Secure Your Child’s Place in Hillcrest’s Middle School at Year 5
If your child is currently in Year 3 or Year 4, you may not yet have thought about middle school - but at Hillcrest Christian College, middle school starts in Year 5, in the Middle Learning Community from Years 5-8. Unlike many schools that begin middle school intake at Year 7, Hillcrest has no high school intake at Year 7, making Year 5 the critical entry point for your child’s educational journey. This is an essential time to enrol, secure their place, and give them the best possible start in their middle years.
Why Start Middle School at Year 5?
Children aged 9 to 10 are entering early adolescence, a phase where they experience significant physical, emotional, and social changes. At Hillcrest Christian College, we understand the unique needs of this age group. Our Middle Learning Community (MLC), is specifically designed for students in Years 5 to 8, offering a nurturing environment tailored specifically for these developmental transitions.
Research from the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth (ARACY) shows that early adolescence, from ages 10 to 15, is a critical period for shaping a child’s emotional, social, and academic outcomes. During these years, children begin to form their identities, develop crucial social skills, and seek greater independence. Furthermore, ARACY stresses the importance of fostering a supportive school environment, which directly impacts a young person’s well-being and academic performance. This is why Hillcrest Christian College established the Middle Learning Community for Years 5-8, to support this important developmental stage.
Local studies by the Australian Association for Adolescent Health (AAAH) highlight that adolescents benefit immensely from environments where their emotional well-being is prioritised alongside academic achievement. Rapid brain development during this period means that early intervention and support can significantly influence their capacity for decision-making, emotional regulation, and resilience. At Hillcrest, we are committed to nurturing these aspects, providing students with specialised attention and a holistic approach to their development.
Wellbeing as a Core Focus
Hillcrest’s SHIELD framework, which underpins our approach to middle schooling, aligns with the Adolescent Success model, which emphasises the interconnectedness of educators, places, pedagogy, and young adolescents. At Hillcrest, we prioritise the well-being of our students by ensuring their emotional, social, and ethical development is nurtured alongside academic achievement.
As supported by AAAH’s research on adolescent wellbeing, a strong sense of identity and self-efficacy is crucial during adolescence. We focus on creating an environment where students feel safe, valued, and supported. Our educators are not only highly skilled but also empathetic and relational, fostering positive relationships with their students—something that research consistently shows is key to student engagement and success.
The Benefits of Starting at Year 5
By starting your child’s middle school journey at Year 5, they benefit from:
- Dedicated pastoral care and a close-knit community that ensures every child is supported emotionally and academically.
- Specialised programs that target the developmental needs of young adolescents, such as higher-order thinking strategies, flexible learning spaces, and small class sizes that allow for personal attention.
- Strong teacher-student relationships, with educators who are passionate about guiding students through this important phase of their lives.
Unique to Hillcrest: A Middle School of Excellence
Hillcrest’s MLC has been recognised for its innovative approach to middle schooling, earning the title of “Middle School of Excellence”. We integrate current research, informed practices, and a personalised learning environment to foster both intellectual growth and emotional well-being. Our award-winning middle schooling model is underpinned by key principles promoted by Adolescent Success, including:
- Relational teaching, where strong teacher-student relationships are prioritised.
- Relevant, meaningful learning experiences that engage young adolescents at a critical developmental stage.
- A commitment to fostering resilience, critical thinking, and a love of learning in every student.
A Crucial Time for Your Child’s Future
The middle years are foundational for your child’s success, not just academically but in terms of social and emotional development. By securing a place at Hillcrest Christian College in Year 5, your child will be starting their middle school journey in an environment designed to nurture their individual potential.