Our Senior Learning Community (SLC) is the final phase of education for students in Years 9-12. It is a time of significant emotional and physical growth, and a time when a student's identity begins to take a more defined form as they approach maturity and adulthood.
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.
The Challenge: Balancing Growth and Feeling Supported
Despite being more connected than ever through social media, 1 in 10 Australians aged 15 and over report lacking social support. For students, this can mean feeling overwhelmed by study, friendships, and future planning. As they begin to see the bigger picture—university choices, career pathways, and life beyond school—the pressure to make the right decisions can feel daunting.
At Hillcrest, we believe that for students to thrive, their wellbeing must come first. Feeling supported, valued, and encouraged ensures they can learn, grow, and confidently step into their future.
To help students stay grounded and connected, Hillcrest’s Life Groups provide a daily space for support and mentorship. These small, structured groups bring together students from Years 10-12 within their House system, helping them build lasting friendships and feel a sense of belonging.
Led by a dedicated Life Group Leader, students receive pastoral care, guidance, and encouragement as they navigate the challenges of senior school. This also strengthens House spirit, creating a deeper connection through House competitions, events, and teamwork.
Every student’s journey is unique, and at Hillcrest, we offer flexible pathways that allow them to explore their interests, strengths, and aspirations. Whether they are aiming for university, vocational education, or industry experience, our student-driven approach empowers them to make informed choices about their future.
With access to academic support, career guidance, and real-world learning experiences, students can confidently pursue subjects, co-curricular programs, and leadership roles that align with their goals.
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.
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.
Service is at the heart of Hillcrest’s mission, and students have the opportunity to make a real difference locally and globally. Through mission trips and service programs, students experience hands-on learning that deepens their understanding of compassion, leadership, and responsibility.
Cooktown Mission Trip – Supporting local communities and schools through hands-on projects and engagement.
Hong Kong Service Experience – An international opportunity to serve, learn, and build cross-cultural connections.
Sherwood Cliffs Mission: Service Through Support - Year 12 boys support residents at Sherwood Cliffs, a Christian rehabilitation centre in Glenreagh, NSW, through farm work, mentorship, and community service. This experience fosters leadership, faith, and compassion, reinforcing Hillcrest’s commitment to service and impact.
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award – A leadership program that includes adventurous outdoor experiences and a strong community service component, reinforcing resilience and responsibility.
These experiences help students develop a heart for service, leadership skills, and a strong sense of purpose, ensuring they graduate not only as well-rounded individuals but as young people ready to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.
FA
All students study and follow the Australian Curriculum in Years 9-10. In Year 11 and Year 12, all students study from a wide range of Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) General and Applied subjects and courses that count towards their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE).
The College aims to provide offerings to enable students to follow their desired pathway and offers an extensive range of choices. While a large number of our graduates undertake further studies, the goal is not to get all students to University. Our goal is to help students find a pathway to success in a way that is meaningful to them.
Year 9 students must study the Australian Curriculum which includes English, Mathematics, Science, History, Health & Physical Education and can choose from 14 Australian Curriculum elective subjects.
Year 10 must study Australian Curriculum English, Mathematics, Science, History and choose from over 16 Australian Curriculum Elective subjects.
Students in Years 11-12 can choose from over 35 different General and Applied subjects in Years 11 and 12, two of which must be an English and Mathematics subject.
Please see the respective year level in the below tabs for more detailed information.
| Term | Year 9 | Year 10 | Year 11 | Year 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Australian Curriculum | Australian Curriculum | QCAA Unit 1 | QCAA Unit 3 |
| Term 2 | Australian Curriculum | Australian Curriculum | QCAA Unit 2 | QCAA Unit 4 |
| Term 3 | Australian Curriculum | Australian Curriculum | QCAA Unit 2 | QCAA Unit 4 |
| Term 4 | Australian Curriculum | QCAA Unit 1 | QCAA Unit 3 | * Exam Prep |
*Week 1 to 3 preparation for examinations, Week 4 to 6 external examinations as published by QCAA
The Innovation Building Program is a bold $23 million investment in the future of Hillcrest Christian College, designed to transform our campus with state-of-the-art facilities that support modern learning, advanced technology, and stronger community connections.
