ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT

Lectures and Academic Year

Formal lectures are the main teaching method used at the College, with seminars, workshops, discussions and student tutorials utilised as determined by the lecturers or requirements of the subject. Lectures are of 45 to 50 minutes duration. Classroom questions and discussion are encouraged.

The academic year is structured around two semesters of 18 weeks each. These comprise 12 weeks of lectures, 2 research weeks, a study week, a College Mission (Semester 1), a week of stuvac, a week of exams plus orientation week (Semester 1). An intensive Greek course is held each year prior to Orientation Week. This is for all full time students studying the full year New Testament Greek or half year Greek 2 course. The SMBC Preaching Conference is held in the first semester of every second year. All full time students attend this conference.

Assessment

A student's work is evaluated progressively on the basis of assignments, class tests and examinations. The grading system used corresponds to that of the Australian College of Theology.

SMBC and ACT awards are recognised by most Christian missions and other organisations as indicating adequate academic preparation for Christian service. The amount of credit given for SMBC study toward courses at theological colleges varies between colleges. 

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PRACTICAL DEVELOPMENT

The Local Church

Theoretical subjects should lead naturally to practice, and practical subjects should be based on theoretical knowledge. The development of skills presupposes both a basic knowledge of the subject matter and actual practice. Therefore the relationship between College students and the local congregation is of paramount importance in personal development and skills integration.

Every student needs to be involved in and committed to the local congregation of their choice, sharing with their church in worship and witness. Metropolitan students usually remain in their own local church. Assistance is available for non-metropolitan students to help find an appropriate local church. The College strives to establish close links with the local church, with student involvement monitored for closer feedback and assistance. Churches are encouraged to support their students in whatever ways are open to them. Faculty members and student teams are also available for ministry in local churches.

In some cases it may be in the best interests of a student to move to another church to gain experience not available in the home church. It is anticipated that such moves, when recommended, will meet with the understanding and support of all concerned.

Communication Skills

There is a strong emphasis on the development of communication skills in each course.

Annual College Missions 

Annual week long ‘missions’ involve all full time students. These missions are conducted in different areas of Australia and overseas, with each team being led by a faculty member. Overseas missions are usually three weeks long. College Mission is an important part of training, providing opportunities to extend experience, work with a team and develop spiritual gifts and abilities. Mission teams meet fortnightly during semester as College Fellowship Groups.

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COLLEGE PRIZES

Each year at Graduation, prizes are awarded for community contribution, overall progress, and academic excellence. SMBC prizes are as follows:

The T & J Colling Award for Community Contribution is made to the student or students who, in the opinion of the faculty, make(s) the greatest contribution to the community life of the College.

The Rixon Prize for Progress is made annually to a graduating student who has made the most progress in the Degree Courses. It includes involvement in the practical segments of the course and general contribution to College life, as well as academic progress.

The C & J Weekley Prize for Academic Excellence is made annually to the students (one from each course) who have consistently maintained the highest standard of work throughout their one year of study in the Postgraduate Diploma or Graduate Diploma course.

The Chairman's Prize for Academic Excellence is made annually to the students (one from each course) who have consistently maintained the highest standard of work in the Diploma or Degree course.

The Julie Kirkland Award for Progress in the Diploma Course is awarded to the student who, in the Faculty's opinion, has made the best all round progress during the two years of the Diploma course.

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Academic Development

Practical Development

College Prizes

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