in English and STEM, leadership and service opportunities, competitive sport, music and drama programs, robotics and coding clubs.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular updates through newsletters, parent portals, emails, and meetings; direct access to teachers and pastoral staff as needed.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- A curriculum grounded in the Australian Curriculum, with faith integration, high expectations for literacy and numeracy, and opportunities for enrichment and support as required.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted literacy and numeracy support, EAL programs, SEN support, in-class adaptations and small-group or one-on-one interventions.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Access to learning support staff, counsellors, and targeted intervention plans to help students progress and stay engaged.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- See above; ongoing dialogue is encouraged through multiple channels and scheduled conferences.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes are designed to be conducive to learning with opportunities for individual attention; actual numbers vary by year level.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A broad range of sports, arts, music and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess and debating, with pathways to regional and inter-school events.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Modern science labs, libraries, performing arts facilities, tech/innovation spaces, sport grounds and a canteen.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integration of digital tools to support learning, with responsible use policies and opportunities to build ICT skills.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Bus routes or school transport options in the region; accessibility considerations are addressed as part of student support.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees are in the private-school range with typical additional costs for uniforms, excursions and extra-curricular activities.
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# 10. Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Strong sense of community with a faith-informed approach
- Balanced emphasis on academics, wellbeing and extra-curriculars
- Support for diverse learners (EAL, SEN) and strong pastoral care
- Broad range of clubs, sports and arts programs
- Safe, inclusive environment that promotes leadership and service
- Cons
- Private school fees are higher than public options
- Religious alignment may not suit all families
- Transport options may depend on location and availability of buses
- Availability of spaces can be limited during peak enrolment periods
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