Guiding Principles

Priorities

The Crest-wide “Future Focused” priorities are fivefold.

  1. Equip our young people with the knowledge, skills and values to thrive in world that is increasingly complex, fluid and uncertain
  2. Focus on the God-given potential of each learner and the importance of realising that potential
  3. Build their systems around the learner rather than have the learner trying to fit the system
  4. Change the roles of learners and teachers as the work together to generate new solutions to complex problems
  5. Develop new kinds of partnerships and relationships as learners work with real challenges in a range of real-world contexts

Principles

  1. The pursuit of faith, identity, and character
  2. The instilling of Gospel-driven excellence
  3. The application of Biblical principles
  4. The creation of a safe, relational, and engaging environment
  5. Partnering with parents and the wider community
  6. The commitment to serving others in community

Philosophy

Crest Education offers students a holistic education established on a Christian foundation. The basis of this foundation is God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - as Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer and the Bible as the inspired Word of God.

We consider that young people are transformed through having a personal relationship with God through Jesus  Christ and developing a biblically grounded and shaped   worldview about God, themselves, human society and creation.

The College seeks to instil in students a high standard of biblical morality, an understanding of social justice and deep respect     for others. In turn they can be a transforming influence in their homes, communities, and work as they use their unique personalities, dispositions, abilities and talents to love God and love others, as Jesus commanded.

Charter

Crest Education is committed to employing the best teaching and learning practices as reflected in current educational literature and research and which are in line with our underpinning biblical ethos. The list below outlines what quality education looks like at Crest.

  1. The gospel is integral to both curriculum and teaching and learning practices
  2. Student wellbeing is prioritised as an essential prerequisite for learning    
  3. Learning is focussed less on content and rote learning and more on conceptual, problem based, project based, inquiry, real world learning
  4. Celebration of growth and progress is prioritised (not just achievement)
  5. Students are empowered and are able to make decisions about their learning
  6. A priority is placed on students learning in community
  7. There is intentional teaching of character, values and attribute dispositions    
  8. Learning is differentiated – not all students learn the same thing in the same way at the same time
  9. A growth mindset permeates – a belief that all students can learn and become lifelong learners    
  10. Formative assessment practices are a key feature of learning    
  11. Learning spaces are designed strategically in order to facilitate effective wellbeing and learning    
  12. School structures (e.g. timetables, procedures etc) serve best learning practice and do not drive or constrain learning