Vision and Philosophy
Vision
As Christian educators we believe children should be guided and nurtured to young adulthood in a way that recognises their worth as individuals. This is behind our commitment to work alongside parents in the task of educating their children. It means our definition of success moves beyond the parameters of academic excellence, and aims to ensure that each student recognises they are a unique individual with intrinsic worth.
At the same time, we are committed to an innovative curriculum that constantly seeks better approaches to education in the 21st century, whilst maintaining a foundation of strong literacy and numeracy skills that form the basis of all good education.
Teaching and Learning
Southern Hills Christian College staff are well-qualified, professional Christian educators who uphold and promote Christian values throughout their teaching. The staff represent a range of different church denominations but all share the same foundational beliefs. Through this we are able to enjoy a school environment and operational fabric that reflects a strong traditional set Christian values and beliefs while still focusing the educational success of all students in our care.
Aim
Southern Hills Christian College is dedicated to the pursuit of educational excellence.
In reflecting on this we believe that excellence is a journey and not a destination, with a continual review and focus on improvement. We aim to see our students take up the challenge of striving for excellence across all that they do. Our staff are thrilled when our students demonstrate their best, whatever this might be.
Additionally the use of the words ‘educational excellence’ also reflects our understanding that schooling is a multifaceted process. While we have a strong focus on academic excellence, this is balanced by a careful emphasis on relationships and Biblical values that will guide our students through life and help them to reach their God-given potential by making good, ethical choices.
Mission
Working hand in hand with the aim of the College is a number of mission opportunities that exist in a school of this nature. However, the mission’s success is wholly dependent on the continued educational success of the school. The mission and Aim of the school are therefore thoroughly intertwined.
As a Christian staff we rejoice in the opportunity to share from a biblical perspective with students and provide opportunity for students to investigate their own personal faith. We celebrate with those who develop a personal relationship with God while at school.
For those students who know God, Southern HillsChristian College strives to encourage students to learn about their own unique gifting. We look to promote a heart of service towards others and encourage students to engage in a life of meaningful service for God. We plan and provide opportunities for students to demonstrate a willingness to serve throughout the school. Pen pals, support of struggling communities and the Red Cross Cadet’s specific focus of community service teach and promote this. Senior student leadership is modeled around the leadership qualities of Christ with our oldest students working with churches and the school in various service opportunities both in Western Australia and Internationally.
Core Shared Values
In a rapidly changing world, Southern Hills Christian College attempts to reflect and have our students demonstrate a set of core shared values. These values are coached and developed in a supportive educational environment that acknowledges Christ’s leadership.
Curriculum
We attempt to work with all curriculum matters from a biblical perspective that encompasses a Christian world view.
We acknowledge that this might not always be the popular or media perspective on events or curriculum. At Southern Hills we will try to provide a balanced biblical perspective. Where debate arises we will look to ground our opinion in the bible.
We also acknowledge that there are times where the course requirements as set by external authorities are not aligned with what might be considered a Christian viewpoint. In these situations we have a commitment to ensuring that the needs of the students are adequately met while often presenting a bible based alternative.
Community
At Southern Hills we strive to develop an active and supportive school community. We expect to see our students, staff, parents and wider school community demonstrating healthy relationships.
We look to actively promote a staff and student culture that reflects the heart of a healthy community and develop many links with our local area. Aspects of our school facilities are available for external use and we host regional events in this location. Our educational programs encompass a range of industry-based opportunities and we continue to enjoy the benefits of a close working relationship with many businesses in the local area.
Within this value are the two core pillars of Respect and Conflict Resolution. These two concepts form the basis for our management of discipline matters throughout the school.
Service
At Southern Hills Christian College we aim to encourage students to develop attitudes that are “others focused.”
Serving others and putting the needs of others first is a learned skill and a wonderful way for a community to operate. We encourage our students to consider the needs of others when making their decisions and many of the programs the students are engaged in teach these skills through practical application.
Our ties to the Red Cross Association also reflect this desire, with their objectives fitting well within the ethos of our school. Our students are encouraged to take up opportunities to assist others less fortunate than themselves. This is also the focus of the senior leadership where students are encouraged to model their leadership style on those biblical examples provided by Christ.