How To Understand The Year At Parklands Christian College

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1 Annual Reporting: 2013 Introduction: Thank you for taking the time to read the Parklands Christian College Annual Report for the 2013 academic year. We trust you will find the information and data in this report both enlightening and useful. Please take the data contained herein as a snapshot of the year that was and we encourage you to visit the Parklands Christian College website or the My School website for more information. Our School: Parklands Christian College is an Independent School. We are a member of: Associated Christian Schools ( and Independent Schools of Queensland ( Our home church is Parklands Christian Centre which is an Assemblies of God Church in fellowship with Australian Christian Churches. ( Our Location: We are located in south-west Logan on the Mt Lindesay Highway in the suburb of Park Ridge. Our address is given as 11 Hillcrest Rd, Park Ridge Qld Our Beginnings Our school began in 2001 in the premises of Parklands Christian Centre with 44 students from Grade 1 to Grade 6. In 2010 we had 405 students from Prep to Grade 12. This was the fourth year we offered Grade 12. We initially established a single stream school and in 2009 we admitted a second stream in Prep and Grade 8. These classes are the two significant entry points for enrolments. We will progressively grow this double stream through the school before considering any change to three streams.

2 Our Vision and Mission: We have clear vision of what we are aiming for. This being :- To foster and develop each student and staff member in our school, to create the possibility of fulfilling their personal destiny to become all that God wants them to be, and to lead fulfilled lives doing that which they were created to do. This describes our hope for each student to enjoy a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord. Developing his or her God given gifts through academic, spiritual and personal challenges, while understanding what it means to live a life of integrity within a Christian Worldview. Our aim is to become a school that provides the opportunities each student needs to identify their unique giftedness, be discipled in Christian thinking, and be able to achieve all that God wants them to achieve in their lives. We seek to challenge our students to achieve their highest academic potential, to develop their God-given gifts, to know Jesus Christ as Lord, and to love others as themselves - in order that they may serve the world through their character and leadership. Our College is increasingly becoming known and respected for its commitment to character development, community service, excellence and a Christ-centred education. Our Mission Statement: Our College Mission is to know God and make Him known through teaching, study and Christian living, to prepare students for life and eternity. This is the outworking of part of the mission of Parklands Christian Church to the families of Logan city and beyond. Our Education: The school is co-educational, and offering enrolment to all students whose parents want their children taught within our values based framework. This framework being centred on Christian ideals. Being a P 12 school allows us the opportunity to explore the middle school concept wherein we take students through a transition from primary years to subject orientation teaching in senior years. Within this framework, our school provides a values based curriculum using the basis of the Queensland Study Authority ( syllabus in the key learning areas up to Grade 9 and then begins the transition to QSA senior subjects and assessment through Grade 10 and then on into Grade 11 and Grade 12. Sporting interaction with other schools in the local area is available in both primary and junior secondary. Our goal is to develop a significant after school sporting program in our senior secondary in the years ahead when we have the student numbers to fill these teams. We believe that Parklands Christian College offers a real alternative to parents in the Logan area with our Christian culture and supportive families. The staff are employed because of both an academic skill range and demonstrated Christian living. This means we live our culture before our students rather than just tell them about an idea. Further to this, we have a School Chaplain who is connected with our local church, and she brings a connectedness between the youth activities of our church and the social and spiritual needs of our school students. We believe we have a safe and happy environment for students to learn in and grow. We are very supportive of parent s desire to be involved in their children s learning. Each day sees many parents coming on the site; some as full time employees, some as part time and volunteer helpers in the classrooms, some as cleaners and grounds staff, and then there is the Parent and Friends who have a significant input in the life of our school raising funds through functions and major events.

3 Our Literacy and Numeracy Results: Whilst it is widely acknowledged that it is students, not schools, who achieve results, we present below the results showing our school compared with similar SES schools and all schools in Australia. Year Reading Writing Spelling Grammar & Punctuation Numeracy Sim All Sim All Sim All Sim All Sim All Sim All Sim All Sim All Sim All Sim All Sim All Sim All Sim All Sim All Sim All Sim All Sim All Sim All Sim All Sim All Enrolments: Female Male Total Total Teaching Staff: At Parklands, we acknowledge that our biggest asset is the quality of our staff. The notion of continuous learning is deeply ingrained into the professional culture of Parklands Christian College and as such, staff have been involved in a number of professional development opportunities. While all academic staff are fully-trained, tertiary-qualified teachers, many are currently involved in postgraduate studies. Approximately 60% of our teaching staff have multiple, tertiary qualifications and some have Masters Degrees in education-related fields. Staff Attendance and Retention Parklands Christian College has 88 staff. Teaching staff: 40 Full time equivalent teaching staff: 36.6

