2014ANNUAL REPORT

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INTRODUCTION

Brisbane Christian College began and continues as a school that focuses on the needs and aspirations of the families we serve. Brisbane Christian College is a ministry of Life Church who founded the College in response to the needs of its own families as well as the wider community.

College families have high academic expectations and the College is supported in reaching its goals by a community of dedicated staff, students and parents. Families support Brisbane Christian College because it is:

» A strong Christian community that supports their family values.

» A provider of quality education with dedicated teachers and good discipline.

» A safe place physically, spiritually and emotionally.

Quick Facts School SectorIndependentSchool Address109 Golda Avenue, Salisbury 4107Total Enrolments623 (2014)Year Levels OfferedPre-Prep to Year 12Co-educational or Single-sexCo-educationalCharacteristics of Student BodyBoys: 301 Girsls: 322 Indigenous: 9

PRINCIPAL’S WELCOME

Brisbane Christian College has a long and successful tradition of developing graduates with self-discipline, a zest for life and a strong moral compass.

Our staff ’s strong sense of calling, their desire to see our young people excel, and their professional attributes guarantee that our students are well-directed and nurtured.

In an era where so many schools are large and impersonal, Brisbane Christian College is committed to staying small so that students will always be known by name, yet large enough to provide hight-tech facilites and robust academic and co-curricular programs. The result is a tight-

knit community where excellence is expected, encouraged and experienced.

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DISTINCTIVE CURRICULUM OFFERINGS

The College offers a variety of unique programs designed to meet the needs of the students at the College.

1. PRE-PREP PROGRAM

Our families enjoy the security and continuity of a Pre-Prep to Year 12 College with a Christian focus. The Pre-Prep program is either full-time or a five days a fortnight. The program is based on the Early Years Learning Framework and the new Queensland Government funded Kindergarten program which requires tertiary trained teachers. The program incorporates a pre-literacy and pre-numeracy curriculum with play-based and discovery learning elements clearly embedded in it.

2. PRIMARY SCHOOL PROGRAMS

The Primary School (Prep to Year 6) is a learning community that built around Christian values. Our vibrant Primary School focuses on the development of the whole child where the teaching staff are also dedicated learners.

The English program is strengthened through the Literacy Coaching program, and the Mathematics program is enriched through RoleM – which has many hands-on learning experiences. The National Curriculum is well-established in all subject areas including History, Geography, Science, the Arts, Chinese, and Physical Education.

The Performing Arts program includes weekly Music lessons, the

annual Primary School Musical and Speech Assembly, and the option of participating in the instrumental music program with the Strings Ensemble and Concert Band. Spanish and German classes, after school tutoring, lunch time Art Club, debating and sport training opportunities are all part of the Primary School co-curricular program. Primary School students come to school each day ready to learn, knowing that they are safe in our warm, yet challenging learning environment.

3. YEARS 7 AND 8

At Brisbane Christian College we have systems set in place to ensure a smooth transition from Primary into Secondary School. We have a team of teachers that mainly teach Year 7 and 8 subjects, reducing the number of teachers Year 7 students have to get used to. The momentum is continued into Year 8 where students are taught by teachers already familiar to them. Our recent double streaming in these year groups ensures more consistent assessment pieces and while teacher moderation ensures fairer student results.

Students in Years 7 and 8 have access to an elective subject program similar in structure and scope to the Years 9 and 10 students. The curriculum has been adapted to the ages and abilities of these students. The elective subject program allows these students to sample a variety of electives, while being exposed to a variety of teaching styles and being trained in a secondary timetable format. Students achieving high standards also have the opportunity to join the Year 7/8 extension class. In this setup students are exposed to rich experiences

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through visits to local universities, familiarising themselves with the environment of tertiary education. Latin has also been a great addition to our already strong extension program.

Year 7 students participate in a Canberra trip, and the Year 8 students participate in an Outback Adventure trip which is linked directly to the curriculum in their respective year levels.

4. YEAR 9 AND 10

Throughout the Secondary School we have developed systems to monitor students’ progression from Year 7 through to the end of Year 12, focussing on the transitions from Years 6 to 7, 8 to 9 and 10 to 11. This year we have strengthened the focus on collaborative teaching groups, with staff building a breadth of resources to build on in future years.

