Welcome to The Lakes College

What to look for when choosing a school.

To assist you in knowing what to look for when choosing a school for your child, we have prepared a short summary of the most important things to consider.

What does the school do to prepare students to fulfil their potential in later life?

Good schools will offer your child a wide range of opportunities to discover and grow their potential.

Children can discover their gifts and talents by becoming fully involved in the life of the school from an early age. High academic achievement is the foundation and studying a wide range of subjects is very important in the primary years. The opportunity to try new specialist subjects in the middle school and then the pursuit of the subjects a child enjoys most in senior schooling is a good rule to follow. Obviously the subjects your child likes are the ones they will do well in academically.

A good school will also offer a range of vocational subjects in the senior school to help them develop pathways to further study or work after shool. Your child is likely to keep on learning after school if also taught to be flexible, adaptable, creative problem solvers and if challenged and motivated to succeed.

A strong sporting and cultural program gives students the opportunity to build self confidence, work with others in teams and build resilience. We call this educational philosophy a balanced approach where children get a well rounded education to prepare them to discover and fulfil their potential in later life.

What about teaching philosophy?

Good schools take a holistic approach to education.

That is they educate the whole person – intellectual, physical, cultural, social and spiritual. They engender a responsible attitude to school work, teach children to think for themselves and monitor their progress to ensure that they continue to learn and flourish. Good schools have teachers who are continuous learners, who will care for, motivate and challenge your child to keep on learning. Good teachers are passionate about making a difference to the life chances of your child.

Will my child be safe at school?

Parents tell us that feeling that their child is safe at school is one of the most important things in making the decision, so it is important to know what to look for.

Good schools have pastoral care systems in place to monitor your child’s personal and emotional development. In the primary school the classroom teacher who works with your child all day is the best one to look out for your child’s personal and social development.

In the middle and senior school, however, this is a little more difficult as children spend time with more and more teachers. Good secondary schools build support time into the day so that the pastoral care teacher meets your child at least once a day or is available during the day if there is a problem. A trusting relationship should be present between your child and the teacher. Secondary schools can be large and impersonal, however smaller sub groups in which the children are known and supported can alleviate problems happening.

Good schools have a house/family grouping including children of all ages, so that support systems can be provided for younger children, and older children can learn to learn about caring for others and providing leadership.

You will know if the school is right for your school if your child is happy as school.

How important is student conduct and presentation?

A good school has and enforces a Code of Conduct that sets the expectations of the school community about behaviour. It will show children how to seek help if it is needed. Conflict is an inevitable part of life and a good school will have ways of teaching children to resolve conflict and develop solutions to their problems.

Students should know their rights and be prepared to exercise them but know that they have responsibilities to themselves, their families and the school.

Students at a good school will be proud of their uniforms and their school and will learn to present themselves well in preparation for life.

How are Christian values taught?

A Christian school will provide opportunities for your child to learn about God and the way of life that Jesus Christ modelled for us. Teachers will model Christian values of the community and gradually your child will learn to appreciate the gift of a Christian community that practices the Gospel values. Through worship, spiritual development classes and community life, your child’s spiritual development and character will be nurtured.

A good school will help your child to become a compassionate, person of influence.