Junior Learning Community | Hillcrest Christian College

Welcome to our Junior Learning Community

Choosing the right school for your child is a big decision. We understand how daunting it can feel, you want a place where they will feel safe, supported, and inspired to thrive. At Hillcrest Christian College, our Junior Learning Community (JLC) is designed to be just that.

For children in Prep to Year 4, the JLC provides a nurturing environment where academic excellence meets personal growth.

Your child’s journey of learning, belonging, and growth begins here

“The transition program at Hillcrest made all the difference for my daughter. She started Prep feeling confident and excited, thanks to the care and support of the JLC team.” — Jessica (Parent)

Every child has been uniquely and wonderfully made, with the potential to succeed in their personal pursuits, and impact our ever-changing world. We believe children have a far greater capacity to learn and succeed if their personal interests and strengths are identified and they are then equipped with the skills required to fulfill their God-given purpose.

Building Foundations

Academic & Emotional

Children thrive when their emotional and natural curiosity needs are met. At the JLC, we combine explicit instruction with hands-on, guided learning to help your child develop:

Core Academic Skills: In subjects like English, Mathematics, and Science, delivered through differentiated instruction to match individual learning styles.

Social and Emotional Skills: Using the Social Emotional Learning framework, children learn self-awareness, decision-making, and interpersonal skills.

SECRET Skills Framework: A unique program that builds creative thinkers, reflective learners, effective participants, enquirers and team workers.

Specialist classes in Music, Creative Arts, French, and Physical Education enrich your child’s learning experience, ensuring a well-rounded education.

A Learning Environment Designed to Inspire Wonder and Growth

A Purpose-Built Prep Precinct

Our dedicated Prep area provides a warm and nurturing transition, ensuring students feel safe and secure with a strong sense of belonging. This space includes:

Four spacious classes under a main canopy with breakout areas for group learning, creativity, and quiet reflection.
Outdoor learning spaces for painting, hands-on activities, and sensory exploration.
A large central deck, a hub for social play, featuring a balcony overlooking the lake, where ducks, frogs, and native wildlife bring learning to life.
With Castle-inspired architecture, reinforcing our Hillcrest SHIELD values and fostering imaginative play.

This carefully designed environment helps Prep students transition smoothly into school life, building confidence and independence from day one.

Purposeful Spaces for Years 1-2

As students progress, they move into learning spaces designed for age-appropriate independence and exploration:

The Year 1-2 Castle: A modern, nature-integrated space with lake views on one side and bushland on the other.
A new Nature Playground (opened 2024), fostering active, creative, and sensory play.
Hinterland pathways and outdoor learning spaces, where students explore native ecosystems, creeks, and bushland, bringing environmental studies to life.

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Transition

Values & Skills Framework

The College values are woven into the fabric o the JLC. Certificates and awards are given to students who outwork the values: Integrity, Respect, Courage, Service, Humility, Diligence and Discernment.

The SECRET Skills are integrated into the planning of Design Centred Learning (DCL) projects in the JLC.

Academic

I Love Reading (ILR)

The ILR Program uses a unique colour and number system to identify the key phonetic sounds in the English language. Through the application of the English Phonetic Code, early readers are given an effective tool to decode texts, allowing them to read at an accelerated rate. ILR is not just about learning to read, but reading to learn. The program assists educators to design learning environments that stimulate a desire to read, write, and speak. Students are trained to manage their own learning, work harmoniously with others, and be creative problem solvers.

Gifted and Talented Program

Lumos & Flare

At Hillcrest Christian College, we believe every child has the potential to shine. Our Lumos and Flare programs are specially designed to support and extend students who show high academic ability, creative talent, or a passion for innovation.

Lumos caters to academically advanced students, offering enriched learning experiences that promote critical thinking, leadership, and a deeper engagement with the curriculum.
Flare provides opportunities for students with gifts in areas such as the arts, technology, and entrepreneurship, allowing them to explore their talents and develop real-world skills.

These programs reflect our commitment to holistic, Christ-centred education—supporting students to grow in confidence, character, and purpose. Lumos and Flare are more than just enrichment; they are pathways for your child to flourish.

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