Year 9 sees the introduction of electives that feed directly into senior subjects. Elective programs have been developed to ensure students are well and truly prepared for the content that is covered in Senior electives.

Class sizes in our core subjects of Mathematics and English are kept lower through our Honours program. This program extends our students who are achieving at a high standard through participation in University extension programs and through the introduction of Latin.

Students benefit from tutoring, with specific rooms open for Science, English and Mathematics tutoring four lunchtimes a week.

Through our deliberate tracking of student academic data, we are able to call case management meetings of all teachers to develop strategies to ensure no student is left behind.

The focus through Year 9 and 10 at Brisbane Christian College is to meet our students at their existing level and set them up for success in their chosen pathway for Senior school.

5. YEARS 10-12 SET PLANNING PROCESS

The College offers a comprehensive Senior Education and Training (SET) planning process that is monitored throughout Years 10, 11, and 12, and includes:

» an interview involving students » a careers survey in Year 10 » one-on-one career guidance

Weekly Tertiary preparation lessons are used to constantly monitor career aspirations and determine whether the student’s subject choice and results are adequate to meet these aspirations and realistic QTAC applications. Students and their families are provided with careers information and options through subject selection, information nights and other forms of communication.

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6. YEAR 11/12 ACADEMIC PATHWAY

Several visits to universities each year (UQ, QUT, Griffith, CHC) where students have the opportunity to develop a vision for their future and experience university life. They also attend workshops on a variety of career options and utilise world class facilities including labs and libraries.

QCS preparation. External facilitators have analysed our data from standardised testing and are running workshops with our students. We are targeting cohort weaknesses and strengths.

Extension subjects: Math C (introduced 2014) and Extension English (introduced 2015) designed to give students the opportunity to extend themselves in these areas.

Cert III studied in conjunction with senior studies allows students to be career trained while gaining university entrance rankings.

Our average class sizes are very small. Our cohort is small <50. This means we know all our students, and monitor their progress individually. There are more opportunities for students to be leaders and to take an active role in their educational experience.

Our pastoral care is our strength. Houses and tutor groups where students are known and cared for by each other, tutor teachers and HOH.

USQ Changemakers. A program where students are equipped and encouraged to make a difference in their community. This year our student directed team have planned a project where they will build a ‘Wall

of Hope’ in an alternative education centre. This is designed to give students disengaged from mainstream education an opportunity to creatively express themselves.

7. YEAR 10-12 MISSIONS TRIP.

In 2015 there will be an opportunity for students to serve abroad, making a difference to the lives of those less fortunate while giving them the opportunity to see the difference one can make and consider how they can make a difference in their own world.

VALUE ADDED

Brisbane Christian College has continued to enhance and improve the measures used to ensure the best possible results for all students. These include:

» Entrance testing in literacy, numeracy and comprehension for all new students in Years 1–12.

» These tests are repeated at the start of every semester to keep staff up-to-date on their students’ levels for Years 1 to 10.

» IEPs (Individual Education Plans) are written for ascertained students, as well as those who are deemed at risk. These plans are reviewed each semester at a minimum.

» Students’ Effort and Conduct results are reviewed each semester, with commendations awarded for excellent work. For students whose efforts are of concern, families are contacted and interviewed in order to devise plans to improve matters for the following semester.

» We have seen a gradual improvement in our students’ OP results. Students’

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average OPs are now consistently above the State average.

» The afternoon Tuition and Homework Supervision programs have provided students with additional support.

» We have a wide range of co-curricula offerings that change according to the needs of the student body. All of these are designed to enrich student development. While involvement is not compulsory, a twelve month commitment is expected. Co-curricula involvement is included in Semester reports.

» Our students from Years 7 – 12 undergo a set curriculum for Personal Development which consists of a weekly lesson on a variety of relevant topics, as well as a series of camping experiences from Years 5 – 12. Years 5 – 7 camps are compulsory, and Years 9 – 11 have a variety of options to choose from.

» Our College Chaplain Jasmine Higgins, joined Brisbane Christian College under the federally funded National School Chaplaincy Program, has succeeded in working with our students by linking them to church youth programs, helping them to develop positive attitudes and support students spiritually, emotionally and academically.

