Distinctives

Distinctives The are many things that we do and rejoice in at Southern Vales. The following list identifies some of those things which we refer to as our distinctives:

·         Strong Christian emphasis and oversight from the covering church and governing authority, Morphett Vale Baptist Church.

·         Our primary ministry is to support Christian families and the church in the education, upbringing and nurturing of children.

·         Our curriculum is Christ-centred and Biblically-based and is constantly being developed.

·         Each student is loved and accepted.

·         Students are encouraged to apply Biblical truth to their lives.

·         We seek to provide excellence in teaching and learning for children of all abilities.

·         We encourage integration of students with disabilities and special needs.

·         All staff are committed Christians who come from diverse denominational back grounds.

·         Southern Vales supports the distinctives of the National Safe Schooling Framework.

·         R-12 Campuses at Morphett Vale and Aldinga.

·         Full range of subject options that include the eight learning areas (SACSA) and Christian Studies.

·         Strong emphasis on positive Character development.

·         Student Leadership and involvement through election of College Captains/Campus Leaders, House Captains and Class Captains, collectively known as the Issachar team (student representative group). College Captains attend conferences such as the National CSA Student Leaders Conference.

·         Spanish taught as a second language.

·         Senior Secondary Program that offers alternative pathways through VET and TAFE qualifications, including certificate offerings in Information Technology, Hospitality, Music Performance and Conservation and Land Management.(?) Aquaculture? Agriculture?

·         Strong emphasis on Performing Arts “ Concerts, Plays and Productions, Worship Bands, and Primary, Middle and Senior Choirs.

·         Pedal Prix involvement at the Middle School level.

·         Community Service Programs that include visits to aged care facilities.

·         Focus on the Environment.

·         Year 8, 9 & 10 Camp Week (co-curricular and extension activities).

·         Well-established primary camp programme.

·         The College is a praying community.

·         The College is a celebrating community.

·         According to their God-given gifts and abilities, students are encouraged to:

·         Honour and develop their giftings;

·         Be secure in their uniqueness;

·         Succeed and excel;

·         Learn and develop within the community;

·         Serve others;

·         Understand God’s call on their lives.

·         A College with history, committed to the present and developing for the future.

·         Grounds that are developed and maintained in an environmentally-aware manner.

·         An Airforce Cadets program at the Morphett Vale campus.

·         Active parent involvement through Parents and Friends Committees at both campuses.

·         An annual visit by a school from Japan.

·         Biennial missions trip to Jakarta, Indonesia

·         From 2012 a Trade Training Centre at the Aldinga Campus will offer Hospitality training to Certificate III level.

·         Ongoing facilities development at both campuses