Cornerstone: Building Essential Skills for the Future

Dr Jeremy Hall – Head of Philosophy & Ethics

There was a buzz of excitement a couple of weeks ago when the 2025 timetables were released. If you’re new to Oxley College, you might have noticed the subject, ‘Cornerstone’. Even our long-time Oxley families might be curious about this subject and why it’s so important to us. Having been at the College for a year now, I’m keen to share my vision for this unique and innovative subject that truly distinguishes Oxley.

The title ‘Cornerstone’ is significant because we believe that the ideas and skills explored in this program truly are the cornerstone of a well-rounded education, preparing students for the opportunities and challenges of the 21st century.

Let me highlight three key areas of this program:

Discussion Skills

In today’s world, where debates are often polarised and generate more heat than light, the ability to engage in constructive dialogue is more important than ever. Cornerstone equips students with essential discussion skills such as active listening, building on others’ ideas, providing well-reasoned arguments, and respectfully disagreeing with ideas rather than people. These skills are crucial in an era where entrenched views can lead to divisive and unproductive conversations. A distinctive feature of the Cornerstone classroom is providing a safe space where students can enjoy testing their ideas in discussion, fostering a culture of mutual respect and understanding. By mastering these techniques, students are better prepared to navigate complex issues thoughtfully and collaboratively, contributing to a more inclusive and thoughtful exchange of ideas.

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking and problem-solving consistently top the list of essential 21st-century skills, highly valued by educators and employers alike. Although their importance is widely recognised, and critical thinking is included as one of the ‘general capabilities’ in the Australian curriculum, there is often less clarity about what this entails in practice. The Cornerstone courses provide opportunities for students to learn how to assess alternatives, present well-reasoned arguments, and evaluate evidence effectively.

An important part of critical thinking is understanding cognitive biases—common thinking errors that can affect our decisions. For example, confirmation bias makes us favour information that supports our existing beliefs, while anchoring can cause us to rely too much on the first piece of information we see. Recognising these biases helps students make better decisions.

In today’s digital age, students also learn to navigate the complex information landscape by identifying false news and recognising manipulated media, such as deep fakes. These skills are essential for discerning credible sources from misinformation. By understanding how to spot altered content and verify the authenticity of information, students become more informed and critical consumers of media. This not only helps them make better decisions but also empowers them to contribute positively to public discourse.

A Life Well Lived

Cornerstone is a Philosophy and Ethics course that allows students to explore fundamental questions about what it means to live well. One of the oldest and most profound questions is: “What is a good life?” This question examines ethics and morality, focusing on what it means to lead a fulfilling and meaningful life. Arguably, there is no more important question for students to explore during their formative years.

In Year 9, we directly address this question, examining contemporary, philosophical, and religious perspectives. The Year 10 course introduces moral philosophy and discusses a wide range of contemporary issues, including climate change, social justice, artificial intelligence, and bioethics.

Civics, often overlooked in secondary education, is a crucial component of the Cornerstone curriculum. Students study Australia’s electoral system and explore key democratic principles such as freedom of speech, human rights, and civic engagement. This comprehensive approach ensures that students understand their rights and responsibilities as citizens and appreciate the importance of active participation in a democratic society.

How You Can Help

One of my favourite homework assignments is to ask students to discuss the topics they are exploring with a family member. We are very keen for these discussions to continue beyond the classroom—during car journeys, dinner table conversations, and other family interactions. Engaging with the valuable perspectives of parents and carers enriches the learning experience. You can follow students’ progress on Canvas, and we encourage you to support and motivate them on their educational path.

Cornerstone Conversations

I invite Oxley parents and carers to join our Philosophy and Ethics insight sessions, known as ‘Cornerstone Conversations’. These sessions offer a unique opportunity to gain insight into your student’s learning – and have some fun along the way. We will also showcase some of the activities and learning strategies we use in Cornerstone.

These evening events, held once a term and free of charge, will provide a hands-on experience of the engaging discussions and thought-provoking activities our students enjoy. It’s a wonderful chance to better understand the curriculum, connect with other parents and carers, and enrich your own understanding of these important topics. If you are interested, please complete the Expression of Interest form to find out more.

Term 1 Cornerstone Conversation: What is a Good Life?

One of the oldest questions in philosophy and a fundamental question in education. It’s about understanding what makes life meaningful and fulfilling. Philosophers have debated this for millennia, with ideas ranging from the pursuit of happiness and virtue to the importance of relationships and personal achievements. In popular culture, the concept of a good life often reflects contemporary values and societal norms.

Join us as we unpack this profound question, exploring perspectives from both philosophy and popular culture. This event offers a unique opportunity to gain insight into Cornerstone’s approach and connect with other parents and carers. Light refreshments will be provided.

When: Thursday 3 April 2025, 5.30pm – 6.45pm

Where: Oxley College

Register: https://forms.office.com/r/LTG0CfJHNa