About BDC Horizon Online: Flexible Online Schooling in NSW

A Flexible Online School for Years 7–12 in NSW

BDC Horizon Online is the online learning division of Bishop Druitt College, offering flexible education for students in Years 7–12 across New South Wales. Built on Bishop Druitt College's more than 30 years of educational excellence, BDC Horizon Online provides personalised learning pathways that combine flexibility, academic rigour, and strong pastoral care. 

The program is designed to support students whose educational journey may look different from the traditional classroom experience. Whether students are living in regional communities, pursuing elite sport, performing at a high level in the arts, or simply looking for a learning environment that better suits their individual needs, BDC Horizon Online provides a structured and supportive approach to online education. 

A Personalised Approach to Online Learning

At BDC Horizon Online, learning is designed around the individual student. The school recognises that every learner has different goals, strengths and circumstances, and provides personalised learning pathways to help students succeed.

Students benefit from:

• Flexible online learning
• Expert teachers
• Live online lessons
• Individual mentor support
• Personalised learning pathways
• Opportunities to accelerate learning where appropriate

This approach aims to help students become confident, independent learners while preparing them for higher education and the future workplace. 

Learning Without Compromise

BDC Horizon Online combines flexibility with structured learning.

Students generally participate in live online lessons each week, supported by independent learning activities and access to expert teachers. Depending on their year level and subjects, students usually participate in two live sessions per subject each week, alongside self-paced study. 

The flexible learning model allows students to balance their education with other commitments while remaining connected to their teachers and school community.

A Connected Online Learning Community

Online learning at BDC Horizon Online is designed to be interactive and collaborative.

Students have opportunities to:

• Participate in live teacher discussions
• Complete interactive learning activities
• Receive real-time feedback
• Connect with classmates through digital breakout rooms
• Join virtual clubs
• Engage with industry professionals connected to their subjects

These opportunities help students develop meaningful connections while learning in an online environment. 

Wellbeing and Student Support

Student wellbeing is an important part of the BDC Horizon Online experience.

The school's pastoral care program includes:

• Regular tutor chats
• Wellbeing check-ins
• Digital mentoring
• Access to the Horizon Hub
• Wellbeing resources
• Virtual clubs

These initiatives help create a safe, inclusive and supportive online learning community where students are known, supported and encouraged throughout their education. 

Learning and Teaching at BDC Horizon Online

BDC Horizon Online provides structured online learning across Years 7–12, with programs designed to meet students at different stages of their educational journey.

Years 7–10

For students in Years 7–10, the focus is on building:

• Confidence
• Routine
• Independent learning skills
• A love of learning

Students learn in a structured online environment where they are supported by caring teachers and guided as they develop the skills needed for successful online learning.

The Years 7–10 curriculum includes core learning areas together with elective opportunities that support student interests and independence. 

Years 11–12

The senior program is designed to provide a flexible online HSC experience for students completing Years 11 and 12.

BDC Horizon Online is a NESA-registered Distance Education provider, delivering a curriculum and assessment model aligned with NSW curriculum requirements and HSC standards.

Senior students receive:

• Live online lessons with specialist teachers
• Recorded learning resources
• Flexible independent study
• Personalised teacher support

This structure allows students to continue working towards their HSC while balancing other commitments such as sport, performing arts or travel. 

Who BDC Horizon Online Supports

BDC Horizon Online welcomes students from a wide variety of backgrounds and learning pathways.

The school supports students including:

• Rural and remote learners
• High-performance athletes
• Performing artists
• Coastal and island students
• Independent learners

Rather than focusing on where students live or what pathway they are following, BDC Horizon Online is built around the belief that education should fit the student—not the other way around. 

Leadership Focused on Student Success

BDC Horizon Online is led by Head of School Craig Verbruggen, who describes the school as a flexible and innovative learning community designed to meet the future needs of learners.

The school is committed to providing:

• Personalised learning pathways
• Expert teaching
• Strong pastoral care
• Flexible education
• Support for every student's unique educational journey

The goal is to help students complete their schooling with confidence, care and creativity while preparing them for the world ahead. 

Why Families Choose BDC Horizon Online

Families choose BDC Horizon Online because it offers an education model that combines flexibility with strong academic support.

The program allows students to continue their education while accommodating individual learning needs and personal commitments, supported by experienced teachers and a connected online community.

Students remain part of the wider Bishop Druitt College community while learning in an environment designed to help them achieve their educational goals. 

Explore BDC Horizon Online

Families interested in learning more about BDC Horizon Online can explore the learning programs, meet the leadership team, or arrange a virtual tour to better understand how the program supports students across Years 7–12. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is BDC Horizon Online?
BDC Horizon Online is the online learning division of Bishop Druitt College, providing flexible online education for students in Years 7–12 across New South Wales. 

Who is BDC Horizon Online designed for?
The program supports a diverse range of learners, including students from regional and remote communities, high-performance athletes, performing artists, coastal students, and independent learners. 

What year levels are available?
BDC Horizon Online offers online learning for students in Years 7 through 12. 

How are students supported while learning online?
Students receive support through expert teachers, live online lessons, mentor chats, wellbeing check-ins, digital mentoring, and access to the Horizon Hub and virtual clubs. 

Does BDC Horizon Online offer HSC pathways?
Yes. The Years 11–12 program is delivered as a NESA-registered Distance Education provider with curriculum and assessment aligned to NSW HSC requirements. 

Can families learn more before enrolling?
Yes. Families can explore the prospectus, arrange a virtual tour with the Head of School, and review the enrolment information before applying.