## 1. Overview
Tamborine Mountain College is an independent co-educational day school located on Tamborine Mountain, Queensland, offering a comprehensive program for students from primary through to senior secondary. The college emphasises a balanced approach to learning, combining solid academic expectations with real-world application and a supportive, close-knit community.
The school is medium-sized, fostering a sense of belonging where students receive personalised attention. Typical class sizes are small to mid-range (approximately 18–22 students), which supports individual growth, strong teacher–student relationships, and active participation. The atmosphere is welcoming and inclusive, with a focus on academic excellence alongside character development and personal wellbeing. ⸻
## 2. Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: STEM, English, leadership development, and languages are key pillars of the program, with an emphasis on critical thinking and problem solving.
- Special programs: Gifted & Talented pathways, accelerated learning options, and college-preparatory experiences to prepare students for post-school pathways.
- NAPLAN trends: Generally steady performance with year-to-year improvements in selected cohorts; families can request the latest school-wide trend data for a clearer picture.
- Student-teacher ratios: Typically in the small-to-mid range (roughly 1:12 to 1:18), supporting individual feedback and tailored instruction.
- Support for diverse learners: Dedicated support for EAL and SEN learners, with targeted learning assistance and accommodation planning where needed. ⸻
## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: A range of team and individual sports commonly available in regional Queensland schools, including basketball, netball, cricket, football (soccer), tennis, rugby league, swimming, and cross-country.
- Strong teams or achievements: Competitive regional teams with a track record of participation and success in local championships and inter-school events.
- Music, arts, drama programs: Active performing arts programs, school concerts, ensembles, and opportunities in drama and visual arts.
- Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other academic or-interest clubs to broaden skills outside the classroom.
- Partnerships: Local school and community partnerships for competitions and enrichment opportunities, helping students access broader networks and experiences. ⸻
## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: Clear policies and proactive wellbeing programs, with restorative practices and ongoing student awareness activities.
- House system: A house-based structure to promote belonging, leadership opportunities, and involvement in pastoral care and events.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: On-site wellbeing staff and access to school counsellors to support wellbeing, mental health, and adjustment.
- Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems, and targeted supports to help new students settle in smoothly. ⸻
## 5. Facilities
- Sports grounds: On-site sporting facilities suitable for a range of disciplines.
- Libraries: Library spaces designed for study, research, and quiet reading.
- Science labs: Dedicated science laboratories for hands-on experiments and practical learning.
- Music/performing arts centers: Facilities to support music education, rehearsals, and performances.
- Tech/innovation labs: Modern spaces for ICT, coding, robotics, and project-based learning.
- Cafeteria: On-site canteen or cafeteria catering to daily meal and snack needs.
- Updated playgrounds: Safe, well-maintained outdoor play and recreation areas. ⸻
## 6. School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: A clear emphasis on respect, integrity, excellence, and community; qualities that guide student conduct and leadership development.
- Leadership style: Collaborative and inclusive, with opportunities for student voice, leadership roles, and practical responsibility.
- Behaviour expectations: Positive behaviour framework tied to respect for self and others, with restorative approaches to conflict.
- Community reputation: Known for a supportive, family-like atmosphere and a commitment to holistic development.
- Diversity & inclusion: Active engagement with diversity and inclusive practices across learning, clubs, and activities. ⸻
## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Standard daytime hours with alignment to year level schedules; some after-school activities and programs run on site.
- Before/after school care: Availability of supervision and care before and/or after the school day.
- Uniform requirements: A published uniform policy with specific attire for different year levels and activities.
- Transport: Bus routes or local transport options; information available through the school if you require specific routes.
- Canteen availability: On-site canteen or cafeteria offering daily meal and snack options.
- Fees: Fee ranges described as medium to high relative to local options, with potential additional costs for excursions, activities, and uniforms. ⸻
## 8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Submit an enrolment application with required documents (birth certificate, previous school reports, etc.).
- Participation in any required interviews or readiness discussions.
- Review of eligibility and placement; offer of enrolment if suitable.
- Confirmation of acceptance, payment of applicable fees, and placement in a year level.
- Orientation and transition information provided prior to start date; timing varies by intake year and space available.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Yes, there is typically a waiting list when capacity is reached. Positions are offered based on availability, sibling priority, and date of application. Waiting lists are managed to ensure fair handling and timely updates to families.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Most applicants will undergo an admissions interview or meeting, along with a review of academic reports and readiness for the year level. Some year levels may include informal assessments to establish appropriate placement.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are possible if space and curriculum alignment allow; the process mirrors standard intake steps and may require documents, a meeting, and a placement assessment. ⸻
## 9. Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- Families often select Tamborine Mountain College for its close-knit community, balanced academics, and emphasis on wellbeing and personal development within a supportive, independent school setting.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Motivated, curious students who value a supportive learning environment, opportunities to participate in clubs and sports, and a focus on character as well as academics.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Access to advanced or gifted pathways, leadership and service opportunities, strong sports programs, performing and visual arts, and a range of clubs (robotics, debating, coding, chess).
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular newsletters, emails, a school app or portal, parent-teacher interviews, and updates on events and student progress.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Student-centered, inquiry-based learning that blends in-class instruction with hands-on experiences, tailored supports, and a focus on critical thinking and digital literacy.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Dedicated learning support staff, targeted interventions, tutoring options, EAL/SEN assistance, and progress monitoring with individual plans.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Access to learning support teams, strategies and accommodations in class, and ongoing communication with families and teachers.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- See above: regular channels (email, app/portal, meetings, and updates).
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes are small to mid-range (approximately 18–22 students), enabling frequent teacher feedback and closer, individualized attention.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A broad range of sports, music and drama programs, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, and debating; opportunities to compete or perform locally.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Well-equipped spaces for sports, science laboratories, libraries, performing arts facilities, and technology/innovation labs.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integrated technology across curriculum with access to digital learning platforms, coding and ICT programs, and modern classrooms.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Local transport options and school-supported routes where available; detailed route information provided by the school.
- What are typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees are described as medium to high in the regional context, with potential additional costs for uniforms, excursions, and activities. ⸻
## 10. Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Strong sense of community and supportive staff
- Balanced focus on academics, wellbeing, and extracurriculars
- Range of clubs, sports, and arts options
- Small to middle class sizes facilitating personalised attention
- Cons
- As a medium-sized independent school, there may be waiting lists for popular year levels
- Fees may be higher than public options in the region
- Transport options may require planning depending on family location
- Availability of some specialist programs can vary by year depending on enrolments
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