Co-Curricular P-12

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award

Oxley remains an outstanding provider of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award thanks to the commitment of key staff and opportunities for all facets of the Award. In 2024, the journey towards Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards continues with a Bronze hike leaving on March 16 and March 23. There are an impressive 72 students in the Bronze program for these hikes. Thanks again to the staff who take the time out of their weekends to support our students. For all the participants in the program – do not forget to keep your Online Record Book (ORB) up to date.

Year 9 Rites of Passage

In October, Year 9 students will be embarking on Rites of Passage. This is an Oxley distinctive designed to encourage students to step out of their comfort zone, embrace independence and engage in a variety of learning experiences. These experiences will occur in museums, galleries, universities, sporting events, theatres and the historically rich urban environment of Sydney’s CBD. In 2024, the program will focus on Sydney to allow for a 9-day intensive program allowing access to the many wonderful things that occur in the ‘Emerald City’ over two weekends.

The program has been designed around psychologist Michael Carr-Gregg’s identified needs for 14 and 15 year olds:  

· Develop a strong sense of personal identity  

· Build healthy friendships  

· Experience emancipation from parents  

· Develop a vocational direction 

Please be aware that the program commences on Friday October 11, and students will return to the College on Saturday October 19. This departure date falls inside the school holidays, and it is expected that students will be available to participate from the first day of the program.

Further information including a full program will be shared later in the year.  

International Adventure Trips Update

Information and enrolment in the Year 10 trip to Thailand, Nepal and Regional Australia were all successfully launched this week with excellent numbers and support. The Year 6 trip to Far North Queensland was also successfully launched for the first time and a lucky group of students have an incredible opportunity waiting for them in October. There has been a lot of buzz about the Japan trip in January and we are waiting to connect with a Round Square school for some final details. Information and confirmation of the itinerary will come in the next couple of weeks – thank you for your patience. It is so exciting to have such incredible experiences in the pipeline for Oxley students.  

Spoken Word

Oxley has a proud history of producing amazing public speakers and thought-provoking orators. Earlier this term our newly appointed Spoken Word coach, Ms Cath Taylor, joined the team with Ms Tankard and Ms Traill-John to provide a coaching and enrichment program for our debating teams. This workshop was hugely beneficial for our Junior and middle year teams who will provide the engine room of debating in 2024. Preparations are underway for the Mock United Nations (MUNA) competition with two evenly matched teams ready to take on the world of politics, global diplomacy and internationalism. We look forward to celebrating their efforts and successes.

Many thanks

Mr Christophe Gauchat
Head of Co-Curricular P-12