Teaching and Learning

Teaching and Learning

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Early Learning Centre - 
Pre-Kindy

We embrace a play-based approach to the Early Years. The joy and instinctive sense of wonder and delight that play brings validates it as the most central, natural and important aspects of childhood. Believing in a play-based philosophy is simply accepting that children naturally engage in and enjoy play as a means of being, belonging and becoming active citizens. Our beautiful location allows us to embrace inside, outside and beyond learning on 60 acres of rural farmland providing children with a natural playground of agricultural land, animals and fresh air.
early Learning

Tiny Tots Talent Time

Wednesday’s from 10-11.30am

It takes a whole village to raise a child and our Tiny Tots Talent Time is an example of this. We provide parents and toddlers with a session each week where they play in our wonderful early childhood facilities with our Pre-Kindy children. The activities include; stories, rhymes, singing, dancing, craft and inspiring imaginative play in our nature playground. Parents can meet other parents and enjoy morning tea and chat with teachers and other parents.

Pre-Kindy for Four Year Olds

We know that children learn best at this age by doing. This is often the first-time children are away from their parents and ensuring they develop confidence and become free to be, belong and become learners is our aim. They are explorers actively interested about learning about the world around them and constructing new understanding through hands-on experimentation and play. We support this by providing classrooms and outdoor areas that are engaging environments.

Pre-Kindy 
Four Year Old’s
Monday – Friday

The pre-school years are also a time of tremendous social growth; therefore, much attention is paid to the development of positive social skills. Many activities are designed to encourage social interactions and cooperative play. Caring teachers are nearby to help children learn how to take turns, share, care for others and show 100% kindness.

Early Childhood
Education

What we offer in Pre-Kindy:

  • Early Years Education from the time a child turns 4 years old providing them with the best of play-based experiences in an environment rich with opportunities.
  • Children can attend one day or five days catering for busy families.
  • Children that are independently toilet trained can attend any time in the year when they turn 4 years old.
  • Pre-Kindy is located within our Early Learning Centre customised for Early Years Education.
  • Value adding experiences for children through specialist activities such as Library, Music, PE, French and Christian songs and stories.
  • We pride ourselves on an eclectic approach to teaching inspired from Reggio Emilia, Inquiry-based play, Nature Pedagogy and Hands-on approaches to learning.
  • Strong foundational skills are taught from songs, rhymes, counting, stories and beginning reading and writing including a wonderful fundamental movement program.
  • Promotion of imaginative play through our Lighthouse Nature Garden.
  • Access to the grounds and animals through our Secondary Agriculture Program.
  • Purpose built Early Learning Centre where children from Pre-Kindy to Year 2 are together fostering independence and service to one another.

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Primary (Kindy - Year 6)

Kindergarten – Year 2 (Stage 1)

What we offer in Kindergarten to Year 2:

  • A balanced approach of play-based learning combined with a strong foundation of literacy and numeracy based on research-based teaching strategies.
  • Integrated learning of a broad range of curriculum which allows children to engage deeply with a topic making it relevant and engaging for them.
  • Specialist subjects including; Music, Library, PE and Christian Education.
  • We pride ourselves on an eclectic approach to teaching inspired from Reggio Emilia, Inquiry-based play, Nature Pedagogy and Hands-on approaches to learning.
  • Promotion of imaginative play through our Lighthouse Nature Garden.
  • Access to the grounds and animals through our Secondary Agriculture Program, Science, Music and Drama and Art.
  • Purpose built Early Learning Centre where children from Pre-Kindy to Year 2 are together fostering independence and service to one another.
  • House system which nurtures children from Early Years to Year 12. Children are in the same house with their siblings which provides a great sense of identity and belonging.
  • A range of excursions and activities are provided at no extra cost as we offer an all- inclusive fee! This provides families with fantastic value!

Year 3-6 (Stage 2 & 3)

What we offer in Year 3 to Year 6:

  • A balanced approach of explicit teaching of literacy and numeracy combined with integrated units of work to foster deep learning and engagement. 
  • Specialist subjects including; Music, Library, PE, Christian Education and specialised Art.
  • We pride ourselves on an eclectic approach to teaching inspired from Inquiry-based play, Nature Pedagogy and Hands-on approaches to learning.
  • Access to the full range of facilities and grounds at the College which includes; Secondary Agriculture Program, Science, Music, Physical Education, Wood Technology Drama and Art.
  • Fully registered 5 kms of Mountain Bike Track within the grounds of the College. 
  • Purpose designed Primary School classrooms where children from Year 3 to Year 6 are together fostering independence, service to one another.
  • Latest Technology in every classroom which is WIFI accessed.
  • House system which nurtures children from Early Years to Year 12. Children are in the same house with their siblings which provides a great sense of identity and belonging.
  • A range of excursions, activities and camps are provided at no extra cost as we offer an all-inclusive fee! This provides families with fantastic value!