4 Non-teaching staff: 48 Full time equivalent non-teaching staff: 31.5 The average staff attendance rate in 2013 was 97.0%. Teaching Staff Retention: 95% Baskerville, David Henry Dip Teach (TAFE), Cert Teach, Trade Qualification, B_Technology. MIE Aust Cully, Gary Raymond B Ed(CHC) Double major History & Geography (1997) Jakins Grant Higher Dip Educ (HPE & Geography Major) Elvery, Colin Andrew B Ed Primary (Music Major) GU (1999) Wallis, Rebecca April B Ed Sec QUT (1996), Cert IV Training & Assessing Foster, Kerry Lee B Teach McNabb, Louise B Ed Daley, Penenlope B Ed Primary CHC (2005) Gowreah, Robyn B Ed Primary ( Early Childhood) JCU (1999) Abbot, Rachel Elizabeth B Ed Primary ( Early Childhood) Bell Sharon B Ed Primary P-10 (Griffith) Gowreah, Dookun B Ed Primary Patane Daniel B Ed Primary (Griffith) Helliwell, Robert David B Ed Primary Tabor (2004) Lawson, Darren M.A., B. Econ, Post Grad Dip Ed, Cert IV TESOL, Adv. Cert of Christian Ed. Luke, Kenneth Desmond B Ed Primary Leembruggen, Joshua B Ed Sec HPE Smith, Cleo Jennifer B Creative Industries(Drama), B Ed Secondary Grounds, Jessica B Sci, B Ed Sec UQ (2002) Barlow, Benjamin James B Ed, B Sc (Major in Physics and Maths) Caswell, Kimberly B Ed Primary/Early Years CHC (2010) Kennedy, Joshua B Ed Primary Braun, Alanah B Ed, Middle School Years (Minor in Music) Braun, Michael B Ed, Middle School Years (Major in IT) Ross, Mandy Reynolds, Kristie Thorndike, Peter McCarthy, Sarah Carrett, Felicity Braybrooke, Diana Corino, Cherry ann Cunningham, Zachary Flatman, Jessica Janetzki, Rebecca Penfold, Narelle B Arts (Eng Lit), Grad Dip Ed B Ed B Ed Primary Part time: Bazley, Jodie Patane, Suzanne B Ed (Primary) B Arts (music major), Post Grad Dip (Music and History) Teacher Participation in Professional Learning: Parklands Christian College views professional learning as an essential precursor to quality teaching. As a result, the College invests heavily to ensure our staff are continually upgrading their knowledge and involvement in new educational initiatives.

5 In 2013 Parklands total expenditure on Professional Learning was $ Major Professional Development Initiatives: QSA Yr 3, 5, 7 Test Data Interpretation NAPLAN Writing ISQ Strategies to Support the Yr 3, 5, 7 Tests Planning, Assessing and Reporting QSA Conference TTA - Incorporating Web 2.0 into science teaching TTA - Perspective in Senior Mathematics TTA - English course on teaching sentences consturction and grammar Responsible Thinking Program Classroom Refresher Responsible Thinking Program Conference Spalding Literacy program Cert 4 Training & Assessment Secondary Moderation Mental Health First Aid Youth ACS Leaders Conference Downs Syndrom Association of Qld Education Conference Dynamic Learning Group Maryborough Music Teachers Conference Human Connections - The Accidental Councellor Training Special Provisions Policy - In The Senior Phase of Learning Conference for PA s and Admin Staff Qld Educ Science Technicians Inc Conference The university of QLD Microbiology workshop Velg training - VETT training RTC Community of Practice Seminar PE Assessment for New Syllabus Compass Seminars Autism and Learning Difficulties Australian Curriculum Student Enrolment and Attendance: The table below indicates the 2013 enrolment, average absentee rate in days per student, and average attendance rate for each of the College Schools. Year Level Enrolments Average Absentee Rate Average Attendance Rate Whole College 549 5% 95% Computers in Education: The College added to its ever-growing Computer resources and associated Information Technology equipment again in A further upgrading of the College's network infrastructure, hardware and software has resulted in increased stability and security, more student access to computer labs, and the integration of technology into more subjects to cater for increased curriculum demands. All of these improvements mean improved learning outcomes for our students.

