An Adventist Education
Deciding on the education of your child is one of the most important decisions you can make. At Darling Downs Christian School, we do all we can to provide you with the support and information you need to choose what is best for your child.
We have put together answers to the most frequently asked questions we receive about our school. However, this is just a start – our Principal and friendly staff are always available to answer any queries you may have, so please don’t hesitate to call or book a school tour.
No. DDCS is open to families from different cultural and denominational backgrounds. Currently, 30% of our students are from Adventist homes.
The special character of Darling Downs Christian School reflects the Christian beliefs, values and lifestyle of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. More than 100 years ago the Adventist Church developed a ‘blueprint’ for holistic education. This plan acknowledged the importance of not only the intellectual but also the spiritual, physical, social and emotional dimensions of education. Darling Downs Christian School echoes this ‘blueprint’ by maintaining a balance between all these different dimensions. This allows us to develop well-rounded and confident young people who not only love life at school but also have the potential for a successful and fulfilling future.
No, Adventists do not have special dietary requirements. However, the Adventist church does uphold and promote healthy lifestyle choices which include abstinence from tobacco, drugs and alcohol. Many Adventists also choose a plant-based diet. Our tuckshop provides an all-vegetarian menu to our students, but children are allowed to pack and bring to school whatever food they choose for themselves.
The Seventh-day Adventist Church is a Protestant Christian denomination. We do, however, have some distinguishing attributes. Most notably, the Adventist Church worships on a Saturday, the original Sabbath observed in the Bible, rather than on a Sunday. Also, since the 1860s when the church began, wholeness and health have been an emphasis of the Adventist church. The Bible is the sole source of our doctrinal teaching but at DDCS we also utilise works by other Christian authors in our devotional times. These include authors like C.S. Lewis, Philip Yancey, Max Lucado and one of our church founders Ellen G. White.
As a Christian school, our RE classes make up one of our core studies and all students are required to attend. These classes are part of a planned RE curriculum called Encounter. The Christian values taught during these classes enable our students to make wise decisions in their day-to-day lives and help to build strength of character for their future.
Research has shown that composite classes can be beneficial for a large number of children. Composite classes encourage peer mentoring and the development of leadership qualities as well as extending and supporting students who would otherwise be left behind their grade level.