Secondary at Freshwater

Secondary at Freshwater supports students as they grow in independence, discover their strengths and prepare for life beyond school.

Within a caring Christian community, students are known and supported as individuals while being challenged to grow academically, socially and personally. Through engaging learning, increasing subject choice and a wide range of opportunities in and beyond the classroom, students are encouraged to develop the knowledge, character and confidence to pursue their future pathways.

Primary School Cairns Freshwater Christian College

The Secondary Learning Journey

Years 7 to 8

The early years of Secondary provide students with a broad learning experience while supporting their transition from Primary.

Students build strong foundations across core subjects while exploring a range of specialist subjects through a rotational program. As they adjust to Secondary learning, they are encouraged to develop greater independence, organisation, confidence and responsibility.

Year 7-8 Subjects

Core subjects all Junior Secondary students will participate in: 

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • History and Geography 
  • Science
  • Japanese 
  • Health and Physical Education 

Rotational subjects include:

  • Art
  • Digital Technologies
  • Design and Technology
  • Drama
  • Music
  • Food and Textiles Technology
  • Business, Economics and Legal Studies
  • Environmental Science

Non-assessable subjects: 

  • Chapel
  • Personal Growth program
  • Christian Living
  • Equip
  • Literacy 

 

Cairns High Schools Freshwater Cairns Secondary School

Years 9 to 10

In Years 9 and 10, students begin to shape their learning around their strengths, interests and future goals.

Alongside their core subjects, students select from a range of electives, giving them opportunities to explore areas of interest in greater depth and begin considering possible pathways for Senior Secondary and beyond.

Year 9-10 Subjects

The course provides the core subjects required to lead on to both Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) and Vocational Education and Training (VET) senior subjects.

Students are required to complete 5 core subjects:

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • History/Geography
  • Health and Physical Education

Electives:

Students also select three elective subjects:

  • Business, Economics and Legal Studies
  • Food Technology
  • Digital Technologies
  • Industrial Design & Technology
  • Design
  • Music
  • Drama
  • Environmental Science
  • Art

Non-assessable subjects

  • Chapel
  • Personal Growth Program
  • Christian Living
  • Equip
  • Literacy (Year 9) and Careers (Year 10)

Years 11 to 12

Senior Secondary provides students with choice and flexibility as they work towards their Queensland Certificate of Education and prepare for life beyond school.

Students can build pathways incorporating General and Applied subjects, vocational education and training, school-based apprenticeships and traineeships, and university study opportunities for eligible students.

Our aim is to help each student develop a pathway that reflects their strengths, interests and future aspirations.

Cairns High Schools Freshwater Cairns Secondary School
Cairns High Schools Freshwater Cairns Secondary School

Starting Secondary

While many families journey with Freshwater from Primary through to Secondary, Year 7 is also a key intake year, welcoming many students who are joining the College for the first time.

Our transition program is designed to help all incoming Year 7 students feel familiar, connected and confident as they prepare to begin Secondary.For students already part of our Freshwater community, the transition begins throughout their senior Primary years, with opportunities to visit Secondary classrooms, experience Secondary learning and connect with staff.

In Term 3, incoming Year 7 students and their families are invited to a Secondary Meet and Greet, where they can meet key staff, learn more about the Secondary program and tour the facilities.

In Term 4, students take part in a dedicated Year 7 Transition Day, helping them become familiar with new teachers, learning spaces and the day-to-day experience of Secondary school.

At the start of Year 7, students begin with an Orientation Day designed to help them settle in, build connections and ease confidently into Secondary life.

Cairns High Schools Freshwater Cairns Secondary School

Pathways & Careers

At Freshwater, students are supported to explore the opportunities available to them beyond graduation, make informed subject choices and strive for excellence across all pathways.

University Pathways

Students pursuing a university pathway are supported to achieve strong academic results, work towards competitive ATARs and make informed choices about further study.

Our strong connections with local universities provide opportunities to learn more about tertiary study, courses and future career options. Students can also take part in our annual Brisbane University Tour, visiting a range of universities and broadening their understanding of study opportunities available beyond the local region.

Vocational Pathways

Students pursuing vocational pathways can access opportunities through Vocational Education and Training, school-based apprenticeships and traineeships.

These pathways allow students to gain recognised qualifications, develop practical skills and explore future industries and career options while completing their Secondary studies.

Cairns High Schools Freshwater Cairns Secondary School

Life Beyond the Classroom

Secondary life at Freshwater extends well beyond classroom learning.

Students have opportunities to explore their interests, challenge themselves and build connections through sport, music, performing and visual arts, STEM, outdoor learning, camps, leadership, service, competitions and other co-curricular experiences.

Student Testimonials

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“The community and friends you make are fantastic and the education taught is great as well.”

– Year 12 Graduate

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“The teachers care about your education and it is a loving community. The teachers were very good and supportive. There’s always someone to talk to.”

– Year 12 Graduate

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“I love the community Freshwater shows and the compassion for inclusion.”

– Year 12 Graduate

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“I was raised at FCC and I feel that it has given me a good basis for my future.”

– Year 12 Graduate