A Ministry of Logan Uniting Church Philosophy and Aims September 2011
Table of Contents Philosophy and Aims... - 3-1. Introduction... - 3-2. Philosophy... - 3-3. Aims...- 4 - Our Vision... - 5 - Our Mission... - 5 - Our Core Values... - 5 - Our Motto... - 5 - Student Outcomes... - 5 - Our Strategic Intents... - 6-1. Authentic Christian Discipleship... - 6-2. Innovative Curriculum Delivery... - 6-3 Excellence in Learning... - 6-4 Professional Learning Community... - 6-5. Promoting Health and Well-Being... - 6-6. Vibrant Community Engagement... - 6-7. Empowering Student Leadership and Service... - 6-8. Quality Facilities and Resources... - 6-9. Robust Governance and Management... - 6 - Alignment with the Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians... - 7 - PREAMBLE..- 7 - Goal 1 Australian Schools promotes equity and experience... - 7 - Goal 2 All Australians become successful learners, confident and creative individuals, and active and informed citizens... - 8 - Philosophy and Aims Page 2
Philosophy and Aims 1. Introduction Calvary Christian College is a ministry of Logan Uniting Church providing a Christian education for students from Kindergarten to Year Twelve across two campuses. The College was founded by Logan Uniting Church with a conviction to provide a Christian school where school life is Christ-centred, in principle and in practice the school curriculum, school culture, staff and student life and annual calendar of events. 2. Philosophy 2.1 Biblical foundations: The philosophy of the College is based on biblical Christian doctrine. Calvary Christian College accepts the Bible as the inspired word of God. The College believes that the Bible contains a framework from which we can develop educational policy and practice, and confidently apply to our governance and decision making. We also believe that its principles and values are applicable to every aspect of life, for all cultures, in all times of history. 2.2 Discipleship The core values of the College are built upon the Christian beliefs as expressed by Statement of Beliefs of Logan Uniting Church. The church believes that its God-given purpose is to draw people into a life transforming relationship with Jesus Christ. Therefore, we are committed to assist our students to explore what it means to be disciples of Christ and to understand God s purpose for their lives. The College recognises that we are all made in God s image and uniquely created by God. Every effort needs to be made to respect the uniqueness, dignity and personal worth of each student. Across a broad range of academic, cultural and sporting pursuits, we focus on nurturing and developing to their fullest potential the God-given giftings of each student. 2.3 Curriculum The curriculum is set within the framework of a Christian worldview and based on the Queensland Studies Authority Syllabus (QSA). It is the responsibility of all College teachers to assist students in the development and formation of a Christian worldview through the integration of faith and learning. We seek to provide a quality education through the provision of a comprehensive curriculum across Key Learning Areas and provide varying pathways of learning for the differing interests and abilities of students. In so doing we aim to equip our graduates for further education and employment, training and lifelong learning. 2.4 Missional Purpose As a Christian College, Calvary seeks to be an agent of social change through nurturing young people s values, attitudes and beliefs from a Christian perspective, fostering their faith and developing their sense of self-worth. Through the provision of a quality education and Christian discipleship, the College seeks to equip young people with the confidence and ability to live fulfilling lives as morally upright Christian citizens, with a deep sense of social responsibility and stewardship and the desire to influence others for God and for the common good of society. 2.5 The Role of the Christian Teacher The Christian teacher plays a significant role in setting the tone in the College through providing an optimal learning environment and nurturing students attitudes, values, beliefs and choice of lifestyle. Teachers should recognise their missional calling by God to disciple students and facilitate their academic, cultural, physical, spiritual and emotional development. They are expected to exemplify Christian Philosophy and Aims Page 3
character, teach from a Christian worldview, and seek best practice in teaching and learning approaches in order to equip students with key learning skills for the 21 st century. 2.6 Christian Community The College values and embraces Christian community. We actively foster students personal growth through character development, self-discipline and the pursuit of personal excellence within the context of a safe and nurturing Christian environment that supports the development of resilience and nurtures happy and productive students. The culture is also one of mutual respect which values diversity in culture, ethnicity and the socioeconomic background of students. We believe that students can develop to their greatest individual potential academically and socially in an environment that is free from verbal, psychological and physical abuse and negative attitudes to life and learning. Approved: May, 2010 3.Aims Our global aims are summed up in the new Vision Statement: Calvary Christian College will be a first choice Christian College with an ability to transform lives in Christ, provide innovation in learning, create vibrant community and prepare students to become responsible citizens in our global community. The College aims to provide a Christian education which nurtures and shapes students through the teachings of the Christian faith, encourages personal excellence, and equips students to live purposeful and fulfilling lives. The College seeks to: a. Provide an environment in which students are drawn into a life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ and grow as disciples of Christ b. Nurture the spiritual, academic, social, emotional and physical growth of each student in partnership with families c. Teach a curriculum grounded on a Christian world view d. Foster a Christian community that is active in service and displays a deep sense of social responsibility and stewardship e. Provide opportunities that foster the development of Christian character and leadership skills f. Assist students to identify their God-given gifts, skills and abilities and encourage and support them to use these to serve Christ, the church and the wider community g. Create a caring community in which people work in an atmosphere of cooperation, respect and inclusion. Approved: March, 2009 Philosophy and Aims Page 4