» There has been an increase in students accessing TAFE studies at school, traineeships and early access to university subjects. These students are identified in the guidance process.

» A Careers Advisor is on staff to assist students with further education and careers guidance.

» Our Senior students are interviewed in Years 10, 11, and 12 to ensure they are well placed post graduation. We enjoy a 100% graduation placement target.

» The College contacts graduated students, six months after graduation, to check that their placements are holding. For the few who drop out of further study or work, support is offered by the College through the College’s guidance process.

» Upgraded Outdoor Education for Years 5-12.

» Extension Classes for Maths and English, including Latin, from Years 7-10.

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

1. MUSIC

» The College offers a variety of music activities in numerous formats, which are overseen by a music director. The music program includes:

» Instrumental music lessons with up to fourteen instruments on offer. Participating students have a range of lesson options (including paired, 30min, and 20 min) per week and usually join a College performance group. Students are also given the opportunity to complete music examinations such as those provided by the Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB).

» Once a year a music performance evening for the members of the instrumental music program is held, allowing students who learn an instrument and/or are involved in music performance groups to showcase their achievements. The concert is for all students involved in music within the college, not just the instrumental program i.e. students who learn music outside the college may also be given the opportunity to participate.

» Up to five choirs including Year 2, Junior Choir (Years 3 & 4), Upper Primary (Years 5 & 6), Secondary Choir (Years 7-12) and a Multicultural Choir.

» A number of performance groups that may include up to three sting ensembles, two concert bands and a percussion ensemble. These groups form and reform each year based on the experience and numbers of students involved. The groups perform at a range of College events

throughout the year and may also compete in a variety of competitions.

» A ‘Give it a Go’ program for Lower Primary (Strings) and Upper Primary (Brass/Woodwind) students is offered at least once per year, giving students an opportunity to try an instrument dependent on availability of instruments.

2. THE COLLEGE ALSO OFFERS

» Interschool Debating » hhFriday Afternoon Sport » ICAS Competitions (Maths, English,

Science, Computer skills, etc.) » Two musicals and/or drama

productions a year (Primary and Secondary)

» After school Tuition/Homework Program

» Speech Assemblies » Duke of Edinburgh’s Award » Year 4 Camp » Years 5/6 Camp » Year 7 Canberra Trip » Year 8 Outback Adventure Trip » Years 9/10 Expedition Training » Years 10/11 Ski Trip » Year 11 Girls’ Colour Conference » Year 11/12 Academic Camp » Year 12 South Passage Sail Training

Trip » Chapel Band & Singers » Inter-College Carnivals in Athletics,

Swimming, Cross Country and Team Games

» Additional sporting opportunities are available for talented athletes

» Inter-School Sport » Prep-Year 6 swimming lessons » Primary Gymnastics » Primary After School Language Class » Leo Club (Lions Club International)

SCHOOL CLIMATE

1. STAFF DEVELOPMENT

It is a priority of the College to facilitate and/or fund in-services, such as up-skilling and training, in a variety of curriculum areas.

2. PASTORAL CARE

The College is based on a Christian model where families, school and church work together to create and maintain a positive College culture. This is facilitated by:

» Vibrant and relevant ‘Chapels’ in each part of the school

» Daily class morning prayers or ‘Devotions’ that usually strengthen an aspect of the values we teach

» A structured Christian Studies Program (one lesson a week in Years 7 to 12)

» Celebration of special events » Mentoring and/or coaching

relationships between staff and students

» Scripture memory in classes from Prep to Year 6.

College Chaplains and a College Counsellor are on staff and available to students, staff and families. These support staff are active in, and around, the College.

3. CHILD PROTECTION

The protection of our students from harm is of key importance. The College is committed to reducing the risk of harm to all students. All College staff and volunteers are trained in the College Child Protection policies and

legislated reporting procedures. A qualified Counsellor is also employed by the College and students have direct access to them at any time.

4. STRATEGIES TO ADDRESS BULLYING

The College takes a No Tolerance stance to bullying. The College uses Assemblies, Chapels and Christian Studies sessions to highlight appropriate behaviour and the culture we expect at the college. The teachers are equipped to identify changes in behaviour amongst students and monitor situations and address them as soon as possible should there be a need to.

