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TAILORED DISTANCE EDUCATION

A vision for your child's future

Hillcrest’s Virtual Learning Community (VLC) is an evolution of traditional distance education. While we have maintained the benefits of distance learning — your family controls how, when and where your child will complete their schooling — our VLC incorporates the best aspects of a world-class Hillcrest Christian College education. As well as participating in online, timetabled classes, VLC students will be able to access on-campus social opportunities, extracurricular activities and learning experiences at our Gold Coast Campus.

We provide dedicated and trained staff to engage students through interactive and hands-on modules, teaching an innovative and future-focused curriculum. Underpinned by our Christian worldview and values, we focus on educating the whole child, with a strong focus on nurturing their spiritual and emotional wellbeing.








Distance Education suited to your family and lifestyle

Hillcrest Christian College’s Virtual Learning Community (VLC) offers your family a truly flexible, distance education learning experience, 
so your child can access an exceptional independent school education at their finger tips, tailored to your family's lifestyle and your child's learning.  




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Our Program

Our VLC offers a broad range of learning opportunities through individual pathways. We create an environment where every child can learn in a way that suits their unique strengths and interests, equipping them with the skills they’ll need now and into the world beyond school.

Rather than simply working through each subject, our modules are full of interactive, engaging units that build on core literacy and numeracy skills. We ensure that our plans are flexible and can be adapted as your child’s needs and interests change.


Connection

Our platform enables students to establish authentic and meaningful connections with other students and staff. Unlike some distance education providers with large student to teacher ratios, our intentional class sizes provide students with an opportunity to network and create deeper peer relationships.

Our Vision of Learning

At Hillcrest Christian College, our Virtual Learning Community (VLC) is an integral part of our innovative learning vision, designed to support students in a dynamic, flexible and future-focused environment. The VLC empowers learners to take ownership of their education through personalised pathways, interactive digital platforms, and real-world connections. Whether learning on-campus or remotely, students engage with high-quality resources, expert educators, and collaborative opportunities that extend beyond the traditional classroom — preparing them to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.


Junior VLC

Junior VLC students form a strong foundation of literacy and numeracy skills. Through our innovative I Love Reading (ILR) program, as well as enriching, integrated and interactive at-home projects that showcase their emerging skills and abilities.

Middle VLC

Our Middle VLC students build on their foundational knowledge and skills by engaging in Design-Centred Learning (DCL) projects; investigating relevant issues, brainstorming solutions, creating action plans, and reflecting on potential impacts on the local and broader community.  

Senior VLC

Senior VLC is the final phase of schooling, with a distinct focus on providing students with a foundation for post-school work and study options. It is a time when students’ identities begin to take a more defined form as they approach maturity and adulthood.

Enrichment 

For students able to attend Gold Coast locations, we offer a number of events where students and their families can connect and form relationships. This includes face-to-face social events, and on-campus enrichment days.

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Download our Prospectus

The Hillcrest Virtual Learning Community is a leading provider of distance education for students from Prep to Year 12. Designed to deliver flexible, high-quality learning experiences, the VLC combines Hillcrest’s commitment to academic excellence with innovative online teaching and personalised support. Whether families are seeking a full-time distance education pathway or a tailored solution to suit individual needs, the VLC empowers students to thrive in a connected, Christ-centred environment.


For more information, including program details and enrolment opportunities, please explore our online prospectus.


Click Here to View the Prospectus


DISCOVER MORE ABOUT DISTANCE EDUCATION

VIRTUAL LEARNING FAQS

Read the answers to some of our most popular questions.

The VLC caters for students in Prep-Year 12 who reside in Queensland. It is a full-time Distance Education schooling offering.

Junior VLC (Prep – Year 4): Focuses on foundational literacy and numeracy through our I Love Reading program, integrated projects, and core Australian Curriculum subjects. Students also participate in Life Groups, Christian Living, online Gathering (Chapel), and Assemblies.


Middle VLC (Years 5 – 8): Supports students through Design-Centred Learning (DCL) projects, SECRET Skills development, and micro-credentialing, integrating core subjects and elective learning. Yearly camps foster personal growth.


