Highlands Christian College

## 1. Overview Highlands Christian College is a private, independent Christian school serving Toowoomba and surrounding communities. It offers a faith-based, values-driven education for boys and girls across a range of year levels, fostering a sense of community and purpose within a Christian context. The college is a medium-sized school with class sizes that tend to be in the low-to-mid 20s. The atmosphere is nurturing and inclusive, balancing academic effort with character development and spiritual growth. - School type: Private/Independent Christian - School size: Medium - Class size: Typically 18–25 students per class - Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, inclusive, academically focused, faith-based --- ## 2. Academics & Learning Highlands Christian College emphasises a well-rounded curriculum that blends academic achievement with faith-informed learning. - Academic strengths: Strong focus across core subjects such as English and maths, solid science and STEM programs, opportunities for leadership development, and Christian studies integrated into the timetable. The school also supports language learning as part of a broad curriculum. - Special programs: Accelerated learning options and gifted/talented pathways; pathways to senior secondary qualifications with a Christian perspective; some VET and practical learning opportunities may be offered. - NAPLAN trends: Trends show steady improvement and consistent performance across key domains (reading, writing, numeracy) over time, aligned with state expectations for private, faith-based schools. - Student-teacher ratios: Generally modest ratios, supporting accessible teacher support and timely feedback (roughly in the low-to-mid range for primary and early secondary). - Support for diverse learners: EAL support, in-class differentiation, targeted SEN support and learning assistance programs to help students who need extra help or alternative learning approaches. --- ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths A key area for many families is how the school balances sport, arts, and clubs with academics. - Sports offered: Basketball, netball, cricket, soccer (football), athletics, swimming, tennis and other school-based programs; opportunities to represent the college in regional competitions. - Strong teams or achievements: Participation and representation in regional fixtures with opportunities to develop skills and teamwork; emphasis on sportsmanship and personal bests. - Music, arts, drama programs: Active music and performing arts programs, choir or instrumental ensembles, and drama productions that feature student-led or school-led performances. - Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other interest-based clubs to extend learning beyond the classroom. - Partnerships: Connections with local clubs, regional sports associations, and competitions to broaden opportunities and exposure for students. --- ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care Wellbeing and pastoral support are central to creating a secure school environment. - Anti-bullying approach: Clear anti-bullying policies, ongoing education, and a culture of respect and inclusion supported by staff and student leaders. - House system: A house structure that supports participation in events, leadership opportunities, and a sense of belonging. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: On-site wellbeing staff or access to counselling services to support mental health, personal development, and transition periods. - Transition support for new students: Buddy systems, orientation sessions, and targeted support to help new students settle in and build connections quickly. --- ## 5. Facilities The school’s facilities are designed to support a broad range of learning activities. - Sports grounds - Libraries - Science labs - Music/performing arts centers - Tech/innovation labs - Cafeteria - Updated playgrounds - Additional spaces: Chapel or religious spaces for worship and reflection, as part of the campus environment --- ## 6. School Values & Community Culture Parents often ask about the values and the kind of students the school develops. - School values / mission: A Christ-centred education focused on values such as integrity, service, excellence, and compassion. - Leadership style: Collaborative and supportive leadership with opportunities for student voice and involvement; approachable staff. - Behaviour expectations: Clear codes of conduct emphasizing respect, responsibility, and kindness; consistent discipline aligned with the school’s values. - Community reputation: Positive local reputation within the Toowoomba community for faith-based education and family involvement. - Diversity & inclusion: Welcomes students from varied backgrounds; aims to create an inclusive environment with supports for diverse needs. --- ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations Quick-glance information to help plan day-to-day school life. - School hours: Typical day runs from the morning start around 8:00–8:30am to afternoon finish around 3:00–3:15pm; some year levels may have slightly different schedules. - Before/after school care: Availability of before/after school care or supervision may be offered to families. - Uniform requirements: School uniform is standard; details include daily wear and formal days, with seasonal adjustments as provided by the college. - Transport (train/bus routes): Access to regional transport options and school bus services where available; convenient stops and arrangements for Toowoomba families. - Canteen availability: On-site canteen or lunch-order options to support students during the day. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees are in the mid-to-high range for private independent schools in the region; additional costs may include uniforms, excursions, and activities. --- ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Typical steps: Submit an application or expression of interest; provide required documents (birth certificates, immunisation records, prior school reports); participate in an interview and, where appropriate, academic assessments and a faith alignment discussion; receive and accept an offer; complete enrolment paperwork and pay any deposits; participate in onboarding and orientation events. - Timeline: The process can take several weeks to a few months depending on vacancies and year level. Early applications are advisable, especially for popular year groups. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Yes, there may be a waiting list when year levels reach capacity. Offers from the waiting list are typically made as spaces become available, with priority given to transfer requests, sibling considerations, or specific placement needs as determined by the school. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Entry generally includes an interview and may include academic checks or tests in English and mathematics. A faith alignment conversation or references may be requested as part of the pastoral fit. Documentation from previous schools and health/immunisation information is typically required. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers are possible if there is a vacancy in the requested year level. The process typically requires transfer of records (reports, attendance, and compulsory documentation), a brief assessment or meeting, and confirmation of placement. --- ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - Many families value a faith-based environment that supports academic growth, character development, and a close-knit community. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who respond well to a values-driven, supportive setting with opportunities for leadership, service, and a balanced approach to academics and co-curriculars. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - A range of academic pathways, leadership opportunities, competitive sports, music and drama programs, robotics/coding clubs, debating, and other enrichment activities. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular updates through newsletters, emails, parent portals, and scheduled meetings. Open-door policies with teachers and leadership teams are common. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - A faith-informed, student-centred approach that integrates core curriculum with values education, differentiation to meet diverse learning needs, and opportunities for inquiry-based learning where appropriate. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted learning support, small-group or 1:1 assistance, and access to wellbeing and academic staff who can tailor support plans. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Additional tutoring, progress monitoring, and collaboration with families to adjust learning plans and set achievable goals. - How does the school communicate with parents? (Note: same question appears again) - As above: regular communications via multiple channels, with opportunities for parent-teacher conferences and updates on student progress. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes are typically in the low-to-mid 20s, with a focus on providing teachers who can offer targeted feedback and support within the classroom. Some subjects or periods may include smaller group work. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A broad suite of clubs (robotics, coding, chess, debating) and sport options (basketball, netball, soccer, cricket, athletics, swimming), plus performing arts and other enrichment activities. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Comprehensive facilities including sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts centers, tech/innovation labs, a cafeteria, and updated playgrounds, plus spaces for chapel or reflection. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integration of digital tools to support learning, with guidance on responsible use and preparation for modern study and digital citizenship. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Local bus routes and access to public transport where available; school-arranged transport options may also be offered to families. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees fall in the private independent school range for the region, with potential additional costs for uniforms, excursions, and optional programs. --- ## 10. Short Pros & Cons - Pros - Faith-based, values-driven education within a supportive community - Medium-sized school with approachable staff and manageable class sizes - Broad range of co-curricular activities (sport, arts, clubs) - Strong emphasis on wellbeing, pastoral care, and student transition support - Family-oriented communication and involvement opportunities - Cons - Private school fees may be higher than public options - Spaces can be limited in certain year levels; mid-year transfers may depend on vacancies - Some specialized programs or pathways may have limited availability compared with larger city schools - Travel time for families living outside Toowoomba can be a consideration