The College has a Child Protection Policy (which includes bullying) and this is reviewed yearly and updated if required. The Cyber Bullying program was being introduced with the College Counsellor, Police, Parents and Years 5-12 students in Assemblies, Information nights and class lessons.

Parents are encouraged to contact the College immediately if they have any concerns at all. There is a College Counsellor on site

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available to students three days a week. Students are able to make a time to see the Counsellor, or staff may refer students to the Counsellor if they feel there is a need to do so.

Middle School and Senior School Prefects also provide ears and eyes around the student body and playground alerting staff of any observations or concerns they may have. This allows issues to be addressed more quickly. Students are expected to, and rewarded for preventing or stopping bullying. By the students being active in this process, they take ownership of their behaviour creating a more positive culture within the College.

5. PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

The College enjoys a high level of parental support and involvement. During the enrolment interview, the policy of parental support and volunteer assistance are discussed and most parents contribute in one form or another.

In 2011, over 1300 volunteer hours were contributed to numerous areas and programs in the College. These contributions included assisting in the Canteen, Library and Office, and with reading programs, sporting team coaching, sporting carnivals, excursions and focus groups, among others. A quarterly ‘Schoolyard Blitz’ helps to build gardens and improve outdoor areas. The College Connect also organises several fundraising events each year, the funds of which are used to purchase items beneficial to students and/or families.

Another significant feature of the

community is the high level of communication between parents and teachers, for example via the ‘Student Success Diary’ and email. Parents can also meet with teachers after classes, during regular parent/teacher interviews and by use of an established appointment system. Through these effective communication channels, strong and enjoyable working relationships develop between staff and families. As a result, problems are identified early and resolved quickly, and students’ individual needs are successfully attended to.

PARENT, TEACHER AND STUDENT SATISFACTION WITH THE COLLEGE

Where schools already undertake yearly surveys or studies of parents, students and teachers for the purpose of marketing and school improvement, it will involve preparing a relevant report, in plain English, on the findings of those surveys or studies.If a school does not currently undertake any such studies or surveys, consideration might be given to such a project; or alternatively, the school should consider any other data or information that it may have which could be the basis of a report on parent, student and teacher satisfaction. For example, letters and testimonials from parents; enrolment retention rates over time; increasing enrolments over time, teacher retention rates over time.

COLLEGE PARENT SURVEY

In November 2014 Brisbane Christian College conducted a parent survey over a three week period.

The College survey covered topics on College communication, teacher performance, reporting, facilities, customer service and chaplaincy.

Parents strongly scored the College on teacher approachability, end of term reporting, students’ spiritual growth and their holistic education.

A high number of College parents also said that they have or would recommend the College to their friends.

Open ended feedback was also provided on what makes ‘Brisbane Christian College a great College’ and recommendations for improvement.Additional surveys conducted were:

» Teaching and Learning Survey – a survey to teacher staff on College teaching practices.

» Community Survey – A survey looking at support for parents; understanding of the College Vision, Mission and Values; community access to facilities and community.

CONTACT PERSON FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

The title of a school-based contact person for further information on the college and its policies: Mr John Abraham or Compliance Officer.

Details of the College’s income and funding sources can be found on the My School website http://www.myschool.edu.au/ under Brisbane Christian College.

STAFFING INFORMATION

Staff Composition, Including Indigenous Staff:

Teaching Staff: 44Non-Teaching Staff: 47

6. QUALIFICATIONS OF ALL TEACHERS:

Qualification % of teachers/school with this qualification

Doctorate or higher 2%Masters 10%Bachelor Degree 84%Diploma 2%Certificate 2%

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1. TEACHER PARTICIPATION – PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Secondary School Primary School

ACS Teachers Conference 21 Collegial Coaching/Professional Partnerships

3 Ongoing Masters of Education Study

2 Health/Safety, First aid, fire evac, Child Protection

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ACS Teachers Conference 2 First Aid Training 3 Appretio Orientation 1 Dyslexia – Differentiation 8

Alpha to Omega training of Primary Staff

1 GACAP Qld Gov: Football (soccer) Level 1 coaching

1 Panel Verification 1 Sound Waves 17

ANZELA Legal Studies Teachers' Conference

1 Genesis Christian College: Curriculum Frameworks

1 Putting FACES on the Data with Dr Lyn Sharratt

2 RoleM 26

Criminal, Family, Native Title & IT/Privacy law

1 Hearing Impairment Seminar

4 QCAA moderation. Info. and Commu Technology

2 C2C Introduction 2

Art syllabus construction and reading for Year 7/8.