Senior VLC (Years 9 – 12): Prepares students for post-school pathways with QCE, ATAR and non-ATAR options, plus access to VET courses. Core subjects and electives align with career and tertiary goals, complemented by leadership development, camps, and faith-based engagement.

Students in Years 11-12 choose five subjects from the following: English OR Essential English (compulsory); General Mathematics, Essential Mathematics OR Mathematical Methods (compulsory); Modern History; Legal Studies; Biology; Physics; Psychology and Business. VET and other courses are also available in ATAR and non-ATAR pathways. As the VLC continues to grow, further options will become available. Please contact our enrolments team if you have any questions.

 

Students in the VLC also build a portfolio of SECRET Skills (Self-Manager, Effective Participator, Creative Thinker, Reflective Learner, Enquirer, Team Worker) as a key component of Hillcrest’s mission to develop the whole child. As a Christian College, units are taught from a biblical world view.

Students participate in live, daily online sessions with their teacher between 1-2 hours in total, depending on the year level. If they can’t attend the online sessions, students will be expected to watch these back in their own time throughout the week.


They will also have individual learning activities to complete each week in their own time. Students and families can structure the learning week to suit their circumstances. In general, students can expect their weekly workload to be a lot faster compared to a mainstream schooling setting.

Regular assessment will take place through the Virtual Learning platform to assess how students are progressing and inform the teacher of how to best support your child. 


However, in the Junior and Middle years, these rarely take the form of long assignments or exams. We design learning around real-world, meaningful tasks that allow students to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and understanding in a purposeful and real-life context. 

Students receive a formal school report twice a year, at the end of each semester. These will be uploaded to the Parent Lounge, and parents may print their copy at home if required. Ongoing feedback on assessment and progress is given to students throughout each term via Progressive Reporting feedback.

NAPLAN testing is compulsory for all Year 3, 5, 7 and 9 students across Australia, whether in a mainstream or Distance Education setting. However, parents may withdraw their child because of philosophical or religious reasons.


NAPLAN testing takes place in Term 1 each year. More information will be sent to parents about the testing (and process for withdrawals, if applicable) at the beginning of each school year. If you cannot arrange for your child to attend the Hillcrest Christian College Home Campus (Reedy Creek), arrangements can be made with your local school to complete the testing.

At Hillcrest, we recognise that each student is unique and has different needs. An Individual Learning Plan (ILP) is a document that allows the teacher, student and parents to work together to look at a student’s strengths, aspirations, challenges and competencies to tailor an appropriate educational program.


This may include having extra time to consolidate core concepts, working at an alternate year level in a particular subject area or concept, working on accelerated content, or, in the case of students with diagnosed needs, having adjustments in place to assist in the completion of class-work and assessments. ILPs are reviewed by all parties every six months.

Unlike traditional Distance Education programs, the VLC aims to develop the whole child, meaning there is a focus on not only intellectual achievement but also development in the emotional, wellbeing, global and spiritual domains. Each child participates in Life Group lessons with their core class throughout the week, which are dedicated opportunities to build relationships and ‘do life’ with others.


The VLC offers frequent opportunities for students who live near our Hillcrest Christian College Home Campus (Reedy Creek) to attend on-campus events. This includes social catch-ups and enrichment days, where they can use College facilities to further explore the learning they are doing in the Virtual Learning platform.


These days are optional but provide an excellent opportunity for students and parents to meet and develop friendships they have made in the virtual space.

VLC students who live near our Hillcrest Christian College home campus (Reedy Creek) are most welcome to join our on-campus, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities. They currently include opportunities such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, outreach activities, Choral Program, Instrumental Program, Dance Program (CAPA), local sporting clubs (including AFL, Basketball, Futsal and Netball) and after-school clubs. Please note, some of these activities may incur an extra cost.

The VLC Term Dates mirror the Hillcrest Christian College Home Campus Term Dates. Queensland gazetted Public Holidays (including the Gold Coast Show Holiday) are observed, and online classes will not operate on these days.

If your family plans an extended trip away during the term, please advise your child’s teacher and the Head of Virtual Learning Community. In some cases, arrangements can be made for students to complete their learning while they are away or at an alternate time, depending on your circumstances.

