Middle Learning Community

At a stage where students are undergoing many physical, social and emotional changes, students require a focused approach in early adolescence to meet their specific needs. A distinctive feature of the MLC will be the strong emphasis on student welfare and the critical relationship between home and school in the pursuit of the best outcomes for each student.

Middle Learning Community: Guiding Students Through a Transformational Stage

Educational research makes it clear that students learn differently. These differences include the manner in which they engage and interact with learning materials, their preferred learning styles and the degree and manner in which they learn.

The Solution: A Holistic Approach to Middle Schooling

Hillcrest Christian College provides a dedicated Middle Learning Community (MLC) designed to address these changes by prioritising student welfare, personalised learning, and real-world experiences. By fostering strong teacher-student relationships and ensuring a collaborative and engaging learning environment, the MLC prepares students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Senior school is an exciting time of growth, independence, and preparation for the future. As students in Years 9-12 take on academic, co-curricular, and personal responsibilities, they also begin making real-world decisions about their future. With increased independence, part-time work, leadership roles, and social pressures, maintaining a sense of balance and connection is crucial.

As Professor Stephen Dinham writes, ‘The middle years are a critical period when young people experience substantial physical and emotional change…’

Hillcrest Christian College plans to address these changes through building quality relationships with our students and providing real-world and authentic learning in a new, dedicated facility.

Educational Model

Through research conducted with Dr Rob Loe and the Relational Schools Project, Hillcrest has implemented an intentional approach to learning communities. Smaller learning environments within a larger school setting allow students to develop strong connections with teachers, peers, and their wider community while benefiting from the resources of a larger school.

To provide structured support, the MLC focuses on four key domains:

Intellectual – Design-Centred Learning, Academic Programs, Literacy & Numeracy
Global – Innovation, SECRET Skills, Real-World Learning
Emotional – Wellbeing, Relationships, Positive Behaviours
Spiritual – Service Mindset, Student Leadership, Identity in Christ

Signature Practices

Hillcrest’s MLC is built on key signature practices that prepare students for a rapidly evolving world.

Agile Learning Spaces

Students in the MLC engage in flexible learning environments, allowing them to collaborate, problem-solve, and innovate in settings that reflect real-world workplaces. These spaces include various-sized classrooms, breakout areas, and outdoor learning zones, ensuring that students learn in a way that suits their needs. A new covered outdoor space is also being developed to enhance opportunities for learning, collaboration, and social engagement.

Design-Centred Learning (DCL)

Hillcrest believes that leadership is not just about positions but about service. Through structured programs, Year 12 students mentor younger peers in Life Groups, helping to build a culture of support and encouragement.

Students also have opportunities to develop leadership skills through:

Student leadership teams and House Captains
Community service and outreach programs
Peer mentoring and pastoral initiatives

By serving others, leading with integrity, and building strong connections, Hillcrest students graduate as confident, capable, and purpose-driven individuals ready to make a positive impact in the world.

SECRET Skills: Preparing Students for Life

The SECRET Skills Framework, designed by British educator Dan Buckley, equips students with essential skills for the future workforce. These include:

Self-Manager – Developing personal responsibility and organisation
Effective Participator – Engaging confidently in discussions and teamwork
Creative Thinker – Innovating and problem-solving
Reflective Learner – Learning from experience and improving continuously
Enquirer – Asking deep questions and researching effectively
Team Worker – Collaborating and communicating effectively

Students self-assess and peer-assess their progress, empowering them to take charge of their personal and academic growth.

Vertical Pastoral Care (Life Groups)

Students in the MLC will have opportunities to form strong bonds and community spirit through our vertical pastoral care structure. The need for social and emotional support has been well documented and Life Groups provide a different connection point for students. These vertical Life Groups place students together from Years 5-6 and 7-8 and together these groups attend Assemblies, Gatherings (Chapel) along with their first interaction in the morning.

As students progress into the Senior Learning Community (SLC) the vertical program extends to have vertical Life Groups from Years 9-12, extending their community support which they have fostered within the MLC.