Growth and Development at Oxley
From the Head of College, Mr Scott Bedingfield
At Oxley College, we are deeply committed to the growth and development of our students. Our mission is to nurture them into well-rounded individuals who embody the graduate attributes we have carefully developed over the last 12 months.
This commitment is reflected in the wide array of programs we offer, including diverse subject choices, wide variety of sports and performing arts opportunities, our service education programs, trips and tours.
However, growth and development are not limited to our students alone. As a College, we must also evolve and adapt. We pride ourselves on being “big enough to cater and small enough to care.” This philosophy allows us to offer a broad range of programs while ensuring that each student feels known and valued.
To continue supporting our programs and subject offerings, Oxley has been working towards—and remains committed to—reaching 100 students per cohort in the Senior School. While most current cohorts are below this target, we are actively exploring opportunities to grow enrolments to achieve this goal.
I believe that maintaining an ideal student-to-staff ratio is crucial. For instance, having around 95 to 100 students per Head of House ensures that each student receives the necessary attention while remaining manageable for the College. In the Junior School, having two classes allows students to move between classes as needed, fostering individual growth and allowing our teachers to have a partner to work together for the benefit of the students. To sustain these opportunities, we continually evaluate our programs and seek ways to maintain an optimal number of students in each year group.
Part of our strategy involves ensuring that our infrastructure can support our community. We understand and acknowledge your concerns about parking for example. While our primary focus is on providing excellent learning spaces for our children, we are also considering ways to address parking and driveway issues, without decreasing our green space, as part of our ongoing development plans.
Thank you for your continued support as we strive to create an environment where both our students and our College can thrive. Together, we can ensure that Oxley College remains a place where every student can have the opportunity grow, develop, and be challenge ready for the next stage of their lives.
Junior School Playground
Recently there has been some discussion in the community regarding the upgrade to the Junior School playground. At Oxley, we deeply value the input of our parent community and understand that decisions regarding the environment in which our children learn and play are important. Feedback we have received regarding the upgrade to the Junior School Playground has prompted careful consideration at both an operational and governance level.
The discussion around the use of artificial turf was formally raised and reviewed by the Oxley College Board at last Tuesday night’s Board meeting. In preparation for the Governor’s consideration, we also reviewed our processes around the selection of products, designers and suppliers — ensuring the project meets all current guidelines and legislation and that appropriate due diligence had been followed. Additionally, we sought external advice and consulted with the manufacturer to confirm that the turf is produced in Australia to the highest standards. We are also committed to maintaining the area in line with best practice recommendations to ensure the upkeep of the area.
After thorough consideration, the Board has resolved that the artificial turf will remain in place. This decision has been made on the basis that the product continues to be regarded as the most suitable and durable surface for this high-traffic thoroughfare within the Junior School playground, balancing both a wide range of practical considerations and the ongoing usability of the space.
We acknowledge that some members of our community may still hold concerns about the use of artificial turf. Please be assured that the welfare of our students is at the heart of every decision we make. We will continue to monitor and maintain this area to the highest standard to minimise risk and ensure it is fit for purpose.
The link below provides the College’s rationale behind the decisions regarding the choice of surfaces used in this upgrade. I invite you to read this information, as well as the FAQs to gain a better understanding of the considerations and benefits associated with these changes.
Thank you for your ongoing support of Oxley and for partnering with us as we provide the best possible environment for our students to learn, play and grow.