with Felicity Marlow Principal , Norwest and Ngarra Christian Colleges

The most public facing profile for any school is its academic results , but for us at Norwest this goal isn ’ t our only one , we also focus on the eternal . It ’ s our goal for our students to recognise that they are created for a purposeful and abundant life . This is why Jesus came to earth , so that we may have life and have it to the full ( John 10:10 ). Our goal is to

develop the whole person so that they may have a full life as Jesus describes .

That means that every activity matters . It all matters .

Interestingly , what we are finding is that as we pay attention to developing the whole person , learning progresses for everyone , and results improve . Our Building Purposeful Lives framework highlights how all our learning , activities , and people matter .

The ENGAGE domain is about growing our passions as we reflect on feelings and motivations .

Cocurricular activities ( such as sport , creative arts , outdoor education ) are all about discovering passions and engaging interests . Flexible curriculum pathways encourage an individual focus , and faith programs provide opportunities for students to know that God loves them ( Missions program , Ministry for Kids , Chapel , devotions ).

The MANAGE domain is all about reflecting on our thinking and learning processes , why we think and learn that way , and how we could manage ourselves better to bring order and value to the world .

From ELC through to Year 12 , we map development stages for learning dispositions . Students are encouraged to become pilots of their own learning and are all progressing in their learning behaviours .

The CREATE domain is about growing our minds as we reflect on truth , pursue opportunities to create what is good and evoke change that will bless others .

Learning finds its true context in the service of others . Our goal is that all learning

experiences build student capacity so that they can confidently step into their purpose . Project based learning facilitates linking , imagining , and questioning and leads to the creation of something new .

The RELATE domain is about growing our social skills to form and maintain strong , positive connections with others .

We focus on community , and everyone having a sense of belonging . Each year group owns a community service project , and our wellbeing programs focus on relating positively with others , such as Peacewise and Senior Summit .

It all matters . Everything we do here is about helping young people to understand that God has a plan for their whole life .

Every student matters , and each person ’ s connection to this community matters . Parents , Grandparents , Staff , members of Riverstone Baptist Church , Our Norwest Foundation supporters and each person ’ s contribution makes a powerful difference in the lives of our young people .

If you would like more information about education at Norwest or Ngarra Christian Colleges , please visit www . norwest . nsw . edu . au