The Academic Curriculum

Oxley's academic curriculum supports its aim to educate in the liberal tradition, that is, students are encouraged to enjoy their learning and to apply it to their understanding of the world in all its complexity and of their individual place within it.

The curriculum conforms to the requirements of the Board of Studies of New South Wales, with which it is both registered and accredited.  The College also seeks to add its own emphasis and educational priorities to those required by the Board of Studies. 

The academic programme offers a combination of compulsory studies and elective subjects.  The opportunity for choice grows as students progress towards their senior years.

The structure of the academic programme reflects the three stages of the secondary curriculum.

Years Seven and Eight (Stage Four)

Here, a broad range of studies provides students with the opportunity to explore specialist disciplines across the spectrum.  Some of these core subjects build upon the work done in the primary years.  Others are new.  There is very little choice other than in Languages, where students select the language they wish to study until the end of Year Eight.

All students take the following subjects:

Years Nine and Ten (Stage Five)

At this point, students begin to refine the learning programme, choosing subjects that reflect their particular interests and aptitude.  A substantial, but smaller programme of compulsory studies maintains the breadth and balance.  The School Certificate marks the end of compulsory schooling and is completed at the end of Year Ten, a combination of internal assessment and external examination. 

The following subjects are compulsory for all students:

Students choose two elective subjects from the following:

A student who has a particular interest or background in other areas of study can apply to take a subject by distance learning.  Approval for this will consider the individual's capacity for independent study as a major factor.

Years Eleven and Twelve (Stage Six)

The majority of students stay at school to complete the Higher School Certificate, a credential which prepares students for higher education at universities and colleges, or for direct entry into further training in the workplace.

In Year Eleven, the satisfactory completion of Preliminary courses qualifies students to proceed to the Higher School Certificate.  Students must study a minimum of twelve units, usually six subjects.

English, Advanced or Standard, is the only compulsory study.

Other subjects offered are:

These subjects are eligible for inclusion in the University Admissions Index (UAI).

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 UAI.

For the Higher School Certificate, the College requires students to continue a programme of twelve units.  Extension courses are available in the following subjects:

At all points where decisions must be made, the College offers comprehensive advice, both personal and general.

Streaming

The College adopts a formal policy of streaming according to a child's abilities and aptitudes.  Upon enrolment, students are only streamed when we have a clear understanding of their capability and learning style.  Formal streaming gradually takes place throughout Year Seven and, by the beginning of Year Eight; streams are established according to the particular profile of the year group.

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

From time to time students are moved from one stream to another, where their learning demonstrates a need for change.  Our experience is that all children benefit from appropriate placement based on comprehensive knowledge of individuals.

Students with specific learning needs are evaluated and, often, discussion with parents and learning support specialists will take place before admission. The College is Accredited and Registered by the New South Wales Board of Studies, offering courses to the School Certificate and Higher School Certificate.