Our Vision Calvary Christian College will be a first choice Christian College with an ability to transform lives in Christ, provide innovation in learning, create vibrant community and prepare students to become responsible citizens in our global community. Our Mission Transforming lives through quality education and Christian discipleship. Our Core Values Authentic Christian discipleship Quality teaching and learning Creativity and innovation Personal Excellence Empowering leadership, Caring, vibrant community Service, Social responsibility and Stewardship Our Motto Learning in the Light of Christ Student Outcomes Calvary Christian College seeks the following outcomes for its students: A growing relationship with Christ. An understanding of, and commitment to, Christian principles. The confidence to succeed in life and the ability to serve and lead. The ability to form and maintain caring and supportive relationships using the knowledge, skills and experience developed through a Christian schooling experience. Realised potential, pride in achievements and development of a commitment to lifelong learning. A sense of responsibility and concern for others, within the College and community at large. Philosophy and Aims Page 5
Our Strategic Intents (2011-2015 Strategic Plan) 1. Authentic Christian Discipleship It is our intent to enhance our authenticity as a Christian community and our effectiveness in Christian discipleship. 2. Innovative Curriculum Delivery It is our intent to deliver an innovative curriculum which equips students with the skills and knowledge to participate successfully in the world. 3 Excellence in Learning It is our intent to enhance student performance through quality teaching, inquiry-based learning and the expansion of learning opportunities. 4 Professional Learning Community It is our intent to become a strong professional learning community through supporting the spiritual and professional growth of staff. 5. Promoting Health and Well-Being It is our intent to enhance the health and well-being of staff and students. 6. Vibrant Community Engagement It is our intent to prioritise vibrant community engagement across the school and with the broader Logan community and beyond. 7. Empowering Student Leadership and Service It is our intent to enhance student leadership through providing opportunities for influence and service within the College and the broader community. 8. Quality Facilities and Resources It is our intent to improve College facilities through a commitment to the provision of high quality resources and facilities relevant to the 21st century. 9. Robust Governance and Management It is our intent to enhance governance and the management of the College through robust accountability, effective leadership and strategic management. Philosophy and Aims Page 6
Calvary Christian College s Alignment with the Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians PREAMBLE Australia s future citizens depend on each citizen having the necessary knowledge, understanding, skills and values for a productive and rewarding life in the21st century. Providing a high quality education is central to this vision. The Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians provides broad directions for schools and educational authorities in securing the outcomes of these students in a changing world. It acknowledges the capacity of all students to learn and the role of schools in developing that capacity. It also acknowledges the role of parents, carers, families, the community, business and other education and training to share this responsibility with schools. Schooling provides the foundation of the intellectual, physical, social, emotional, moral, spiritual and aesthetic of young people. By providing a supportive and caring environment, schooling contributes to the development of a student s sense of self-worth, enthusiasm for learning and optimism for the future. Calvary Christian College recognises the changes in the world that are placing new demands on Australian education and has aligned its Philosophy and Aims, new Vision Statement and Strategic Plan with the Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians. Goal 1 Australian Schools promotes equity and experience Calvary s Philosophy and Aims Calvary Christian College philosophical approach is based on Biblical foundations. We believe that it principles and values are applicable to every aspect of life, for all culture, in all times if history. (2.1 Philosophy) Every effort needs to be made to respect the uniqueness, dignity and personal worth of each student. (2.2 Philosophy) We seek to provide a quality education through the provision of a comprehensive curriculum access Key Learning Areas and provide pathways of learning for the differing interests and abilities of students. In so doing, we aim to equip our graduates for further education and employment, training and lifelong learning. (2.3 Philosophy) As a Christian College, Calvary seeks to be an agent of social change through nurturing young people s values, attitudes and beliefs and developing their sense of self-worth. Through the provision of a quality education and Christian discipleship, the College seeks to equip young people with the confidence and ability to live fulfilling lives as morally upright Christian citizens, with a deep sense of social responsibility and stewardship and the desire to influence others for God and for the common good of society. (2.4 Philosophy) Teachers are expected to exemplify Christian character and seek best practice in teaching and learning approaches in order to equip students with key learning skills for the 21 st century. (2.5 Philosophy) Philosophy and Aims Page 7
