The Lakes College Prospectus

THE LAKES COLLEGEPrep–Year 12

Independent co-educational college in North Lakeswww.thelakescollege.com.au

A ministry of the Uniting Church in Australia

The Lakes CoLLegeCollege Street, North Lakes QLD 4509Ph (07) 3491 5555 | Fax (07) 3491 5599 Email [email protected] Website www.thelakescollege.com.au

The Uniting Church in Aust Property Trust (Q) t/a The Lakes College | ABN 61 344 805 430

The Lakes CoLLege PROSPECTUS

2 3

Our committed staff are dedicated to ensuring each child achieves their personal best by focusing on individual learning experiences to ensure the best outcomes for our students. Our strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy and our focus on foreign languages, the arts and physical activity, provides opportunities for our students to explore and develop their potential.

As a Christian school, we promote and believe that each member is deserving of respect and kindness. By promoting and aspiring towards the values implicit of a caring Christian community, we build a genuine commitment to our faith.

It is an exciting time to be a part of this special community as we embark on the next chapter of the College including the implementation of the Strategic and Master Plan, which was developed together with the College community.

The Lakes College has an ongoing commitment to building positive relationships with students, families, support groups and the broader community, thereby ensuring we fulfil our mission and uphold the values which underpin all aspects of learning, teaching and future growth opportunities.

It is indeed an honour and privilege to be Principal of The Lakes College. I encourage you to take up the invitation to visit the College and see first hand what makes us so special.

Welcometo The Lakes CollegeThank you for your interest in our young and vibrant school. Our College is a happy place, which provides a nurturing environment, with boundless educational opportunities.

The Lakes College is committed to promoting a culture of excellence by providing an educational environment of the highest standard. We aim to provide excellence in education, with opportunities to develop, nurture and recognise individual talents, within a caring community.

SImoN ArmSTroNg

Principal

THE LAKES COLLEGE ProSPECTUS

4 5

our VisionTo be recognised as a Christian College which prepares our students for a global future, based upon the best traditions of independent schooling.

our missionTo provide excellence in education, with opportunities to develop, nurture and recognise individual talents, within a caring community.

College SpiritThe Lakes College Spirit is reflected in our aspirations for personal excellence, our commitment and persistence, our celebrations of endeavour and achievement, our courage in all pursuits and our compassion and respect for others.

our ValuesThe College is engaged in the fundamental task of forming and informing young minds and hearts. In promoting the good news of Jesus Christ among students, families and staff members, gospel values are central to all that we seek to do:

Faith Loving God and our neighbours as ourselves.

Hope Fostering a positive, optimistic and empowering environment.

Love Demonstrating support, encouragement and compassion to all.

Courage Developing resilience and determination to succeed.

Community Fostering respect and tolerance through working together in service for others.

Justice Celebrating diversity through demonstrating inclusivity and care for the community.

Developing the potential of every studentWe seek an environment where students, staff and families feel they belong, where there is respect and support for each other, where talents are harnessed and celebrations enjoyed. We are bound together by shared goals, beliefs, values and routines and a common desire to maintain a healthy school culture.

We encourage all our students to reach their potential by developing a responsible and self-managed approach to their academic studies and by demonstrating Christian values and personal discipline as the foundations for learning.


6 7

As a Ministry of the Uniting Church, The Lakes College provides a foundation for the development of Christian values, where students can experience the benefits of a supportive Christ-centred community. Our ministry enhances the development of Christian identity and ethos through a program of Spiritual Development, worship, pastoral care and service.

Spiritual Development at The Lakes College is viewed as the nurture, growth, and enhancement of a lived faith and encompasses intentional processes where students are guided in ways of living their Christian faith.

Each member of the College community shares in the responsibility of actively participating through worship, witness and service and takes every opportunity to encourage our students in their spiritual development. Our College has a strong foundation in these areas which continues to grow from strength to strength.

