School-based study is a partnership between a family, the student's school, and the VLC. Pick the path that fits you. Each has a short guide to download.
How it works, what your child can study, what the lessons look like, the cost, and how to apply. The plain-English guide for parents and students.
Download a booklet below
Eligibility, the Main Learning Provider arrangement, the full subject list, key dates, AARA, fees, and how to refer your students. The pack for counsellors and HoDs.
Download a booklet below
Students at Queensland government or non-government schools can enrol in up to two subjects with the VLC while staying enrolled at their own school. It's most often used when:
A student studies one or two subjects with the VLC. Everything else stays at their base school.
The student remains enrolled at their own school, which holds the Main Learning Provider role.
Per subject, taught interactively, with one-on-one support available through Teams messaging.
Enrolments close after Week 3 of the term, so the student joins from the start of the course.
The 2027 subject fee is $1,750 per student, per year (Units 1 and 2, or Units 3 and 4). It covers the VLC's digital platforms, live lessons, independent learning tasks and assessment materials.
Subject fees are invoiced to the Main Learning Provider, not the parent or carer, and are payable within 30 days of issue.
Subject fees are non-refundable if a student withdraws from the subject.
Students need a device and internet to log in to the VLC platform.
Years 9 to 12 carry real weight: a QCE, an ATAR, the first true steps toward a future. Choosing where those years happen can feel daunting. Our Senior VLC team meets you where you are, listens to what your child is working toward, and walks beside you from the very first conversation.
Hillcrest has educated Queensland families for more than 40 years, with a Biblical worldview and wellbeing at its heart. The Virtual Learning Community brings that same teaching and care to families right across Queensland, as an online learning community where senior students are known, supported and stretched toward the pathway that is right for them.
Appoint a school-based supervisor, the main point of contact with the VLC, who ensures students attend and are prepared, that work and assessment are submitted by the due date via the Connex portal, and who arranges catch-up sessions for any absences
Submit the enrolment form and supporting documents before the end of the previous term, Ensure the subject fees are paid by the invoiced due date
Communicate with the parent/carer about the enrolment, progress, and completion or withdrawal
Provide a suitable learning environment, plus a supervising staff member during live lessons where a class is enrolled
Advise the VLC of any departure or withdrawal via the Enrolment Cancellation form
Submit any AARA to the QCAA Portal and forward a copy to the VLC subject teacher and email to: aara@hillcrest.qld.edu.au before the assessment date
The school-based supervisor advises the VLC in writing, by email, as soon as a student leaves their Main Learning Provider or decides to discontinue a subject. The school completes and submits the School-based Enrolment Cancellation form for each student and subject.
Email: vlc@hillcrest.qld.edu.au
Subject fees are non-refundable.
EDUCATED - EQUIPPED - EMPOWERED - ENERGISED
Please find additional information and frequently asked questions.
Yes, Hillcrest Christian College is an evolution of more traditional Distance education.
Distance education programs have traditionally catered to students with limited access to mainstream schooling, such as students living in regional or remote locations. Our VLC has adapted the benefits of distance education to offer all families a world-class, independent school education that can be completed at home.
Unlike homeschooling, where parents need to source, plan and assess student lessons, your family will have access to dedicated and trained staff to engage them in daily online classes, working through an innovative and future-focused curriculum.
The VLC mirrors our on-campus communities with stages of age-appropriate learning.
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.
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; 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.
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.
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.
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