Enrol NOW to avoid disappointment! 

Secondary School Years 7 - 12

Secondary (Years 7 - 10)

What we offer in Year 7:

  • A special transition approach from Primary School to Year 7. This includes a range of activities focused on getting to know each other, reducing stress and anxiety and supporting students as they move from Primary Education to the demands of secondary curriculum.
  • Co-ordinator of Year 7 to specifically support the pastoral care approach of the students.
  • A balanced approach of core subjects combined with integrated units of work to foster deep learning and engagement.
  • Specialist subjects including; Music, Library, Visual Art, Physical Activity and Sport Studies, Textiles, Design & Technology, Drama, Food Technology, STEM and Christian Education.
  • We pride ourselves on an eclectic approach to teaching inspired from Inquiry-based approaches and Hands-on approaches to learning to empower students to think and explore deeper with their learning.
  • Fully registered 5 kms of Mountain Bike Track within the grounds of the College.
  • Latest Technology in every classroom which is WIFI accessed.
  • House system which nurtures children across the College in small groups. Children are in the same house with their siblings which provides a great sense of identity and belonging.
  • A range of excursions, activities and camps are provided at no extra cost as we offer an all-inclusive fee! This provides families with fantastic value!

In addition to above we also offer in Year 8 to Year 10

  • Electives commence in Year 8 (this is earlier than most secondary schools in the Bega Valley). Electives provide students with a ‘taste test’ of possible subjects and provides students some aspect of choice with their learning.
  • Specialist subjects including; Music, Library, Visual Art, Physical Activity and Sport Studies, Textiles, Design & Technology, Drama, Food Technology, Digital Technology, STEM, Agriculture, Commerce and Christian Education.
  • Leadership opportunities such as service projects across the community, participation in broader community projects such as Youth Frontiers – Student led Projects and Student Representative Committee.
  • Students from Year 9 can apply to participate in the International Duke of Edinburgh Award. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to develop leadership, endurance, service and skills in a broad range of areas. This is a highly competitive award and is a wonderful addition on their resumes.
  • Fully registered 5 kms of Mountain Bike Track within the grounds of the College.
  • Latest Technology in every classroom which is WIFI accessed.
  • House system which nurtures children across the College in small groups. Children are in the same house with their siblings which provides a great sense of identity and belonging.
  • A range of excursions, activities and camps are provided at no extra cost as we offer an all-inclusive fee! This provides families with fantastic value!

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Senior Secondary (Years 11 & 12)

What we offer in Year 11 & 12:

  • Specialist subjects including; English (standard, Advanced and Preliminary Extension 1 & 2) Agriculture, Business Studies, Construction (VET Qualification), Design and Technology, Economics, Geography, Hospitality (VET), Mathematics (Standard, 2 Unit, Extension 1 & 2) Music 1 & 2, Personal Development, Healthy & Physical Education, Physics, Visual Art, Sport Life and Recreation, Biology, Chemistry, Drama, Spanish, Legal Studies, History (Modern, Ancient & Extension 1 & 2) Tourism, Community & Family Studies.
  • Student choose their own Teacher Mentor for the full two-years to support their Senior Secondary Education
  • Leadership Opportunities
  • Students have their own common room in Year 12 where they can study, make food and relax listening to music.
  • Fully registered 5 kms of Mountain Bike Track within the grounds of the College.
  • Latest Technology in every classroom which is WIFI accessed.
  • House system which nurtures children across the College in small groups. Children are in the same house with their siblings which provides a great sense of identity and belonging.
  • Year 12 Formal Dinner & Dance
  • Careers Advisor supports every student and supports portfolio development.
  • Support with applications for early entry into university is provided (over three quarters of our students have historically received early entry into university due to the excellent preparation, attitude and hard work of the students)
  • A range of excursions, activities and camps are provided at no extra cost as we offer an all-inclusive fee! This provides families with fantastic value!

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We offer a superb range of excursions and activities for students from Pre-Kindy to Year 12. These excursions are included in our all-inclusive fees which provides wonderful value for families. It also, allows the College to choose a range of excursions and activities to suit the students and the learning themes.


In addition, we provide camps from Year 3 to Year 10 which are also included in our all-inclusive fees. Camps aim to build teamwork, social interactions, provide opportunities to serve and allow students to build independence skills. Some of the camps we have offered are:


  • Mogo Zoo and Camp at College
  • Kianinny Bush Camp
  • Canberra Tour
  • Snow Trip
  • Light to Light
  • Jindabyne
  • Lake’s Entrance
  • Duke of Edinburgh Hike
  • Sydney

In Years 11 and 12 students attend a variety of excursions to expose them to Careers Day, university tasters as well as specific course visits such as Whitehouse in Sydney. During these trips’ students are provided with information such as goal setting, study timetable, organising techniques, stress management, healthy eating and wellbeing strategies. There are also opportunities for Year 11 and 12 students to participate in public speaking at events such as Lions Youth, RSL Salute to Youth, Quota International.

Developing future leaders is really important to us. We offer a range of leadership opportunities in the Primary School and the Secondary School.

Leadership Opportunities include:



  • House Captains Primary
  • Prefects Secondary
  • Student Representative Committee from Year 6 to Year 12
  • House Captains Year 11
  • School Captains Year 12

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At Sapphire Coast Anglican College, we offer a broad range of sporting endeavours. Individual age-based awards are presented for our three main College sports, which are; Swimming, Athletics and Cross Country. The College encourages participation by issuing House points for such sports. Students whose performance indicates potential are encouraged to represent the College at SASSA Carnivals.


We are also a member of SASSA (Southern Anglican Schools Sports Association. Students who wish to excel in sport initially represent the College at this association before progressing through to AICES (Association of Independent Co-Educational Schools) and then, CIS (Combined Independent Schools). This pathway allows our competitive athletes to challenge themselves in a range of sports at the highest levels against the best competitors in the state.

Learning Enrichment

Our vision is for every student to achieve their potential through a Christian approach and this means that every student is known, enriched and celebrated. Learning enrichment is a broad term that encompasses all aspects of academic life as well as the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of life at the College. Our Learning Enrichment team works in conjunctions with teachers to determine the needs of students. Student needs can range from supporting the classroom teacher with resources for extension or intervention, providing small group intervention, support with organisation or providing a modified program for students unable to access mainstream curriculum. Our approach provides an individualised approach to student needs and works in partnership with teachers and families to ensure that every student reaches their potential throughout their educational journey at Sapphire Coast Anglican College.


At Sapphire Coast Anglican College, we offer a seamless educational experience from Pre- Kindy all the way through to Year 12. Set on 60 acres in the beautiful Bega Valley we offer the best of Early Years, Primary Learning and Secondary Education through a Christian approach, fostering a sense of identity, independence and an emphasis on growing the whole child. The benefit for a child attending for their entire education is a deeper understanding and strong relationships with their teachers. We build on their learning year after year and customise learning dependent on their needs and desired pathway. This can be extending their understanding or providing intervention in any areas through support from our specialised Learning Enrichment Centre. We offer a broad range of curriculum in the Secondary School.


Our Values: Compassion, Honesty, Respect, Integrity, Service and Thankfulness


The values at Sapphire Coast Anglican College underpin everything that we do. Staff, students and families work hard to demonstrate the importance of these values. Overarching these is our 100% Kindness Initiative. This initiative is about creating the environment that we all want to live and work in. Kindness allows us to be safe, respected and accepted for all the gifts and skills we have. We recognise the unique value of each student and seek to provide a learning environment where children can develop a sense of belonging and growing into positive citizens of our College and broader community.

Agriculture is deeply embedded in the Bega Valley. It is the soil and mountains, valleys and watercourses and the lifeblood of many in our area. Agriculture is integral to education at the College. It starts in kindergarten, forms part of the learning throughout Primary school and is a highly functioning subject as Agricultural Technology in both 7-10 and Preliminary and HSC Agriculture in senior years.

The programmes of study provide a range of practical and hands on activities to build skills and knowledge. Our 60 acres of land allow the students ample opportunity to work with a variety of animals and experience plant production and horticulture.

Along with this students experience excursions outside the valley to understand agribusiness and best practice in a variety of places. We go fishing at Jindabyne, Agvision in Junee, the Royal Easter Show in Sydney and viticulture in Lakes Entrance to name a few. 

Sapphire Coast Anglican College Agriculture programmes are aimed at encouraging all students to learn and enjoy, to build on their strengths and to challenge them with new experiences. 

In 2019 we will have both Agricultural Technology A and Agricultural Technology B courses as well as Preliminary and HSC Agriculture. Students who have studied Agriculture at the College have gone onto great careers in Veterinary Science, Agronomy, Animal studies, Agriculture teaching, Equine Studies, ANSTO and written articles for Nature magazine in New York. The possibilities are immense. The foundations of these careers were nurtured at school.

Agriculture is thriving at Sapphire Coast Anglican College and we encourage anyone who has an interest or passion for this essential career to come and visit to experience what we can offer.

The College offers students opportunities to participate in Music and Performing Arts in a variety of ways. As part of curriculum offerings students have opportunities to study Drama and Music as well as digital technologies. In addition, students have the opportunity to join; Concert Band, Rock Band, Choir, Soul Band and String Ensemble. These music groups perform at various school events and functions and at times, in the community.


Each year we present the College Soiree, which provides a taste of creative and performing arts, textiles, food and design and technology. This is a wonderful evening where throughout the year students work on their craft and present it at the Soiree.


Sapphire Coast Anglican College also have a number of excellent music tutors that come to the school to provide individualised or small group lessons. Students rotate through a timetable to avoid missing the same classes but allows them to fine tune their talents. Lessons are available in piano, violin, guitar, bass, drums, cello and voice. We pride ourselves on providing students with opportunities to perform in the community and have performed for The Anglican Church in Bega, Hillgrove House and Four Winds in Bermagui.

The Sapphire Coast Anglican College Equestrian Program involves coaching during Friday sport from Level One Equestrian Australia instructors (Kristen Cowdroy and Marissa Whant) and a Pony Club NSW accredited instructor (Trish Warrington)


Kristen Cowdroy is a local coach who is gifted at building rider confidence in all disciplines. With over 30 years experience Kristen she has trained students and horses to national level and delivers instruction based on sound foundational principles with rider safety paramount to all activities. 


Trish Warrington is a teacher at our school who has over 40 years' experiences in Pony Club NSW. She offers safe and fun Friday sport sessions that include novelty games, troop drill and basic horsemanship. 


The Equine Team not only ride for Sport on Friday, but seeks to serve the community by volunteering at local Agricultural Shows and Pony Club events. 


Our equine schedule varies every term and incorporates preparation for local competitions. We are thrilled to be hosting the inaugural Sapphire Coast Anglican College Interschools Equestrian Training Day and Competition in May 2023 in association with the NSW Children and Young People Recovery Initiative. 


If you would like more information regarding the SCAC Equestrian Program, please contact Trish Warrington. 

The College has a registered 5 km Mountain Bike track situated on the grounds of the College. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to build their Mountain Bike skills and enter local competitions. Each week students can take to the track and build their endurance and skill level.

Meet our Music Tutors

Arati George

Arati George has been teaching singing students of all ages at Magpie School of Music for nearly 25 years, as well as teaching creative arts in schools. Her knowledge and skills are based in her own Opera/Classical training, as well as decades of experience in a very wide range of genres, including rock, folk, jazz, and world music. Students increase clarity of tone, precision of pitch, dynamic control and strength, vocal range and diversify music style. Lessons are super fun!
Ph: 0419472706
E: arati.george@outlook.com

Dave Crowden

Music teacher / performer / composer
David Crowden completed an Associate Diploma of Music at the Tasmanian Conservatorium of Music in 1979, followed by a Bachelor of Education in Secondary Music at Melbourne CAE in 1984. In 1988, David relocated to NSW to establish a music performance and teaching practice on the southeast coast near Bega. 
 
David has taught music for more than 15 years at schools including Sunbury High School, Bega High School and Mumbulla School, and has been a full-time instrumental music teacher at Magpie Music and Sapphire Coast Anglican College. In his role as a full-time music teacher, he has regularly worked with students to both interpret and compose musical material for high school and AMEB examinations and public performances. In 2006 he established a guitar ensemble , GUITARAMA , which is comprised of mainly students . The ensemble has performed regularly at festivals and concerts on the South Coast and has recorded three CD’s of original instrumental music .
 
Throughout the past thirty five years, David has performed as a professional musician working as a solo classical guitarist and as a member of guitar ensembles as well as various pop, rock and blues groups across NSW, VIC and TAS. In addition, he has worked as a songwriter and session musician on numerous musical recordings, as a guitarist and bass player, for artists on the southeast coast.

Jack Hobbs

Growing up on a dairy farm near Bemboka, Jack was introduced to the cello at Mumbulla School. After learning from Jarka Wichta he moved to Canberra to study cello at university under the guidance of David Pereira. After several years working as a freelance performer, teacher and arts administrator, Jack moved to New Zealand for several years where he led the event planning team at Chamber Music New Zealand... and played on the soundtrack of The Hobbit. When not playing cello, Jack enjoys baking, walking and working on the farm. As a music teacher of many years, Jack delights in opportunities to share his enthusiasm for cello playing with young people.
email: jack.h.hobbs@gmail.com

Rebecca Stewart

Rebecca Stewart B.Mus (Hons), A.Mus.A, AYMF.  Rebecca Stewart is a friendly, enthusiastic and dedicated teacher with more than twenty years experience educating children as young as three years old. Rebecca enjoys helping her students develop a life-long love of music. She uses age-appropriate materials to engage the students in the lessons and in their music- making at home. Creative Kids Vouchers welcome. Get in contact with Rebecca by emailing Rebecca@sightreading.com.au or read more about her on her website:

Vanessa Vromans

Pambula-based, new to the Bega valley, violinist and educator Vanessa Vromans (AU/NL) was born in Curacao to a Dutch father and an Australian mother. She holds both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in solo violin performance and education from the Conservatorium in Rotterdam, where she studied Classical and World music. Vanessa has over 20 years of experience which includes teaching at the young talent programme of the Rotterdam conservatorium, tutoring in programmes for underprivileged children, organising and teaching at a summer camp for strings in the Netherlands and private tuition of all ages. Vanessa has performed and taught at festivals in Australia, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Moldova, the Netherlands, Poland, Ukraine, Scotland, Spain, Switzerland, Russia and the United States.
tel: 0427305077
Email: vanessavromans@gmail.com

Julian Gonzalez

Julian Gonzalez is new to the Bega Valley and loves teaching music! Julian is a multi-instrumentalist, teaching a range of instruments including woodwind (saxophone, clarinet), brass (trombone and trumpet) double bass, electric bass and piano.

Originally from Sydney, he has been working as a musician for many years across a variety of genres, classical music, jazz and contemporary rock. Julian is a member of the Ku-ring-gai Philharmonic Orchestra, and a freelance jazz musician, regularly performing at corporate private events.

Julian’s qualifications include a Bachelor of Education and a Masters In Creative Music Therapy. He has over 10 years of experience working as a private music instructor, a classroom teacher and Registered Music Therapist. Julian is passionate about getting alongside younger people to help them grow and realise their musical potential. Music offers unique opportunities for self-expression, discipline and cognition.

Amy Turnbull

Amy Turnbull grew up in the Bega valley where she learnt Suzuki piano with Jane Buesnel up to level 10. She then completed a double degree in Music and Science at the ANU studying Piano with Susanne Powell. She is currently completing her Master of Teaching, Maths and Science.  

Amy has over 10 years of experience teaching piano using the Suzuki Method or Mother Tongue Method which believes that in the same way that all children can learn their own language, all children can learn music. Listening, imitating, and being nurtured by a loving and supportive environment facilitate their learning. 

Duke of Edinburgh Award

Service
Physical Recreation
Skills
Adventurous Journey
WHY DO IT?

- It’s enjoyable
- It’s about getting out there and having FUN!
- It’s a fantastic opportunity 
- Build your Award around activities you enjoy or try something completely new, your award is created by you for you
- Meet new people and make great friends
- Have adventure and challenge yourself
duke award
Service Physical Recreation Skill Adventurous Journey Residential Project
BRONZE 14+years 3 months 3 months 3 months 2 days/1 night (1x practice journey & 1x qualifying journey) N/A Gold Level Only
SILVER 15+years 6 months 6 months 6 months 3 days/2 nights (1x practice journey & 1x qualifying journey) N/A Gold Level Only
GOLD 16+years 12 months 12 months 12 months 4 days/ 3 nights (1x practice journey & 1x qualifying journey) 5 days/ 4 nights
Sample Title

BRONZE - Averaging at least 1 hour per week. Plus additional 3 months for a Major Section-either Service, Skill or Physical Recreation.*


SILVER - Averaging at least 1 hour per week. Plus additional 6 months for a Major Section if Bronze Award not completed.*


GOLD - Averaging at least 1 hour per week. Plus additional 6 months for a Major Section if Silver Award not completed.*


Residential Project (Gold Only)

The Residential Project, completed only at Gold level, aims to broaden participants’ horizons through involvement with others in a residential setting.
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