Pastoral CareThe College’s pastoral care structure aims to provide individualised care for students, opportunities for developing student leadership, peer support and a real sense of belonging and community. Each of these factors contributes to producing well-rounded, positive young adults and active citizens in the wider community. All members of the student body should feel valued and happy, therefore able to strive for academic excellence, to progress in all areas of personal growth and to reach their potential in all respects.

The Christian foundation of the College is evident in the way we care for our students, and it also provides a philosophical framework that encourages the students to care for each other, thereby promoting student leadership, citizenship and community awareness. The pastoral care structures and programs will cater for all students, not just those experiencing difficulties for a time and it also provides students with avenues for self-expression and success outside the classroom.

Spirituality

ChaplaincyOur school chaplaincy program exists to provide pastoral care for The Lakes College students, staff and families and is an integral part of the holistic educational program offered to our students.

Our College Chaplain coordinates the Pastoral Care Program for students, staff and families, which has as its key component, our Spiritual

Development Program.

North Lakes Uniting ChurchThe purposes of the Church are to provide for the worship of God, to proclaim the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, to promote Christian fellowship, to nurture believers in the Christian faith, to engage in mission, to assist in human development and the improvement of human relationships, to meet human need through charitable and other services and to do such other things as may be required in obedience to the Holy Spirit.

The North Lakes Uniting Church meets for worship and fellowship every Sunday in The Lakes College Hall. Children are also invited to Sunday School which takes place at the same time as worship.


8 9

Focused, Supportive learningOur supportive educational environment equips students for the technological, economic, social and personal impacts of the future. As our classrooms transform to meet the changing technological landscape, we remain at the frontier, ensuring our students are well prepared.

Our focused learning environment means each student works to their potential with access to core and specialist teachers. Our teaching methods and philosophy encourage a spirit of enquiry whilst enriching the mind with knowledge and developing learning skills, discipline and work ethic as the foundations for life.

Students are encouraged to develop their potential through a broad, balanced and flexible curriculum, offering a variety of subjects and assistance with future career aspirations.

House system A House based system of Pastoral Care provides a very high level of support and encouragement for students on an individual basis. Our Pastoral Care Program promotes Christian values, a positive concept of self, providing students with a confident outlook, resilience and strength of character. Students are encouraged to take up all opportunities the College offers to become enthusiastic and successful learners.

Key Learning Areas In addition to Key Learning Areas, students have the opportunity to engage in a variety of activities focused on specific curriculum programmes. House meetings and activities, weekly Chapel services, community service, leadership programmes, buddy programmes and outdoor education programmes ensure our students are exposed to a breadth of opportunities beyond the classroom.

As global citizens of the world, our students are also provided with opportunities to travel and explore other cultures with study tours to a variety of international destinations such as Asia and Europe on offer.

opportunities for LifeAs an Independent Christian school we are committed to providing our students with a range of opportunities which will enrich their lives and keep them fit, healthy and happy. Our students have opportunities to participate in a wide range of sporting, leadership, outdoor and cultural activities including the opportunity to visit Beijing Primary School.

As a ministry of the Uniting Church, Christian values underpin everything we do here at the College. We encourage every child to display tolerance, kindness and respect to each other at all times.

Our caring and professional staff are committed to providing stimulating learning experiences and exciting opportunities which aim to develop and support the various needs of each and every child.

Transforming Lives


10 11

rich Learning Within the Primary School, students are engaged in rich learning experiences in Mathematics, English, History, Social Studies, Science, Technology, Art, Drama, Music, Health & Physical Education, Mandarin Chinese and Spiritual Development.

This diverse curriculum commences in Prep with all students immersed immediately into a weekly instrumental program (violin), Music, Chinese and HPE lessons and a swimming program.

After learning the violin from Prep to Year 3, students in Years 4 to 6 have the opportunity to learn another orchestral instrument as part of the continuing instrumental program.

Information, communication & technology play an integral role in the delivery of the curriculum within the Primary school with all classrooms equipped with computers and a Promethean Interactive whiteboard.

