At St Philip's Christian College, we endeavour to provide an enriching and liberating education; an education that not only teaches, but transcends the discipline of learning and the acquisition of competencies, to the acquiring of a deep sense of the greatness of life and learning. St Philip's Christian College is leading the way in generating a shift in pedagogy and learning environments. We are empowering our students to learn in a way that complements their individual learning style and we are providing them with opportunities to excel across every area of their education. The College offers individualised student learning frameworks, innovative and engaging learning environments and opportunities for students to excel in the whole of their life by opening pathways in the areas of academic excellence, information technology, iSTEM, music, creative and performing arts, sport and vocational education. Nurture in the Christian faith is seen as vital to a student forming strong values, purpose and integrity. We believe we are developing global citizens who are graduating from their schooling journey with not only a superior academic education but with an understanding of the world in which they find themselves physically, socially, culturally, academically and spiritually. The College is structured into a Junior School (Yrs K-4), Middle School (Yrs 5-8) and Senior School (Yrs 9-12). Junior School is a dynamic, exciting and inspiring place to learn and grow. Our Junior School staff strive to provide a nurturing environment to support a quality education program. Throughout each child's learning, hard work and play, junior school students will experience the truth of God's love for each of them and the bright future He has for all of us. All students are included in a rich school program. Students from Kindergarten to Year Four participate in Swimming, Athletics and Cross Country carnivals (modified for Kindergarten, Year One and Two). All students enjoy a rich diversity of excursions and incursions and have many opportunities each year to participate in an ever-growing array of extra-curricular activities. A unique school initiative is our Kindergarten / Year Twelve buddy program. Each year, our Year Twelve students take a kindergarten student as their �buddy' and together they journey through the year, playing games, reading, writing and learning together, culminating in a special presentation by Kindergarten at our Year Twelve Graduation assembly. These friendships often last for many years after our Year twelve students graduate. Middle School students bring life and energy to school. Throughout this exciting time of rapid change and development in their young lives, we at St Philip's Christian College Port Stephens seek to harness and enhance this energy as students grow into the people God has planned for them to be. Middle School at St Philip's Christian College Port Stephens seeks to engage students with school in an array of positive interactions that see each individual reaching their potential. Through interaction with the staff and programs at the College, students will be presented with the opportunity to develop authentic Christian character and leadership. The Middle School journey provides students with a nurturing environment that promotes a lifelong commitment to Christ. In practical terms, this is exemplified in the following ways: �?Learning is both challenging and exciting �?Students develop a real and genuine connection with school �?Students experience new and challenging tasks �?Students have fun �?Students experience something unique �?Students develop meaningful friendships �?Students are given the support they need from members of staff �?Students discover who they are and feel good about themselves �?Students have the chance to do something special for others A foundational principle is our belief that our role as teachers extends much deeper than developing the academic learning of students. Whilst academic growth is important and something to which we strive, we recognise that the growth of each child into a confident and secure young adult is vital for a successful future. After all, learning is, �For the Whole of their Lives.' The Senior School prepares our students for life. The Senior School Team is dedicated to the emotional, social, academic, spiritual and creative development of each student. We have a strong emphasis on relationship, community, pastoral care and academic rigour. In essence, we want our graduates to get the best possible HSC result they can achieve; to be well educated in �whole of life' matters, enabling them to make good decisions and to lead a meaningful life. At Port Stephens, we understand that happy students are superior learners and achieve better results and this is one reason why we put so much emphasis on helping students enjoy the journey through Senior School, pastoral care and shaping the positive culture of the college. The culture in Senior School enables all to feel a part of a big family. Physical and mental health are openly discussed and there are many supports in place to help assist those who are struggling. Importantly, while friendships and networks are developed during the early years of Senior School, they become platforms for personal and academic development in the later years. Academic standards in the Senior School are high and staff are committed to maintaining a proud record of excellence in the School. This tradition is the product of high expectations, flexible course composition, optimum class sizes and individualised academic counselling for all students. There is an emphasis on fostering the skills of motivation, time management, personal responsibility and independent learning. Small class sizes, particularly in Years Eleven and Twelve enable students to receive the attention that they deserve at this critical time in their education. A wide choice of subjects are available, and include both traditional academic interests and vocational education. We also run free after school tutoring four afternoons a week.