Please find responses to some of the frequently asked questions. If you have any questions please ask our enrolments team.
In the heart of Coolangatta on the Gold Coast, the Year 9 RISE Program inspires middle school students through a transformative journey of self-discovery, community service, and entrepreneurial thinking. Our vision is to develop resilient, globally aware individuals who embrace collaboration, celebrate diversity, and take control of their learning path.
We believe leadership goes beyond personal growth—it involves giving back to the community. Year 9 students participate in service projects that directly benefit Coolangatta, building empathy and active citizenship. Whether it's volunteering at local shelters, organising environmental clean-ups, or supporting community events, students gain real-world skills that foster leadership and compassion.
Through partnerships with Southern Cross University and the Coolangatta Surf Club, students experience unique academic and community engagement opportunities. These partnerships provide academic enrichment, water safety training, and hands-on learning, preparing students for high school and beyond. Together, we RISE.
The Need For Change
In today’s rapidly changing world, traditional educational practices in Australia face the challenge of preparing students for real-world success. The senior curriculum, shaped by standardised testing and a strong focus on ATAR scores, often prioritises academic performance over the development of critical soft skills, emotional intelligence, and personal identity growth. This approach can leave students less equipped for personal growth, industry engagement, entrepreneurial thinking, and real-world problem-solving.
Research by Angela Duckworth underscores that grit and perseverance are significant predictors of success, yet these traits are not extensively cultivated within the conventional education framework (Duckworth, Peterson, Matthews, & Kelly, 2007). Similarly, Daniel Goleman’s work on emotional intelligence (EQ) illustrates its crucial role in fostering better social relationships and enhancing academic performance, but it often receives less emphasis in schools (Goleman, 1995).
Educationalist and researcher, Sir Ken Robinson, challenges the traditional schooling models which are focused solely on University entrance exam results by urging educators and administrators to foster learner creativity, seek alternatives to standarised testing to assess student learning, and see education as a human centered system that should be responding to the needs of the world and communities around them.
A report by the World Economic Forum highlights the importance of critical thinking, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills for future employment, pointing out that these skills are essential yet not sufficiently targeted by traditional education methods (World Economic Forum, 2020)
Recognising these evolving needs, Hillcrest Christian College has its Educational Model and created the Year 9 RISE program to address these gaps, prioritising innovation and comprehensive skill development in this critical year as part of its Senior Learning Pathway.
Life Skills and Personal Growth
Ensuring students’ overall wellbeing is a fundamental aspect of personal development that education often overlooks. Providing a safe, secure, and supportive environment is crucial for fostering both intellectual and emotional growth. Without this foundation, students struggle to achieve their full potential and experience optimal learning.
Additionally, cultivating hope and resilience in students is essential for motivating them to pursue long-term goals. By nurturing a positive outlook and belief in their potential, education can encourage students to persist through challenges and setbacks. Balancing academic achievement with holistic development, including the exploration of personal values and purpose, is vital for reducing stress and promoting a more well-rounded approach to education. Engaging students in service activities and helping them develop a strong sense of identity further supports their personal growth and readiness for future challenges.
Skill Development
Crucial life skills such as communication, teamwork, and emotional intelligence are critical for personal and professional success, yet they are frequently underemphasised in educational curricula. Students often lack opportunities to develop these skills, which are essential for navigating real-world challenges. Addressing this gap is crucial for preparing students for collaborative environments in both academic and professional settings.
Education must also focus on practical, real-world problem-solving by providing hands-on learning experiences and industry engagement. These experiences help students bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, enhancing their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Integrating soft skills development into the curriculum is essential for equipping students with the tools they need to succeed in life beyond the classroom.
ITS TIME TO RISE
How the Rise Program Addresses These Needs
The Rise Program at Hillcrest Christian College offers a holistic approach to addressing the developmental needs of Year 9 students. Located on our dedicated beachside campus in Coolangatta, the program empowers students to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their community.
The Rise Program continues to build on the Junior & Middle Learning Community integration of Dan Buckley’s SECRET Skills framework, alongside a dedicated project-based curriculum and a focus on entrepreneurship. The SECRET Skills framework includes:
- Self-Management: Managing risk, being organised, going for it and finishing it (resilience), and managing emotions.
- Effective Participation: Persuading others, finding solutions, identifying issues, and getting involved.
- Creative Thinking: Imagining, making links, taking creative risks, and questioning assumptions.
- Reflective Learning: Setting yourself challenges, planning-doing-reviewing, inviting feedback, and sharing learning.
- Enquiry: Exploring a question, evaluating evidence, staying objective, and reaching conclusions.
- Team Work: Taking responsibility, managing the team, building team strengths, and evaluating the team.