Learning EnhancementA differentiated curriculum ensures that every student within a Primary classroom is receiving learning experiences which address their specific needs. Through the provision of extra support or a more challenging program, the learning of our Primary students is enhanced both within the classroom and through small group or individual programs. Classroom teachers work closely with Learning Enhancement staff to adapt the curriculum to cater for individual needs.

Our Gifted and Talented program provides an array of exciting activities which encourage students to “think outside the square”. Involvement in various competitions and Days of Excellence allow our students the opportunities to relate to like minded students in other settings.

PrepThe early years of learning are among the most significant for children to develop a love of learning and a positive view of themselves as learners.

Each child is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring and stimulating environment in which to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically and socially.

Our Prep curriculum fosters intrinsic motivation and stimulates a passion to learn.

The Lakes College Primary School is an encouraging and supportive environment for students in Prep to Year 6. Our caring and professional Primary staff are committed to providing stimulating learning experiences and engaging opportunities which aim to develop and support the needs of each and every child. At all times, we encourage students in our Primary school to have-a-go and try their very best.

The Primary years of education are treasured, critical times which form the basis for all learning in the future. We strive to develop a lifelong love of learning by providing students with an engaging and interactive approach to the curriculum. We understand the important role these years play in the development of the child and it is our aim to ensure our students have firm foundations in all areas before they continue into Secondary schooling.

Primary School – moulding the Future


12 13

Years 7 to 9 Discovery Our Middle School curriculum is designed to encourage students to discover their personal interest and potential, before entering specialised courses in Senior School years.

All students study the Key Learning Areas of English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Technology, Health and Physical Education, Chinese and Religious Education.

Students are also offered the opportunity to study exciting electives including Home Economics, Dance, Drama, Music, Visual Art, Film and Television, ICT, Business, Media and Robotics.

Emphasis is placed on maintaining a healthy balance and sense of challenge through a variety of learning experiences. The Middle School years at The Lakes College are about fostering a sense of belonging and stability while establishing the foundations for good study habits.

Years 10 to 12 Preparing and completing the JourneyThe focus in the Senior School years is to provide students with a broad range of subjects to help student’s transition into mature, independent learners and to identify the career path most suited to their personal gifts and abilities.

The academic program at The Lakes College provides personalised classes, tutor style teaching practices with low student to teacher ratio.

Exciting electives such as Business Studies, Chinese, Home Economics, Dance, Drama, Film and Television, ICT, Music, Robotics, Sports Science, Visual Art are just some of the electives offered to our Senior School students.

The focus in the Senior School is an academic program and through links with tertiary institutions, students will have opportunities to fast track their career aspirations by taking subjects and receiving credit points at partner universities.

Our focus on character development and nurturing the whole person continues throughout the years of schooling at The Lakes College.

Secondary School – Shaping the Future

Our specialist Secondary years’ learning programs aim to engage each student in learning while challenging them to grow. Students have the opportunity to experience a wide range of subjects that will equip them with the knowledge needed to succeed in life beyond the classroom.

To support our students our vertical house based system of pastoral care focuses on mutual respect and provides students with the freedom to grow as individuals within our Christian community.


14 15

The development of self-confidence and communication skills are at the heart of Drama and Dance studies which are embedded in the whole curriculum in the Primary School and studied as an elective from Year 7. Students develop their capacity to create, present and appreciate through this medium of expression.

Music is a rich and engaging programme of classroom and co-curricular activities. Every student, including Prep students learn a musical instrument in the Primary School and participate in classroom music lessons. From Year 7, Music is an elective that inspires students through the use of keyboards, guitars and computer technology.

Through Choir, Performance Band and Ensembles, private music lessons and highly dedicated staff, we have established strong foundations and a highly reputable programme.

The Lakes College provides all students with opportunities to participate in and enjoy self-expression through music, drama and visual art. There is a strong focus on performance and display of talent.