The College values and embraces Christian community. We actively foster students personal growth through character development, self-discipline and the pursuit of personal excellence within the context of a safe and nurturing Christian environment that supports the development of resilience and nurtures happy and productive students. (2.6 Philosophy) The culture is also one of mutual respect which values diversity in culture, ethnicity and the socioeconomic background of students. We believe that students can develop to their greatest individual potential academically and socially in an environment that is free from verbal, psychological and physical abuse and negative attitudes to life and learning. (2.6 Philosophy) The College aims to provide a Christian education which nurtures and shapes students through the teachings of the Christian faith, encourages personal excellence, and equips students to live purposeful and fulfilling lives. (3 Aims) Nurture the spiritual, academic, social, emotional and physical growth of each student in partnership with families. (3b Aims) Foster a Christian community that is active in service and displays a deep sense of social responsibility and stewardship (3c Aims) Assist students to identify their God-given gifts, skills and abilities and encourage and support them to use these to serve...the wider community (3f Aims) Create a caring community in which people work in an atmosphere of cooperation, respect and inclusion. (3g Aims) Our global aims are summed up in the new Vision Statement: Calvary Christian College will be a first choice Christian College with an ability to create vibrant community and prepare students to become responsible citizens in our global community. (3 Aims) Goal 2 All Australians become successful learners, confident and creative individuals, and active and informed citizens 2.1 Successful Learners Calvary s Philosophy and Aims Across a broad range of academic, cultural and sporting pursuits, we focus on nurturing and developing to their fullest potential the God-given giftings of each student. (Philosophy 2.2) We seek to provide a quality education through the provision of a comprehensive curriculum across Key Learning Areas and provide varying pathways for learning for the differing interests and abilities of students. (Philosophy 2.3) The Christian teacher plays a significant role in setting the tone in the College through providing an optimal learning environment... (Philosophy 2.5) We actively foster students personal growth through...the pursuit of personal excellence...within the context of a safe and nurturing environment that supports the development of resilience and nurtures happy and productive students. (Philosophy 2.6) Calvary Christian College will be a first choice Christian College with and ability to... provide innovation in learning... (Global aims in Vision Statement 3) The College aims to provide a Christian education which encourages personal excellence... (Aims 3) Nurture the spiritual, academic, cultural... and physical growth of each student in partnership with families (Aims 2b) Philosophy and Aims Page 8
2.2 Confident and Creative Individuals Calvary s Philosophy and Aims In so doing we aim to equip our graduates for further education and employment, training and lifelong learning. (Philosophy 2.3) As a Christian College, Calvary seeks to be an agent of social change through nurturing young people s values, attitudes and beliefs from a Christian perspective... and developing their selfworth. (Philosophy 2.4) Teachers are expected to...seek best practice in teaching and learning approaches in order to equip students with key learning skills for the 21 st century. (Philosophy 2.5) We believe that students can develop to their greatest potential academically...in an environment that is free from verbal, psychological and physical abuse, and negative attitudes to life and learning. (Philosophy2.6) 2.3 Active and Informed citizens Calvary s Philosophy and Aims Through the provision of a quality education and Christian discipleship, the College seeks to equip young people with the confidence and ability to live fulfilling lives as morally upright Christian citizens, with a deep sense of social responsibility and stewardship and the desire to influence others for God and for the common good of society. (Philosophy 2.4) Teachers are expected to exemplify Christian character and seek best practice in teaching and learning approaches in order to equip students with key learning skills for the 21 st century. (Philosophy 2.5) The Christian teacher plays a significant role in setting the tone in the College through... nurturing students attitudes, values, beliefs and choice of lifestyle (Philosophy 2.5) We actively foster students personal growth through character development, selfdiscipline...within the context of a safe and nurturing Christian environment that supports the development of resilience and nurtures happy... students. (Philosophy 2.6) Calvary Christian College will be a first choice Christian College with an ability to transform lives in Christ, provide innovation in learning, create vibrant community and prepare students to become responsible citizens in our global community. (Aims Vision statement) The College aims to provide a Christian education which equips students to live purposeful and fulfilling lives. (Aims) Foster a Christian community that is active in service and displays a deep sense of social responsibility and stewardship ( Aims: 3d) Provide opportunities that foster the development of Christian character and leadership skills (Aims: 3e)..encourage and support students to use their gifts to serve Christ, the church and the wider community (Aims: 3f) Create a caring community in which people work in an atmosphere of cooperation, respect and inclusion. (Aims: 3g) Philosophy and Aims Page 9