St Philip’s Christian College (SPCC) aims to develop the modern student to his or her potential within a caring, Christian community. SPCC covers five campuses in Newcastle, Port Stephens, Cessnock and Gosford. The Newcastle campus, in the suburb of Waratah, is located close to Newcastle University and is well serviced by buses.
Facilities: Senior School facilities include science labs, computer labs, design and technology workshop, food technology lab, visual arts room and pottery workshop, music rooms, a sports hall and a modern library. The JuniorSchool building features nine classrooms with withdrawal spaces and storage room, a visual arts room, a special education facility, staff areas and a clerical office.
Electives Years 7 to 10: Christian Studies, English, Science, Mathematics, History, Geography, Commerce, Music, Visual Arts, Drama, Design and Technology, Food Technology, Textiles and Design, Technics, Technical Drawing, French, Computing Studies, PD/Health/PE, Exercise and Sports Studies, Careers.
Electives Years 11 and 12: Studies of Religion, English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering Science, Modern History, Geography, Economics, Legal Studies,
PD/Health/PE, Software Development, Community and Family Studies, Visual Arts, Music, Hospitality, Design & Technology, Drama. An extensive vocational education program allows students to access a range of TAFE courses, private provider courses and traineeships.
Sport: Students participate in school, local and state carnivals in swimming, athletics and cross-country. The school offers competitive team sports in soccer, cricket, basketball and volleyball, among others. A recreational sports program is also available.
Extracurricular activities: Concert band, stage band, choirs, individual instrument tuition, singing, debating, public speaking, annual musical production, outdoor education, computer club, house competitions, school publications, travel opportunities.
Welfare and personal development: Leadership and responsibility are encouraged through a student executive, student council, house captains, peer support, social committee and missions committee. There is also considerable parent involvement. A strong parents’ group supports the college. Tutor groups, careers guidance and work experience programs are in place.
Adherence to uniform code is required. The college has a strong discipline and pastoral care system with an emphasis on Christian commitment and service. Gifted and talented student programs are conducted.
An enrichment centre in the junior school and a learning support centre in the middle and senior schools provide literacy and numeracy support and special education services. Overseas students are also catered for.
Special features: More than 100 students participate in a notebook computer program with access to the school’s intranet. A ministry co-ordinator oversees a program of contemporary worship involving student ministry teams.