Visual Art provides opportunities for self-expression through a variety of mediums. All students in the Primary School engage in art lessons with specialist staff who nurture creativity and display student talent. Art becomes an elective from Year 7 with specialist Art facilities provided.

SportSport is an integral part of life at TLC. There is a strong emphasis on personal fitness, participation and teamwork where students are encouraged to reach their potential and contribute to a team, whilst also experiencing enjoyment and success.

The College provides a sporting programme with opportunities at Club, Interhouse, Interschool and Representative level throughout the year.

At The Lakes College, we provide students with the opportunity to play a variety of sports in a healthy, respectful, safe and competitive environment. At times, there may also exist the opportunity to be involved in a participation based model of sport as we have established teams in soccer, cricket and netball competitions. Other sports available to students include tennis, swimming, basketball, golf and athletics.

The Arts

Our educational philosophy is focused on the whole child – intellectual, cultural, physical, social and spiritual and strives to develop the good, the true and the beautiful in every child. A balanced approach to education through quality curricular and Co-curricular programs provides opportunities for students to grow and explore their potential. We strive to provide a range of co-curricular programs that cater for a variety of talents and interests.

Activities vary each term and include a range of sports including netball, tennis, basketball, soccer, athletics and cricket, as well as Art Club, Crochet and Craft Club, Chess Club, Choirs, String Ensembles, Performance Band, Dance, Speech and Drama, Musical, Debating, Oratory, Creative Thinking, Problem Solving, Robotics, Student Council, English Tutorials, Chinese Extension lessons and Robotics.

Co-curricular opportunities


16 17

global ConnectionsOur mission for a future focused education and preparing students for living and working within a global economy is reflected in the opportunities provided for students.

Learning a second language is much more than learning simple greetings. We provide real life learning opportunities which enable students to build the capacity for intercultural understanding and the awareness of other cultures. Language learning benefits our young learners’ personal, cognitive, academic, social and cultural development. It ultimately allows them to appreciate the world from other perspectives.

We offer Chinese as a compulsory subject for all students from Prep through to Year 8 , and as an elective subject from Year 9. We also offer Japanese, French and Spanish through Brisbane School of Distance Education.

The College is committed to providing students with a diverse language learning experience. We have established a student exchange programs with I-Shou International School (ISIS) in Taiwan and Beijing School in China, and are committed to academic excellence, collaboration and dedication to fostering international knowledge and connections within our students.

College Care Our College Care service provides a safe and happy environment for all students of The Lakes College before and after school hours and during vacation periods. Our underlying philosophy is that this is a ‘home away from home’. College Care provides a balanced programme, at an age appropriate level, focussing on current understandings of the importance of children’s development at all stages of schooling. It includes a wide variety of play, recreational and art and craft activities to meet the needs and interests of the children in accordance with policies of The Lakes College.


18 19

The Lakes College is a Prep to Year 12 independent co-educational College, well known for our amazing sense of school spirit and strong community. We seek to actively engage students in their learning and preparation for life in the global future and have established a rigorous academic program with strong supporting programs in music and sport.

We aim to provide a positive and supportive learning environment where all children are engaged in productive learning and inspired to do their best.

Join us on the journey... and give your child the start they deserve! The decision to send your child to The Lakes College is one of the best decisions

you will ever make and our staff are looking forward to welcoming you to our College.

We invite you to contact us to find out more about the opportunities we can provide your child, or to apply for a place at the College.

For more information about our College, visit our website: www.thelakescollege.com.au or phone us on 07 3491 5555.

It is an exciting time to be a part of this special community as we embark on the next chapter of the College. Our Master Plan outlines the staged development of what will ultimately be a College that incorporates Primary, Middle and Senior School facilities.

The College opened in 2005, and boasts facilities which are specifically designed to enhance learning. All buildings are air-conditioned, providing the optimum learning environment in the Queensland climate. Future building stages will be constructed to keep pace with the expected growth in student numbers.

growing Facilities

Documents

The Lakes College Prospectus