Learning
Secondary Education
At Blue Hills College, our Secondary School program is thoughtfully designed to support the holistic growth of each student—academically, physically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. In harmony with the Seventh-day Adventist philosophy of education, we believe in nurturing every student as a unique child of God, created with a purpose and full of potential. Our goal is to help each young person grow into a capable, resilient individual of integrity, who is not only prepared for life’s challenges but also inspired to serve others with a Christ-like heart.
We cater for students in Years 7 to 12, equipping them with the tools they need to thrive in a modern learning environment. Through our laptop levy program, each student receives a personal device with access to a range of high-quality digital platforms, including Google Classroom, Microsoft 365, Adobe Creative Cloud, Cambridge Mathematics, and Essential Assessments.
Our dedicated and caring teachers walk alongside students on their learning journey, helping them set personal goals and guiding them with wisdom, encouragement, and prayer. Classrooms are engaging, Christ-centred spaces where excellence, creativity, and innovation are cultivated. Strong partnerships between home and school ensure that each student feels supported, known, and valued.
We also offer a wide selection of elective subjects, allowing students to explore their God-given interests and talents as they prepare for the path God is calling them to follow.
Curriculum
At Blue Hills College, we provide a curriculum that meets all core requirements set by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). Students in Stage 4 (Years 7 and 8) follow a comprehensive mainstream program without subject electives, ensuring a solid foundation in all key learning areas. As part of this program, students engage in Spanish as our Language Other Than English (LOTE) and participate in a dynamic STEM program designed to develop critical thinking and creativity. For Stage 5 students (Years 9 and 10), we currently offer three elective subjects, providing opportunities to explore individual interests and talents. As a small school, we have the unique privilege of working closely with our senior students to negotiate subject options that best suit their goals and aspirations. While subject offerings may vary from year to year to meet student needs, any new subjects introduced will continue to be available throughout Stage 6, ensuring continuity and depth in our curriculum.
At Blue Hills College, we are committed to providing flexible and supportive learning pathways that cater to the diverse interests and future goals of our senior students. In addition to our on-campus subject offerings, students have the opportunity to access a range of external learning options, including TVET (TAFE-delivered Vocational Education and Training) programs, school-based apprenticeships, and Stage 6 subjects not currently offered at the College through Distance Education. These pathways allow students to pursue specialised areas of interest, gain industry-recognised qualifications, and experience real-world learning, all while remaining connected to our nurturing, Christ-centred school community.
Years 9 & 10
Encounter (Studies in Religion)
English
Mathematics
Science
History/Geography (HSIE)
Drama
Music
Visual Art
Physical Activity and Sports Study (PASS)
Industrial Technology (Timber)
Food Technology
Photography
Multimedia
PDHPE
Sport (on Wednesday afternoons after lunch)
Years 11 & 12
Biology (not on offer in 2025)
Geography
Modern History
Ancient History
Textiles and Design
Industrial Technology (Timber) (not on offer in 2025)
Community and Family Studies (CAFS)
PDHPE
Health and Movement Science
Mathematics (Standard)
Mathematics (Advanced – via Distance Education)
English (Standard)
English (Advanced)
Legal Studies
Co-Curricular Activities
Research suggests that co-curricular activities boost self-esteem and resilience and so we offer a range of co-curricular programs that enable students to explore new interests and grow into multi-skilled individuals.
Camps and Excursions
At Blue Hills College, we believe that camps and excursions are a meaningful extension of the classroom—opportunities for students to grow in character, connect with others, and experience God’s creation in a hands-on, memorable way. While our destinations may vary from year to year, each journey is prayerfully planned to enrich students’ learning and spiritual development.
Our Stage 4 students (Years 7–8) typically attend an outdoor adventure camp aimed at building resilience, teamwork, and new life skills. Past camps have been held at Lake Ainsworth Sport and Recreation Centre, Jarra Adventure Park at Grassy Head, and the Coffs Coast Adventure Centre. Stage 5 students (Years 9–10) take part in a range of curriculum-based excursions, such as a memorable trip west to Lightning Ridge and Warrumbungle National Park, as well as visits to art galleries and coastal locations that deepen their understanding of geography, history, or science.
For our Stage 6 students (Years 11–12), we offer a biennial trip to Sydney and Avondale University in Cooranbong to inspire academic and spiritual growth. Other excursions, depending on curriculum needs, may include geography fieldwork, visits to the Great Barrier Reef, and cultural or artistic experiences. We also provide optional enrichment opportunities such as ski trips (to the NSW snowfields or New Zealand) and the “Make a Difference” (MAD) trip—an overseas service-focused journey after HSC exams designed to give back and reflect Christ’s love in action.
Additionally, our Chaplaincy Team leads a special StormCo (Service To Others Really Matters) trip each July, where students minister to remote communities such as Toomelah, offering practical help, children’s programs, and genuine connection through Christian service.
At every stage, our camps and excursions reflect our commitment to nurturing for today, inspiring learning for tomorrow, and shaping character for eternity.
Music Program
At Blue Hills College, we believe that music is a precious gift from God—one that uplifts the soul, deepens worship, and enriches the heart. In harmony with the Seventh-day Adventist philosophy of education, our music program is designed not only to develop musical skills but also to inspire a love for creativity, praise, and joyful expression that honours our Creator.
Our music program includes classroom lessons focused on music literacy, as well as opportunities for private tuition across a variety of instruments. Students are encouraged to grow through a range of performance experiences that build confidence, teamwork, and self-expression. We recognise the important role music plays in cognitive, creative, and physical development, and we are committed to helping each student explore their God-given talents in a nurturing and faith-filled environment.
Sports Program
At Blue Hills College, we believe that physical activity is a vital part of whole-person development and a wonderful way to honour God through the care of our bodies—His creation. Rooted in the Seventh-day Adventist philosophy of education, our approach to sport encourages students to grow in character, teamwork, resilience, and a spirit of fair play, while developing lifelong habits of health and wellbeing.
As a proud member of the North Coast Independent Schools Sports Association (NCIS), our students have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of sports at regional, state, and national levels. These include swimming, cross country, athletics, touch football, soccer, basketball, hockey, netball, and tennis. High-achieving students may also progress to NSW state competitions and beyond.
Through sport, we aim to cultivate not only physical skill but also a sense of joy, discipline, and Christ-like sportsmanship that reflects our commitment to nurturing strong, balanced, and faithful young people.