Curriculum 7-12

Curriculum 7-12

Stage 4 – Year 7 & 8

Students in Year 7 and 8 are given the opportunity to explore a broad range of subjects. Some of these
continue on from Stage 3 (Years 5 and 6) while others are completely new.

All students take the following subjects:

  • Cornerstone
  • English
  • Geography
  • History
  • Languages
  • Mathematics
  • Music
  • Personal Development, Health & Physical Education
  • Science
  • Technology (Mandatory)
  • Visual Arts
  • Service Learning

Electives in Year 8 could include:

  • Ceramics
  • Gamechangers
  • Outdoor Education
  • Sports Science
  • Musical Theatre
  • Journalism

Bring Your Own Device

We are a Bring Your Own Device school from Year 5 – Year 12. Further information is available at Orientation Day and on our website

Stage 5 – Year 9 & 10

At this point, students begin to refine their learning program, choosing subjects that reflect their particular interests and aptitude. A substantial, but smaller program of compulsory studies maintains the breadth
and balance.

Students undertake core subjects that are compulsory for all students:

  • Cornerstone
  • English
  • Geography
  • History
  • Mathematics
  • Personal Development, Health & Physical Education
  • Science

Stage 5 students then choose three electives from the following:
One must be an international elective (denoted with):

  • Commerce
  • Computing Technology
  • Design
  • Technology
  • Drama
  • French*
  • Geography Elective*
  • Global Studies*
  • History Elective*
  • Industrial Technology – Timber
  • Music
  • Philosophy*
  • PASS
  • Visual Arts
  • We offer most Languages through Distance Education

CORNERSTONE
This subject, unique to Oxley, enables students to critically explore many of the big ideas and questions that have concerned cultures and traditions since the dawn of civilisation. Devised specifically for our context and taught to all students in Years 7-10, it is also adaptive to a rapidly changing world. In exploring different perspectives, thinking critically and appreciating the complexity of what it means to be human, it is the cornerstone of an enlightened and rigorous 21st century education.
The topics include:

  • What is a good life?
  • 21st Century Ethics
  • How to think critically
  • Why should I be good?
  • Can machines think?
  • Five steps to tyranny
  • How do I know what is real?

Stage 6 – Year 11 & 12

YEAR 11 (PRELIMINARY HSC COURSE)
Students in Year 11 undertake the NESA Preliminary Course. This three-term course qualifies students to proceed to the Higher School Certificate. Students must study a minimum of twelve units, usually six
subjects. All students understake the mandatory study of:

  • English

 Other subjects offered:

  • Ancient History
  • Biology
  • Business Studies
  • Chemistry
  • Design & Technology
  • Drama
  • Earth & Environmental Sciences
  • Economics
  • Engineering Studies
  • English Extension 1
  • French
  • Legal Studies
  • Mathematics Advanced
  • Mathematics Extension 1
  • Mathematics Standard
  • Music 1
  • Music 2
  • Modern History
  • Personal Development, Health & Physical Education
  • Physics
  • Studies of Religion 1
  • Studies of Religion 2
  • Visual Arts
  • VET: Entertainment
  • Society & Culture
  • Sport, Lifestyle & Recreation

These subjects are eligible for inclusion in the ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank).
Students may seek approval for study by distance learning and each case will be considered on its merits. Individual students may benefit, too, from the study of a vocational (VET) subject, but these may not be included in the ATAR.

YEAR 12 (HSC COURSE)
The HSC Program of Study commences during Term 4. Students have the opportunity to amend their program with the addition of various extension courses:

  • English Extension 2
  • History Extension
  • Mathematics Extension 2
  • Music Extension

TRANSITION PROGRAMS
In order to assist students in their preparation and transition into Stage 6 and HSC programs, various events are in place to support students. These include workshops, study sessions, consultations, Wellbeing and Careers sessions.


YEAR 12 STUDY CENTRE
Year 12 students use a study centre located in Elvo (the historic building at the centre of the Oxley Grounds). It is a place ideally suited to the serious academic business of preparing for the HSC.

Year 12 have access to an Academic Master who is available in study periods, before and after school to
mentor, monitor and inspire Year 12s as they aim high. The Year 12 Study Centre is not a Year 12 common
room or a social space. It is a place for students to work independently or in groups on their HSC – a space
dedicated to them.

These subjects are eligible for inclusion in the ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank). Students may seek approval for study by distance learning and each case will be considered on its merits. Individual students may benefit, too, from the study of a vocational (VET) subject, but these may not be included in the ATAR.


YEAR 12 (HSC COURSE)
The HSC Program of Study commences during Term 4. Students have the opportunity to amend their program with the addition of various extension courses:

  • English Extension 2
  • History Extension
  • Mathematics Extension 2
  • Music Extension

CLASS GROUPINGS

At Oxley we believe in supporting our students to achieve success in their learning. For that reason Year 7 – 10 students are placed in groupings within classes according to their achievement data and their individual student profiles. Some classes can be mixed and others can be graded. The usual pattern is a top stream with a combination of either two parallel or two other streams. Within each class, differentiation will occur to provide each student with the appropriate amount of challenge.

Depending on the learning needs of the cohort, the number of students or gender in each class may not
always be equal. The learning profiles of Year 7 students are considered by Heads of Department and Heads of House in order to determine initial groupings. The data used will include NAPLAN and previous school reports.

Students entering other years are placed after personal discussion and a review of their academic record.

A formal review of class groupings will usually occur at the end of a semester, however changes may be made at the end of a topic, a term or when there are other circumstances affecting the learning of a student.

COMMUNICATION
At Oxley we believe that a partnership between home and school is vital for a student’s success. Therefore, we value the opportunity to have meaningful conversations with students, parents and teachers at pertinent times throughout the year.

We commence each academic year with an information session where students and parents receive an overview of that particular year’s focus and outline. This is also an excellent opportunity to meet with other parents and ask questions. Formal reporting occurs twice a year for all year groups.

Should you wish to contact a teacher about your child’s progress at a time other than the Student/Parent/
Teacher meetings, this may be done by contacting your child’s Head of House or Mentor.

WHAT PARENTS CAN DO TO SUPPORT LEARNING
We believe that a partnership between home and school is fundamental to student achievement and progress. We encourage conversations between students, families and teachers that are based around learning and are focussed on student engagement and progress.

CAREERS
The Careers program at Oxley is an individually tailored program beginning in Year 10 to ensure our students receive up to date information and support on their future career options. The program begins with Careers Guidance Testing and the Careers Expo visit and from here our students meet with our Careers Adviser to support them around subject selections for their senior years. Throughout Year 11 and 12, our students have a number of Career Check In’s with our Careers Adviser where post school options are discussed and explored.