1 ISQ Conference: HPE in the Australian Curriculum

1 QCAA Music half-day workshop

1 QELI – Emerging Principals and Leadership

2

Mental Health/ Wellbeing of Young People

1 ISQ STEM Presentation- Qld Chief Scientist

1 QCAA Observation Panel: Visual Art

Identifying Learning Goals

1

Business Studies SAS workshop

1 Supporting Indigenous & Special Schools

1 QSA: School moderators meeting

21 Corporate Branding and Identity

30

Busy at Work Industry Overview- motor trades

1 ISQ: Bandscale training for EALD

1 QSA: Department Head workshop (Biology)

2 Backward Planning 2

C2C - How to navigate the Scootle Website

1 ISQ: Dealing with behavioural issues

1 Raising Achievement in At Risk Students

2 ISQ – Assessment tools of reading

4

CHC Worldview Seminar 1 ISQ: Mentoring and Coaching in a School

3 STEM Workshop at QUT 4 The use of technology in the school and classroom

1

Christian Schools' Sports – discussion of events

1 ISQ: Nationally Consistent Collection of Data

2 Supporting Students with ASD workshop

1 Introduction to Appretio 2

Computer Science for High Schools:

1 Principal, School Curric. Leaders Briefing

1 TASS Training on Reporting module

1 College Policies 25

Continued study towards Masters of Ed.-7 units with QUT

1 ISQ: Working with children with disabilities- for teacher aides

1 Supporting students with Hearing, Physical, and/or Visual Impairments

1 Self-Improvement School Meeting

4

CRN 600- Youth Popular Culture and Texts

1 Jenny Tebutt: Support-a-reader program

1 Teacher Robotics Workshop, UQ

1 Mathletics 3

Cyanotypes Art Workshop

1 LCN 616- Inquiry Learning

1 Teaching and Leaning in Mathematics

1 Classroom Behaviour Management

3

Delivering Literacy workshop

1 Inclusive Ed - Theory Policy and Practice

1 Hearing loss and student performance

1 Hearing Impairment 3

Delivering Numeracy workshop

1 LCN 631- Strategic Management

1 Theatre training with Zen Zen Zo Theatre Company

3 Alpha to Omega 2

Ed.Qld: children with P.I. and multi-disabilities

1 Legal Studies – 'Human Rights in the Curriculum'

1 UQ Academic Boot camp 1 Data collection for School Students with a Disability

4

EDN 604-1- Facilitated Study Unit (Outdoor Ed)

1 Mathletics Training 3 Working with Indigenous Students

1

EDN 610- Professional Dialogues in Education

1 Maths- Working with indigenous students

3 Students with Speech-Language Impairment

1

Conducting/ Evaluating Educational Research

1 Naplan Marker 1 Health/Safety, First aid, fire evac, Child Protection

25

ESL Program, for learning stages Prep, 4, 5, and 6

1 National Christian Schools Games

1

ESL differential learning 1 Data Collection 2

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2. EXPENDITURE ON PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT.

Total Number of Teachers Total expenditure on teacher PD (as recorded in Financial Questionnaire)

Average expenditure on PD per teacher

44 $37391 $850The total funds expended on teacher professional development in 2014

$37391

The proportion of the teaching staff involved in professional development activities during 2014

100%

3. AVERAGE STAFF ATTENDANCE FOR THE COLLEGE, BASED ON UNPLANNED ABSENCES OF SICK AND EMERGENCY LEAVE PERIODS OF UP TO 5 DAYS

Number of Staff Number of School Days per Staff member

Total Days Staff Absences

Average Staff Attendance Rate

64 182 462 96%For permanent and temporary classroom teachers and school leaders the average staff attendance rate was 96% in 2014

