History

NCC – A Brief History

The Foundation Years: 1980-1990

Preparations began in 1979 by local families of the New Life Assembly of God Nambour church to commence a Christian school on the Sunshine Coast.

This was the result of parents being concerned with the schooling options available and wanted to provide an education for their children that was based on Christian values and biblical principles.

In 1980 the school commenced with 36 students, from Years 2 to 11, with the curriculum being the Accelerated Christian Education (A.C.E.) program.  The daily program saw mornings spent doing self-paced academic subjects while the afternoons were for music, drama, art, handicraft and sport.

The school was located in the former church building.  It consisted of one large classroom, a small library, two storerooms and one office and was known as New Life Christian School.  The first multi-purpose building was constructed in 1985, consisting of two rooms, a science laboratory and a typing room.

In 1987 the decision was made to replace the A.C.E. program with a broader, Christian based curriculum.  Our current Head of College, Mr Bruce Campbell, was appointed Deputy Principal.  The school received government accreditation and Commonwealth and State funding at this time.

At the end of the first 10 years, this emerging Sunshine Coast school consisted of 275 students (144 Primary and 107 Secondary).

The Building Years: 1991-2000

The church Pastor saw the need for a more professional and planned approach to the oversight and development of the school and in 1989, the School Board was established.  It immediately set about creating a development plan for the future called ‘Towards 2000’.  This marked the end of the formal connection between the church and the school.

The first stage of a multi-stage building program was commenced and this comprised speciality rooms including a home economics kitchen and sewing rooms, science laboratories and a mathematics room.  By late 1999 construction had begun on the new resource centre as well as the final stage of the administration building.

Bruce Campbell, previously Deputy Principal, was appointed Head of College at the end of 1991 and led the school through these building years.  In 1992 the school’s name was changed to Nambour Christian College.

In 1999 an important change took place in the structure of the College with the commencement of Middle School, comprising Years 7, 8 and 9.  This major restructuring was made, in recognition of the special needs of early adolescents, by changing their traditional groupings and subject offerings.

Primary School then encompassed Preschool to Year 6, with Senior School comprising Years 10, 11 and 12.

The Maturing Years: 2001- 2010

As the College entered the 21st century, enrolments had grown to almost 1000 students and NCC was one of the largest independent schools on the Sunshine Coast.

Building did not cease, however, with the completion of the award winning Lecture Theatre and the outdoor Amphitheatre in 2002; the Early Learning Centre and new Prep facility in 2004 (again winning an award for design and construction) and the Hospitality facility and new Berakah Farm buildings in 2005.

The first Prep class was introduced in 2004 with another added in 2005 and a third in 2006.  By the commencement of 2006, the Primary School consisted of three classes in each Year Level – Prep through to Year 6.

Middle School had expanded to four classes in Year 7 and five classes in both Year 8 and 9.  Senior School had grown to five classes in each year level – Years 10, 11 and 12.  The College enrolment exceeded 1200 students.

The curriculum for all school levels continues to expand with the most notable development in Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA), Hospitality, Agricultural Science and Music.

The introduction of the Year 5 (now Year 4) Instrumental Music program in 2002, involving all students in that year level, has significantly increased the number of students participating in instrumental music and has enriched College life with the expertise and diversity of the various bands, orchestras and ensembles.

Fulfilling our Mission: 2011-2014

We adopted the following Vision Statement that drove our Strategic Plan over the next 4 years.

NCC will be recognised globally as a leading Christian College were students are equipped for Life, Living and Discipleship.

A review of Teaching and Learning across the College, led to the development of a new Framework, based on the latest research into Best Teaching Practice that resulted in improved student outcomes. A Teaching and Learning Committee was established, chaired by the Deputy Principal and a Director of Academic Achievement appointed.

Construction commenced in late 2013 of a purpose-designed Early Learning Centre to be built adjacent to the College on the old Koala Motel site.  This was opened in September 2014.

Sporting programmes across the College were reviewed in light of the completion of the Health and Fitness Centre as well as changes to the SCISSA competitions for Senior School students.

Changes to students learning through the use of iPads and other technologies were introduced for all students in 2015 from Years 4 to 12.

Pushing the boundaries of our influence has seen the extension of both our Sister School and our Missions Project opportunities. Since 2010 NCC has taken over the running of the small Gulf Christian College, based in Normanton in northern Queensland, supporting the school with both expertise and resources. Sister Schools were established with Thomas Hassall Anglican College (NSW) and Tyndale Christian School (SA). This relationship has opened the way for professional development opportunities between the staff of the three schools. In 2011, the College visited Malawi in Africa taking a team of students and staff to work with the students in a small village school and children’s home.

As we looked to the future, we were excited by the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. As a College community we will continue to seek the Lord, in prayer for his direction for our future.

Strategic Focus

Our NCC Community

NCC will be known for its vibrant caring community, where the values of worship, relationship and stewardship are evident in the lives of our students and through our culture, programs and events.

Knowledge and Learning
Learning is at the heart of our community across all dimensions, (intellectual, social, emotional, physical and spiritual) providing students with opportunities and support to achieve the highest possible standard of education through a broad range of subject offerings and innovative programs.

Growth and Development
To continue to grow and develop its facilities ensuring that the physical environment is continuously improved and developed to reflect evolving learning methodologies whilst maintaining our history, values and culture.

Governance and Leadership of the College
We will maintain an effective College board that will empower the College leadership team, working within our mission, culture, values and policies.

Staffing
To attract and retain quality teaching and non-teaching staff through competitive salary levels, structured professional learning activities, safe and supportive working conditions and periodic performance review.

The implementation of these strategic focus area is a shared responsibility by all staff members, the Executive Team and the College Board.

Over the past 36 years Nambour Christian College has built a fine reputation as a leader in Christian education on the Sunshine Coast.  Through our many academic, spiritual, cultural and sporting activities we have seen outstanding results from groups as well as individual students at local, state and national level.