The Rise Program’s emphasis on these non-cognitive skills is complemented by its project-based curriculum and entrepreneurial focus, which help students apply their learning in real-world contexts. Supported by industry partners such as Southern Cross University, Coolangatta Surf Club, Green Heroes, and other organizations, students gain valuable experience and insights.
For example, partnerships with Southern Cross University expose students to higher education and research opportunities, while community engagement through the Coolangatta Surf Club, local kindergarten centres, social initiative charities, and Green Heroes fosters practical experiences and empathy.
RISE ABOVE TRADITIONAL LEARNING
The Run Project
Student Experience:
The Run Project combines mathematics with physical activity, fostering key soft skills such as teamwork, complex analysis and goal-setting. Students are actively encouraged to overcome personal fitness challenges, set stretch goals, and develop determination, resilience, and grit to accomplish their run challenge. They also engage in fundraising activities, with all proceeds supporting the Coolangatta Surf Life Saving Club. This project addresses the need for Life skills development by enhancing teamwork and communication; grit and resilience through personal and collective goal achievement; and service by contributing to a community-focused initiative. Through these efforts, students gain a heightened sense of purpose and community contribution.
Humans of Coolangatta Project
Student Experience:
The Humans of Coolangatta Project involves students researching and creating mini-biographies of local figures, supporting their personal identity development through the exploration of others’ stories. This initiative allows students to enhance their Research Skills as they gather, analyse, and synthesise information from various sources. Through this process, they also develop Cultural Awareness by engaging with diverse local backgrounds and experiences. The project promotes Empathy and Perspective-Taking as students explore and reflect on the lives of different individuals.
In addition, students improve their Presentation Skills by organising and sharing their findings in a compelling format. They also gain experience in Project Management by working collaboratively, managing their time, and coordinating tasks within their teams. The culmination of the project is a public gallery exhibition, which honours both the individuals featured in the biographies and the students’ dedication to their work. This exhibition provides a platform for students to showcase their efforts and celebrate their learning journey, further enhancing their connection to the community and reinforcing their personal and social development.
The Tails of The Tides Project
The Tails of the Tides Project, in partnership with Kirra Dive and Green Heroes, provides students with real-world exposure to conservation, sustainability and marine biology efforts in our local region. Students engage in hands-on conservation work and create their own marine biology projects, tackling real-world investigations.
Student Experience:
Working in small teams, they produce multimodal reports in their chosen format, which are then displayed to the public. This initiative addresses several key educational needs: Better Preparation for Real-World Challenges by involving students in practical conservation work; Increased Industry and Entrepreneurial Engagement through collaboration with industry professionals; and Experiential Learning Opportunities by offering hands-on environmental education and field work. By participating and presenting their projects to families, peers, and the public, students develop hope and a sense of purpose through their contributions to environmental protection.
Surf Rescue Certificate Elective
Our Year 9 students have the opportunity to earn the prestigious Surf Rescue Certificate through Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ). This program is a unique blend of academic learning and practical application, designed to equip students with essential lifesaving skills and foster a commitment to community service. This program extends learning beyond the classroom, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios and make a meaningful impact on their community.
What the Program Involves:
- Surf Awareness: Understanding beach conditions and potential hazards.
- Rescue Techniques: Mastering the use of rescue boards and tubes.
- Radio Communication: Learning effective communication for emergency coordination.
- CPR and First Aid: Gaining vital skills in emergency medical care.
Student Experience:
Successful recipients of the certificate, are members of the Coolangatta Surf Club and are committing to join a patrol group for the following summer season (approx 5hrs per month) while also supporting Hillcrest events by volunteering as water safety personnel. Their responsibilities include:
- Patrolling the Beach: Ensuring the safety of beachgoers and preventing accidents.
- Performing Rescues: Using their skills to respond to emergencies and provide first aid.
- Preventative Measures: Educating the public on safety and implementing precautionary measures.
This program extends learning beyond the classroom, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios and make a meaningful impact on their community
Where is RISE located?
Contact Hillcrest Christian College - Year 9 RISE
07 5593 8274
Email us
Opening hours
Monday-Wednesday & Friday 8am - 3pm
Thursday - Students stay at Reedy Creek Campus and participate in various sports program
Location
The Strand, Level 2, Suite 216, 72-80 Marine Parade, Coolangatta, 4225, QLD
Level 2 Q4 - Open Centre Map
Is there resources for learning support and extension?
Yes, support staff ensure students are engaged with learning or extension differentiation.
How to students get to and from Coolangatta
Students arrive at the normal College address of, 21 Bridgman Drive, Reedy Creek and take the College buses to and from the Coolangatta Campus. Various discussions, Life Group and other activities are undertaken during the bus journeys.