Dr Noel Patson has written an excellent submission in response to the draft national science curriculum. He has given permission to publish it here:

Regarding ACARA National Curriculum reference S10SU1 and S10SU4.

I write concerning the implication in the draft National Science Curriculum that discussion of origins in Australian school science classes should be limited to only the materialistic paradigm. The following selected points taken from the draft indicate that alternate origins theories are not part of the curriculum.

In consideration of the attached research and Queensland Education policy, Central Queensland Christian College has set the following guidelines for homework:

• In the Prep Year, students will not be set homework.
• Homework in Years 1-3 could be up to but not more than 20min per day on the following activities:
  • Number facts revision
  • Spelling revision
  • Reading
  • Small assigned tasks as required
• Homework in Years 4-5 could be up to but not more than 35min per day or 2-3 hours per week on the following activities:

• The Compass Foundation and the Australian Christian Lobby runs a program called "Compass" for students who are about to enter university or enter a gap year who are
  • performing well academically
  • have a strong commitment to their faith and are keen to engage the world for Christ
  • demonstrate a high potential to be influential and strategic in their future profession

  This program aims to

• Train leaders who will strategically shape the nation for Christian values by engaging intelligently and sensitively for Christ in an increasingly secularised world
  

Assessment should be both formative and summative. It may be conducted in a variety of ways throughout the Semester. This may include but not be limited to:

• Tests
• Assignments / Tasks
• Observation
• Homework
• Work Samples

At the end of each Semester, a report to parents is provided based on assessment collected throughout the Semester. The report is provided in plain English and uses an A-E scale for achievement ratings.

Please find new timetable attached below.

Changes to Secondary:

• Double English on Fridays
• Science singles on Monday and Wednesday mornings
• Wednesday session 1 and 2 swapped, so SOSE is now in middle session

COLLEGE VALUES

• Love God
• Love others
• Love yourself
• Seek wisdom, knowledge and understanding
• Walk in integrity
• Accept responsibility
• Be a leader

THE COLLEGE PHILOSOPHY

1. We believe that the Word of God is the foundation of true education.