This project will create spaces that inspire creativity, collaboration, and growth, ensuring our students are equipped for the challenges of tomorrow. From cutting-edge technology labs to flexible learning areas, the Innovation Building reflects Hillcrest’s commitment to providing exceptional education in an ever-evolving world.
Our Pathways Program aims to help identify student strengths and weaknesses, their future plans and goals, and guide them towards subject choices that offer the best opportunity for personal success.
Whether students intend to pursue further study through an ATAR, Rank Pathway, Vocational Education or employment, we provide students with every opportunity to succeed. Our aim is for 100% of our graduates to receive either a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) or a Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement (QCIA). Students in Years 10 - 12 are also able to participate in diploma programs, traineeships, school-based apprenticeships and first-year university subjects.
Our Senior Learning Community facilities have been extensively renovated with refurbishments to many classrooms and common areas, equipping students with state-of-the-art technologies and adaptable spaces for various individual or collaborative work. Our senior students enjoy:
Subject-Specific Facilities
* Our $23 Million Innovation Building is currently under construction which will offer a variety of additional learning spaces for all students.
Year 9 occurs at RISE in our Coolangatta Campus.
All students study the following Australian Curriculum subjects, which are incorporated into project-based learning.
Refer to the RISE page for more information.
All students study the following Australian Curriculum subjects each week in Terms 1, 2 and 3. In Term 4, Year 10, students commence Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) and Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) Subjects.
Subject Number of Lessons
Students choose 2 electives each semester from the following list of Australian Curriculum subjects:
The Arts:
Technologies:
Languages:
Health and Physical Education:
Mathematics:
Science:
Other:
All students study QCAA English and Mathematics and then select up to 4 elective options. Elective options may be chosen from QCAA General Subjects, QCAA Applied Subjects, School-Based Traineeship, School-Based Apprenticeship, or Vocational Education and Training course. We aim for all students to be eligible for a Queensland Certificate of Education at the end of Year 12.
Subject Number of Lessons
Results in General and Applied subjects and Vocational Education & Training contribute to the award of a QCE and may contribute to an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) calculation, although no more than one result in an Applied subject can be used in the calculation of a student’s ATAR.
Extension subjects are extensions of the related General subjects and are studied either concurrently with, or after, Units 3 and 4 of the General course.
Typically, it is expected that most students will complete these courses across Years 11 and 12. All subjects build on the P–10 Australian Curriculum.
General syllabuses
General subjects are suited to students who are interested in pathways beyond senior secondary schooling that lead primarily to tertiary studies and to pathways for vocational education and training and work. General subjects include Extension subjects.
QCAA General Subjects offered at Hillcrest Christian College include:
Applied syllabuses
Applied subjects are suited to students who are primarily interested in pathways beyond senior secondary schooling that lead to vocational education and training or work.
QCAA Applied Subjects offered at Hillcrest Christian College include:
Senior External Examination
The Senior External Examination consists of individual subject examinations provided across Queensland in October and November each year by the QCAA.
Short Courses
Short Courses are developed to meet a specific curriculum need and are suited to students who are interested in pathways beyond senior secondary schooling that lead to vocational education and training and establish a basis for further education and employment. They are informed by, and articulate closely with, the requirements of the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). A grade of C in Short Courses aligns with the requirements for ACSF Level 3.
For more information about the ACSF see: https://www.education.gov.au/australian-core-skills- framework.
Our Senior Leadership Program starts in Year 9 and continues throughout Year 12, providing students with many opportunities to develop their skills through leadership roles, practical workshops, assistance at College events, and service to others. This program prepares students to undertake leadership responsibilities at our College, in the broader community and in life beyond Hillcrest.
Captains
Hillcrest’s Captain program encompasses the leadership roles of Captains and Vice Captains. Two College Captains, two Vice Captains, House Captains and International Captains are elected to carry out leadership duties in Year 12. These roles provide a special avenue for students to demonstrate their leadership skills and serve the College and community, as they lead their peers.
College Captains, International Captains and House Captains have very important leadership responsibilities, and our College Executive undertakes a rigorous application process to determine the students for these positions.
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© 2024 Hillcrest Christian College. All Rights Reserved.
ACN 010 381 334 ABN 68 947 459 366 CRICOS No. 01043C
Site: YourSchool
© 2025 Hillcrest Christian College. All Rights Reserved.
ACN 010 381 334 ABN 68 947 459 366 CRICOS No. 01043C
Site: YourSchool