6 Every computer at Parklands Christian College has the potential for Internet and network access, allowing each user to access his/her own individual account from within the College server. Every member of the teaching staff has his/her own computer, enabling open lines of communication both within the College staff and also with the wider College community. The Primary School introduced ipads into Gr 6 for the 1st time. This enables students to be more involved in e Learning. The secondary school has released its subjects in an online capacity, accessible through the Google Apps portal. This gives secondary students the ability to engage in learning through online means, given them greater freedom to access subject matter from anywhere with Internet access. School Curriculum: Parklands Christian College is committed to academic excellence and to providing a curriculum, which is broad enough to cater for a wide range of student abilities and interests. In addition to all regular school subjects, Parklands seeks to provide a range of distinctive curriculum offerings. In the Junior School, curriculum offerings include: In Prep we offer a wonderful hands on Play Based Program, where students learn through interaction and discovery. A distinctive English program where the QSA syllabus is delivered through specific methodology, which builds strong literacy foundations. The THRASS, Spalding and Sound Way Approach focuses on the inherent structure of the English language through explicit multi-sensory teaching. Students access reading and writing with sound knowledge of phonics, grammar, and composing and meaning-making strategies. Staff are trained to plan and assess learning using the 3 Language programmes. Support a Reader programs and training is presented to students on a weekly basis. Specialist subjects like: HPE, Library, Art, Music, IT and French (LOTE) is presented by specialist teachers once a week. A structured class music and instrumental program provide wonderful music tuition. All participate and have the opportunity to participate in String Ensemble or Concert Band. In the Middle (7-9) and Senior (10-12) Schools, these include: Middle School A focus on English & Maths (6 periods per week) in the middle years. Literacy Focus Time for Grade 7 Homework and take-home assessment allocated in core subjects only Core subjects: Maths, Science, Geography/History, English Ability streaming for English and Maths across Grades 8 and 9 Exposure to 9 subjects, repetitive over 3 years (Grades 7-9) Online subject content Senior College In Year 10, units have been developed in Maths, Science and Senior Social Science that develop prerequisite skills needed for successful transition into Year 11 Accessibility to online subject content Youth at Risk program for students who are over 15 and not coping with traditional subjects - these students work on modified assessment, drop 1 subject and do a work- readiness unit in its place Christian living / Life Skills from Years 7 to 12 A range of subject specific tutoring and workshop opportunities for students In the second semester of Year 11, and the first 3 Terms of Year 12, Senior students are involved in Core Skills preparation VET offerings including: Certificate Courses Traineeship

7 Apprenticeship Work Experience University Headstart Programs Co-curricula Activities: A developing and enriching co-curricular program operates throughout the College during class times, lunchtimes and outside school hours. Students are given opportunities to extend skills and venture into areas of interest. In addition, Parklands sends teams to both District and Christian Schools sporting events. In Primary School, during their Structured Play Time of an afternoon, we offer the following professional coaching opportunities for students to be involved and participate in: soccer, cricket, netball, AFL, dance and a Fitness Program. These activities add to the development of the whole individual. In the Primary / Middle School, the co-curricular program offers activities such as Choirs, Private Instrumental Music Tuition, Rock Eisteddfod / JRock, a wide variety of competitive sporting opportunities and Twilight Music presentations. Students from Years 4-9 undertake annual Australasian Mathematics, English, Science Competitions. Each year students are invited to take part in the 40 Hour Famine (raising money for the under privileged) and various Missions endeavours saw the hosting of Arts Gala Night at the Kingston Butter Factory, and preparations commence for the third Parklands musical for secondary students, Peter Pan and Wendy.

8 Missions: This year, our students have once again involved themselves in local community projects. The senior home economics students put together hampers to take to the local nursing home, and enjoy getting to know them. They have continued to build on the good reputation our students enjoy in the local community. Student Welfare: The mission of Parkland's Student Welfare Program is to promote well-being and to develop social competencies. To achieve this aim, we have a multi-facet approach. Our students are intentionally taught various social and emotional skills through our Life Skills curriculum. In addition to classroom learning, our students develop these important skills through various activities such as leadership camps, specific training days with student counsellors and peer support. School Culture Each student is a precious gift from God and is valued as an individual of worth with God-given abilities. The College has been careful to remain small enough to care for students while growing to a sufficient size to provide the facilities and programs that families require. Division of the College into Junior, Middle and Senior Schools enables the staff to be attentive to each child's needs. Regular reporting, profile evenings and parent/teacher interviews keep parents up-to-date with student progress. Apparent retention rate: The Year 10 to 12 Retention Rate: Year 12 students enrolment as a percentage of the year 10 cohort: 97% Senior Secondary Outcomes Outcomes for our Year 12 cohort 2013 Total number of Senior Certificates awarded 35 Percentage of Overall Position (OP) eligible students with OP % Percentage of students awarded Senior Certificates and awarded a Vocational Education and Training 46% (VET) qualification Percentage of students awarded Senior Certificates with OP-eligibility or awarded a VET qualification 94% Percentage of Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) applicants receiving an offer 72%

