The Oxley Update - Term 3, Week 6B

Key Dates for the Week Ahead

College News

From the Deputy Head of College

Senior School News

From the Head of Senior School

This week I wrote to Year 12 about how they could help each other over the remainder of their time at school and into the Intensive Study Camp and Study Leave. The key focus is relating to Moderation of School Assessment Marks based on HSC Examination results.

Meanwhile Year 12 are busy in the final periods of their HSC Preliminary Courses and Year 8 are about to embark upon the process of subject selections for Stage 5 electives.

A shortened precis of what I wrote about with Year 12 is shared here, but is relevant for all parents to understand before their students reach Year 12 and the HSC examinations.

One reason I decided to write this is due to a comment I saw on a social media by someone who thought it was “unfair” that the performance of others in a cohort could affect your final mark – he said, “We have no control how hard other students work”. I don’t have control over you, but I hope we have some influence, and we know that you each care about the others in your cohort enough to do your best to help them.

The next few weeks can have a massive positive effect for everyone. Your HSC mark in each subject is made up 50% each from two numbers – firstly your HSC Examination Mark in that subject that no-one else can take from you. Secondly – your MODERATED School Assessment Mark.

This mark is moderated to account for difference in internal assessments between schools. Some schools have easy tasks, marked generously and others have challenging tasks, marked to provide plenty of opportunity to learn from feedback.

Here are two examples for how this works.

In each case the green box shows where the top HSC Examination Mark has been used to moderate the 1st ranked School Assessment Mark.

The pink box shows how the lowest HSC Examination has been moderated to the lowest ranking student.

Scenario 1 – positive moderation for the cohort – due to better overall HSC performance, despite a different rank order in the HSC examination

The key points from this set of data:

Alice - came top in internal school assessment but didn’t perform as well in the HSC Examination. Her school assessment mark is moderated to the top HSC Examination mark.

Colin was lowest ranked, so his school assessment is moderated to the lowest examination mark.

Bill receives a mark so that the average (mean) of the HSC Examination Mark and Moderated Assessment Mark are equal. In most cases these moderated marks are spread out based on the relative differences between School Assessment Marks as most subject have more than 3 students.

Alice may have relaxed after the HSC Trial Examinations knowing she was ranked first, and whilst she benefitted by Bill performing very well in the HSC and because she was top ranked, her overall HSC was lower than her internal mark due to her HSC Examination performance.

Bill took control of his situation and did well by topping the HSC Examination.

Colin benefitted from firstly doing much better in the HSC Examination than in school assessment and because the average for the cohort was higher than School Assessment.

Scenario 2 - negative moderation – worse than expected HSC performance

Note how the HSC Examination average for the cohort is lower, leading to overall lower HSC marks for the cohort.

The whole cohort is affected – even the number 1 ranked person who only gets their Examination Mark as their HSC mark.

Conclusions

The distance from the top/average/bottom is more important than rank*

The HSC Examination performance matters and affects everyone*

Students need to work together over the rest of the time until the HSC Examinations to help everyone one to do the best they can.

Specifically, we need each subject area to maximise:

The top mark

The bottom mark

The cohort average

*Unless you are 1st in both school assessment & HSC examination – and I sincerely hope you all care enough about your cohort to do your best.

In short, it is time to be Team Oxley! Many students have HSC Major Works to finalise – these contribute to the overall HSC Examination marks, so are obviously very important in the mix. Students need to share their time over Week 6 – 8 doing the following:

Completing Major Works

Learning any remaining content that is being taught

Using the feedback from HSC Trial Examinations to improve

Discuss strategies with teachers for the best areas to focus on

Getting back into a regular study plan – 5 hours at school and then 2-3 outside school

Practise papers – under timed conditions and using feedback

Don’t give up on anything – every raw HSC Examination mark counts as before Moderation even takes place Aligning compares marks from examinations from previous years to ensure they are comparable. For example, the relative comparison for one subject between raw marks and their aligned marks (HSC Examination Marks) for two different years.

Remember that Week 9 will be an emotional rollercoaster for many of students and they may not get as much schoolwork done – except HSC Musical Performance Examinations.

In Week 10, we will all re-convene for the Intensive Study Camp. The ‘Why’ behind this:

Access to Year 12 staff – many who are overseas on OLE, Outback or unavailable during the Holidays and in Week 1 of Term 4.

Building a structure of 5-6 hours of work a day which students can emulate in their study leave over the holidays and during the HSC Examination period.

There is continued support in the Study Centre with Heads of Department and Members of the Senior Leadership Team up there to assist you.

We are all here to help Year 12 all do the best they can for each other, to provide more options for their futures. If students need any support, please continue to check in with Year 12 Teachers, Heads of House or any one of us.

Senior School News

My Mind Check - Senior School

We’re excited to roll out My Mind Check, a new tool designed to help our students reflect upon their mental health and wellbeing and share their insights with us. Check-in sessions for students in Year 5-11 will commence in Week 8, Term 3 and continue in the final weeks of term. To ensure your child can participate, please remember to complete the consent form on the app or portal by: Friday 5 September.

This essential step allows your child to take part in the upcoming check-in sessions, helping us better understand their needs and support their wellbeing.

For more details, visit mymindcheck.org.au or watch this video. To learn about the stringent security and privacy measures in place, visit Security and Privacy. Let’s work together to make the most of this valuable initiative!

HSC Music Showcase - Tuesday 2 September, 5.30pm - 6.30pm (Orchestra Room)

Please join our Music 1 and Music 2 students as they present selections from their HSC Practical Music Examinations. The evening will see performances from Bagpipes to Piano, Michael Buble to MegaDeath, and celebrate the diversity, talent, and perseverance of our HSC music cohort. