Holistic approach to learning

A vision to “Nurture the Whole Child” is the driving force behind everything at Darling Downs Christian School (DDCS).

“We talk about our students needing to have 21st century skills in education, but we must not forget that some of their most important needs and values as a human being do not change over time,” DDCS Principal Adrian Fitzpatrick said. “We have a strong belief in a holistic approach to learning, coming out of our 75 years history of education.” Mr Fitzpatrick said as well as academic development, the school provides subjects to nurture the physical, spiritual, emotional and social needs of each child. These include a primary Kitchen Garden program, horticultural subjects in the secondary school, as well as a HOPE initiative to focus on community service, green exercise and student well-being. “Our school is also based on Biblical principles to support the spiritual needs of our students,” Mr Fitzpatrick said.

Mr Fitzpatrick said the school’s size meant they could be flexible with the subjects they offer to senior students.

“We can respond and support them in their individual interests across the curriculum,” Mr Fitzpatrick said. “We love being a school that is small enough to know each student by name and where they can interact across their age groups.”

He said students have more opportunities for leadership roles in the school’s senior grades. “We focus on helping our students see that they each have something to offer and that they are all leaders in their sphere of influence.”