* Where staff means permanent and temporary classroom teachers, teacher aides and school leaders

4. PROPORTION OF TEACHING STAFF RETAINED FROM THE PREVIOUS YEAR

Number of permanent teaching staff at end of previous year

Number of these staff retained in the following year (the program year)

% retention rate Average Staff Attendance Rate

44 40 91% 96%From the end of 2013 91 % of staff were retained for the entire 2014 school year

KEY STUDENT OUTCOMES

1. AVERAGE STUDENT ATTENDANCE RATE FOR EACH YEAR LEVEL

Year Level Average Attendance Rate (2014 %)

Prep 93%Year 1 93%Year 2 94%Year 3 94%Year 4 94%Year 5 94%Year 6 94%Year 7 95%Year 8 93%Year 9 94%Year 10 94%Year 11 92%Year 12 92%

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How non-attendance is managed by the college:Parents are immediately alerted via a text message once role call has been completed and non-attending students are known. Habitual lateness or non-attendance is then managed via direct contact with the student’s parents to work together to create a solution.

NAPLAN YEARS 3, 5, 7 AND 9 TESTING

This section reports:

» The average score for Brisbane Christian College on each testing level » The average score for Queensland (provided by QSA) » The points above State average.

BENCHMARK DATA

ReadingYear Average

score (school)

Average score (National)

% above National average

Year 3 435 418 +4.06%Year 5 522 501 +4.19%Year 7 550 546 +0.73%Year 9 578 580 -0.35%

WritingYear Average

score (school)

Average score (National)

% above National average

Year 3 409 402 +1.74%Year 5 464 468 -0.85%Year 7 516 512 +0.78%Year 9 537 550 -2.39%

SpellingYear Average

score (school)

Average score (National)

% above National average

Year 3 430 412 +4.37%Year 5 511 498 +2.61%Year 7 544 545 -0.18%

SpellingYear 9 579 582 -0.52%

Grammar and PunctuationYear Average

score (school)

Average score (National)

% above National average

Year 3 454 426 +6.57%Year 5 526 504 +4.36%Year 7 555 543 +2.19%Year 9 579 574 +0.87%

NumeracyYear Average

score (school)

Average score (National)

% above National average

Year 3 400 402 -0.50%Year 5 506 488 +3.69%Year 7 543 546 -0.55%Year 9 590 588 +0.34%

For further information regarding NAPLAN performance results please see the My School website www.myschool.edu.au.

APPARENT RETENTION RATE

The Year 12 Apparent Retention Rate is defined as the number of full-time students in Year 12 in any given year expressed as the percentage of those students who started secondary school five years previously (this may be greater than 100%).

Year 8 Base Year 12 Retention Rate %

Number of Same Students Retention 35 27 77%

Year 12 student enrolment as a percentage of the Year 10 cohort is 69%.

YEAR 12 OUTCOMES

Outcomes for our 2013 Year 12 cohort Number of students awarded a Senior Education Profile 26Number of students awarded a Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement 0Number of students who received an Overall Position (OP) 22Number of students or are completing or completed a School-based Apprenticeship or Traineeship (SAT)

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Number of students awarded one or more Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications 5Number of students awarded a Queensland Certificate of Education at the end of Year 12 25Number of students awarded an International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBD) 0Percentage of Year 12 students who received an OP1-15 or an IBD 61%Percentage of Year 12 students who are completing or completed a SAT or were awarded one or more of the following: QCE, IBD, VET qualification

96%

Percentage of Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) applicants receiving an offer 90%

At the time of publishing this School Annual Report, the results of the 2014 post-schools destinations survey, Next Steps – Student Destination report for the school was not available. Information about these post-school destinations of our students will be uploaded to the school’s website in September after release of the information.

109 Golda Avenue, Salisbury 4107, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia PO Box 177, Salisbury, Qld 4107, AustraliaPre-Prep Centre 28 Rookwood Avenue, Coopers Plains, Qld 4108, Australia

Telephone +61 7 3719 3111 Facsimile +61 7 3274 1071 Email office@brisbanechristiancollege.com.auCRICOS 00909K ABN 23 107 469 054

www.brisbanechristiancollege.com.au