Radical Double Shift For Christian School

A Gold Coast Christian school is preparing to shake-up Australian education by offering two-shifts a day at its newest campus.

Hillcrest Christian College’s main campus is in the southern suburb of Reedy Creek.

Its planned new $50-million campus is set to be built further west in the hinterland suburb of Mudgeeraba where the college runs the Village Yard Christian Early Learning Centre.

That will be expanded into the Village Yard Christian School, eventually offering classes up to Year-12.

PROPOSED DOUBLE SHIFT SCHEDULE

Its proposed schedule would divide the day into two sessions: 7.30am to midday, and 11am to 3.30pm.

The college says the benefits of such a system includes increased family flexibility, reduced exposure to peak-hour traffic, and the ability to tailor learning to individual student needs.

It adds the double shift will allow the new school to offer the “lowest possible fees” for a private education.

BEHIND THE COLLEGE HEAD’S VISION

The concept is the vision of the executive head of Hillcrest College Jeff Davis.

He says the two-shift model aims to maximise resource utilisation and could save families up to $1500 a year in tuition fees.

“The concept that every child needs exactly the same thing is outdated” Mr. Davis said.

There would also be a one-off payment of $1500 per year to cover stationery, excursions, camps, activities and other ancillary charges.

They’re believed to be lowest possible fees of any elite private school across Australia.

INITIAL PLANS FOR NEW SCHOOL

Enrolments for the Village Yard school will initially be open to students in Prep, Year One and Year Two, which will eventually expand to Year Eight and then Year 12

“We believe education should be financially accessible, purposeful, and connected to the community, producing students who can help build society into the place we want to live,” Mr. Davis asserted.

“This truly unique approach to educating will benefit parents, teachers and above all, our students.”

NEW SCHOOL WILL OFFER “PERSONALISED” LEARNING

“Our focus remains on holistic student development – nurturing students socially, emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually.”

“Village Yard Christian School will offer personalised learning in a real-world context, blending innovation with a deep respect for our natural surroundings.”

Mr. Davis is hoping to have state government approvals for the new school in place by mid-2026.

COLLEGE’S INNOVATION BUILDING TO OPEN EARLY NEXT YEAR

The Innovation Building project is a $23 million investment in the future of Hillcrest Christian College, featuring state-of-the-art facilities that support modern learning, advanced technology, and stronger community connections.

The four storey building is due to be completed in March.

It includes cutting-edge technology labs, speciality classrooms with work benches, a welding bay, woodwork room as well as a laser cutter. a podcasting room, visual arts classrooms and a gallery.