Experiential Education

From the Deputy Head of College, Mark Case

“There is more in us than we know. If we can be made to see it, perhaps for the rest of our lives we will be unwilling to settle for less.” – Kurt Hahn

Hahn’s approach to education was also the inspiration behind the founding of Round Square, the international network of schools that values experiential learning and character education. At the end of last term, I attended the Round Square International Conference in Colombia, along with Ms Stacey Taylor (our Round Square Coordinator), six of our Year 10 and 11 students, and teachers and students from over 200 schools in 27 countries. Under the theme ‘Blooming from the Past’, students explored how they can build a better future by starting from an understanding and acceptance, of the past – learning from, and with, each other, as well as making an authentic and significant contribution to communities in Colombia through service work. Each activity in the conference was linked to at least one of the six IDEALS of Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership and Service – from learning about the history and culture of Colombia, to hiking, planting over 800 native trees as part of a reforestation program, building chicken sheds and fences in rural communities, to collaborating with students from across the world to address issues such as gender inequality and climate change. The conference also enabled us to build connections with schools that share similar values, with a view to establishing student exchange programs in the coming years.

OLE Week, Outback and our Service Trips use nature and outdoor activities as a backdrop for learning, helping students develop resilience, problem-solving skills, social and emotional learning and a connection to the environment; they help to develop a young person’s character:

Expeditions should be part of every young person’s education. They teach the value of hard work, perseverance, and teamwork.” – Kurt Hahn

Our Service Trips also provide opportunities for students to make meaningful contributions to others and to develop gratitude and an appreciation for the opportunities and privileges that they have. Rites of Passage develops independence and self-knowledge at an important stage in a young person’s development, and provides activities that support them to find their vocation and make connections with others outside their friendship circle.  Such activities align perfectly with the Oxley principle of ‘care for the whole child’, our Wellbeing Framework (‘Stay Fit’, Show Gratitude’, ‘Find Meaning’, ‘Build Connections’, ‘Be Authentic’), as well as helping to prepare students to take on future challenges with confidence.

These programs continue to be well supported at Oxley – evidenced from this year’s MMG Survey (note: the activities relate to the 2023 programs).

OLE Week (2023)

Year 9 Rites of Passage (2023)

Year 10 Service Trips

Year 11 Outback (2023)

Character education and experiential learning are clearly important to our community – this came through in our consultation process for the development of the new five-year strategy, as well as the MMG Survey, which helps us to improve and refine our programs each year. In the coming years, Round Square membership will enable us to provide further opportunities to connect with like schools, as offer student exchanges, online student forums and local and regional conferences for students.

None of these learning experiences are possible without the dedication and professionalism of our staff – many of whom will gave given up holiday and family time to run these trips, in addition to the extensive planning and preparation work that goes in to making these programs a success.

Yours sincerely

Mr Mark Case
Deputy Head of College