No, we provide each student with a device from Prep to Year 12 to ensure a seamless learning experience. The device will have a camera and video capabilities to submit work samples and assessment items, and participate in live Virtual Learning activities.


The device will come with a protective cover and stylus.  Limited insurance is included; we recommend families also organise their own insurance for these devices.


Students receive:


Prep-6: Microsoft Surface Go

Years 7-9 Microsoft Surface Pro

Years 10-12 Microsoft Surface Studio

Devices come pre-loaded with the Office 365 Suite, as well as with necessary software for core learning activities.


From time to time, your child’s teacher may ask you to download relevant apps/programs to use in the Virtual Learning program.

No. The one2one device program is a compulsory part of the VLC program, and forms part of the fee structure. It is designed for teachers to be able to create learning programs for all students, consistent with the hardware and software provided, as well as allow our IT team to be able to support all students with a common device and platform. 

You will need a reliable, consistent internet connection to participate in the Virtual Learning program.


Ideally, we recommend a minimum of NBNTM25 (i.e. up to 25Mbps Down and 4Mbps Up) or similar.

If others are likely to be using the connection at the same time, this may need to be higher. Some 4G/5G mobile data services may be suitable if signal strength and speeds are good at your location. However, families will need to ensure they have a high mobile data allowance to avoid excess charges. The VLC is not responsible for internet fees or excess charges.

IT support is available during operational hours.


Yes. A school uniform, whether working from home or virtually, instils a sense of pride in, and belonging to, a student’s school community. A uniform also provides a sense of security to both teachers and students, ensuring a standard of dress appropriate to online learning activities.


Students are required to wear the VLC sport shirt and sport shorts when participating in online classes and optional on-campus activities. The VLC hat is also to be worn to on-campus activities. A tracksuit jacket and optional tracksuit pants are available for the cooler months if required.


Yes. All teachers are qualified and registered teachers, trained specifically in Virtual Education practices. All of our teachers are excited to get to know and work alongside your family.

No. Hillcrest Christian College is registered and approved to teach a Distance Education program, which we call our Virtual Learning Community. Unlike homeschooling, all curriculum, assessment and reporting is coordinated and delivered by the College, so you don’t have to worry.

Yes. It is important for children to have a parent (or other responsible adult, such as a grandparent, uncle, tutor or nanny) at home to help them access their learning, provide active supervision and assist where needed.


Teachers are available during school hours to assist your child online, but parents are important partners to ensure the safety and wellbeing of each child. Some students may need extra assistance with their learning, which will require parents to be more hands-on during the learning sessions. Generally, as students grow older, less assistance is needed. You will be best placed to ascertain how much parental assistance your child needs. If you have any concerns, please speak to their teacher.

A child is not expected to engage in online learning if they are ill. Please advise us if your child will be sick for the day. In cases of extended illness, students may be able to negotiate workload and timelines with their teacher.

Books/Resource lists will be sent to families in Term 4 in the previous year or prior to commencement. Families can source stationery requirements from their preferred supplier.

All students in Years 5 and above attend a yearly camp. Camp enriches the virtual curriculum, and provides an excellent opportunity for students to develop their social and team-work skills, resilience, courage and perseverance. Camp fees are billed separately, once location and dates have been confirmed.

As a Christian College, Christian Living and Gathering are an important and valued part of our core offering, and all students are required to participate. Our College values of Integrity, Respect, Courage, Service, Humility, Diligence and Discernment are often outworked during these sessions.


While we have a mixture of church-going and non-church-going families in our College community, we ask that you support our ethos and values-based education by supporting your child to participate in our full program.

Yes. Hillcrest Christian College is well-known for its exceptional gifted and talented programs. All students have their own Individual Learning Plan, allowing teachers to tailor a program for children’s specific areas of giftedness.

Gifted students can also apply for our Lumos Gifted & Talented Program.

At this stage, the VLC does not offer scholarships.

Thanks for Visiting

Thank you for considering Hillcrest Christian College's Virtual Learning Community (VLC) for your family's educational journey.

If you would like more information about our VLC, please get in touch. 



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