Head of College Update
Dear Parents
Welcome to the new weekly Oxley Newsletter – known as the Oxley Update. As we continue to listen to parent feedback, we have decided to trial a new way of communicating with you. Each Wednesday you will receive an update from the College of what is happening in the week ahead. Sometimes there will be pieces from myself and other Executive staff and other times it will be a more concise document. We are aiming to use this document to have all the information in one place for you in an attempt to begin to reduce the number of Broadcasts you receive from us.
Amberley Guilly (Advancement Manager) and Claudia Johnson (Communication and (Events) are working incredibly hard to improve our communication with you and more information about upcoming initiatives including Oxley Connect can be found in this update.
Strategy at Oxley
As I mentioned at the end of last term – click here, one of our core goals at Oxley is to ensure we remain big enough to cater and small enough to care and that we are committed to reaching a goal of 100 students in each cohort in the Senior School. This ensures that we can continue to offer the excellent teaching and co-curricular offerings without impacting student outcomes or fee levels.
As such I am excited to announce two wonderful new initiatives for our school from 2026. A direct bus service to Wilton and the introduction of Oxley ELEVATE, our new Year 5/6 program, easing the transition into the Senior School. More details on the bus will follow.
Oxley ELEVATE
As part of our strategic commitment to “reimagine learning” we are excited to introduce Oxley ELEVATE, our innovative new program for Year 5 and 6 students designed to provide an exceptional learning experience that supports them as they begin to prepare for Senior School.
Oxley ELEVATE aims to offer a seamless and engaging pathway for our Stage 3 students, creating a bridge that fosters confidence, independence, and enthusiasm for the future. Working across the Stage allows teachers to differentiate and tailor their teaching to support, enrich and extend students while starting to offer them highly supported opportunities to experience learning opportunities in Senior School learning spaces.
For students commencing their learning journey at Oxley in Year 5 for Oxley ELEVATE it also eases parents' minds knowing that their child has secured a place in the Oxley Senior School. As such we will offer an option of a third Year 5 and/or 6 class from 2026 – subject to demand.
Through this program we aim to challenge and inspire our Stage 3 students by offering enrichment opportunities across a wider range of Key Learning Areas. Through our partnership with the Senior School, students will engage in specialised lessons in secondary school subjects such as Science, Technology, Music and The Arts. These sessions are taught by expert Senior School teachers and take place in well-equipped Senior School classrooms, giving students access to resources and experiences that deepen their learning, foster independence, creativity, and critical thinking.
Stage-Based Classes for Tailored Learning and Enrichment
This approach involves Stage based teaching in some Key Learning Areas and allows for highly effective differentiation across all subject areas within the NSW curriculum, ensuring that each student receives the appropriate level of challenge, support and enrichment. Whether a student is excelling or needs additional help, our experienced educators will tailor the learning experience to meet their individual needs, setting them up for success in Senior School and as lifelong learners.
Exposure to Senior School facilities allows students to experience what it’s like to move between different classrooms and work with specialist teachers, as they would in Senior School, while still in the supportive environment of the Junior School. It’s an exciting, hands-on experience that not only sparks curiosity but also gives students the confidence they need as they ease into Senior School life.
Smooth Transition with Ongoing Support
The program is thoughtfully designed to help students feel supported and confident as they begin to explore the next stage of their learning journey. It offers a gentle, gradual introduction to Senior School-style experiences, while ensuring students remain fully connected to the Junior School—learning within their familiar classroom environment and guided by their own class teacher as they explore Senior School subject experiences. Teachers and support staff work closely with students, providing continuous guidance and encouragement, ensuring they have the tools they need to manage the academic and social aspects of their transition to SeniorSchool. The transition isn’t just academic; it’s about developing confidence and independence, creating a well-rounded foundation for future success.
Benefits of Oxley ELEVATE
Oxley ELEVATE will offer unique learning opportunities for our students, giving them a taste of Senior School life, with access to specialist classrooms and facilities that enrich their learning experience. The blend of Year 5 and Year 6 students will allow for differentiation in teaching which will ensure that every student is challenged at their level and supported when necessary. This will provide opportunities for our team to meet students where they are at and take them to the next level.
The Oxley ELEVATE program will ensure students are not just academically prepared for Senior School but are also socially and emotionally ready for the next stage of the educational journey.
For enrolment opportunities
If you know anyone who might be interested in this program, please share the news. If you have younger siblings who were planning to join Oxley in Year 7 but are now considering starting earlier in Year 5 or 6 through Oxley ELEVATE, I encourage you to reach out to our College Registrar, Alex Stone, for more information.
Scott Bedingfield
Head of College
