Educating the Whole Student

A note from Mr Day

I have recently been challenged by an article in ‘Teach’ (Christian Educators Journal) regarding students engaging positively with the curriculum. The article primarily begins with praise for the government’s effort in ‘overwhelming’ the community with awareness regarding education in a number of ways over several years recently. This so called ‘Education Revolution’ has changed the way in which many people view schools and their approach to educating the children of tomorrow. The question that really needs to be asked is: How has all this affected the students? How are the students engaging in classroom activities any differently to before? Are the students engaged positively with the curriculum?

The article also suggests that some schools have been driven to move their focus from a ‘holistic’ development of the student (academic, physical, social, cultural, moral & spiritual), to a focus driven only by academic success and physical surroundings. While this is not a definitive trend, it is a common one that has been a direct result of the ‘Education Revolution’ throughout many schools in Australia.

Christian schools align themselves with the teachings and values of Jesus Christ and aim to impart these to their students. While academic success and physical surroundings are important to many people, at Taree Christian College we believe that it is the continued development of the ‘whole’ child that will educate and prepare students for a stable and balanced lifestyle within the world. It allows them to engage positively with the curriculum and to learn ways to test ‘worldly thinking’ and to help build strong values within their character. In turn this commonly challenges students to contemplate their future and strive for higher academic success.

We thank God for our beautiful buildings and surroundings at Taree Christian College and we look forward to continuing to use these as tools in the education of your child in the many years to come.

Adam Day

Head of Secondary (Acting)