9 Developments in Senior College in 2013: Senior College increased its subject offerings to include: Certificate I in Engineering and implemented more authority-registered subjects (Drama Studies and Multi-Art Studies), whilst maintaining the academic rigour of authority subjects. Significant increase in the number of opportunities and engagement of Senior College students in Vocational Education and Training (VET) and school-based apprenticeship and traineeships (SAT s). Continued improvement in curriculum through innovative teaching practices incorporating context-driven work programmes. Senior School Distinction: Students commence Senior School in Year 10 where they can choose from a range of subjects designed around semester units to allow students to explore and try senior subjects as a preliminary year to Years 11 and 12. Through Year 10, students learn the necessary skills and common curriculum elements to better prepare them for the Year 11 and 12 courses. Year 10 students are also provided with in-class career guidance and opportunities for Work Experience. Through a variety of opportunities, experiences, web-based career development services and support from staff, students are active in their Senior Education and Training (SET) planning. In Years 11 and 12, students are provided support towards a number of pathways leading to a variety of opportunities including: university, TAFE, certificate programmes, private industry, apprenticeships and traineeships, or job placements. Students find the smaller classes and close community that Parklands offers makes for a great place to learn and prepare for their futures. Students continue to state the following as the reasons for their enjoyment of Parklands Christian College: strong and healthy relationships with staff excellent assessment support and tutoring compassion and care from staff and other students sense of belonging and acceptance a spirit of fun and enjoyment of life. Value Added: Junior School Distinction - Right from the start in Prep we lay the strong phonological grounding that is supported by our Reading Programs and subject integration. Students are nurtured and allowed to develop at their pace in preparation for Middle School. Middle School Distinction Students commence Middle School in Year 7 at Parklands Christian College and are transitioned through to Year 9. These years assist students to transition from primary to senior education environments and expectations. A wide range of subjects are rotated through the Middle School years and students have a wide range of experiences to assist them in mapping a senior education pathway for Years 10 to 12. Senior School Distinction Students commence Senior School in Year 10 where they can choose from a range of subjects as a preliminary year to Years 11 and 12. Values-Centred Curriculum Culture at Parklands centres around our CLEAR values Christlikeness, Learning, Excellence, Attitude and Respect. Students explore these values in detail as they are integrated into various subjects throughout the year. Emphasis is placed on practical implementation and demonstration of these values.

10 Co- and Extra-Curricular Activities The College has a range of activities both incorporated into the curriculum as well as extra activities that students may engage in. Students have participated in a wide range of sports (both competitive and for general fitness), Rock Eisteddfod Challenge, Arts Gala Night, Learning Support programme, Careers Expo, camps and a large variety of excursions centred around specific subject areas. Some of the excursions in 2013 included: 3 day camps for Gr 4-6 and 7-9, Excursions to museums, Archaeological Sites (Art and History), 3 days in Springbrook National Park comprehensively studying a range of different ecosystems as part of the senior biology curriculum. Visit to the Brisbane Writer s Festival. Business Simulation Program, various performances at QPAC (Senior English and Performing Arts Subjects). Annual Snow Trip to Canberra. Satisfaction Data: Parklands Christian College encourages families to engage regularly with teachers and events spread throughout the year. The high level of satisfaction of families at Parklands has been evident through encouraging attendance at the following events: Parent/Teacher interviews Profile Evening Parent information nights Social events hosted by the College to forge community with parents and community members and the number of volunteer parents helping in the College. New families regularly report being drawn to the College though overwhelming positive comments from existing parents and local community members. The College relies on this word-of-mouth marketing. Conclusion: Parklands Christian College has had another successful year of learning and growing together. We thank God for his grace, mercy and continued blessing on our College. We thank God for our wonderful staff that are committed to our mission and purpose: to make disciples of Jesus Christ - educated and equipped for any future. Finally, we thank God for a wonderful body of parents who are partners with us in the Christian education of their children. We appreciate your continued support, your prayers and your constant support.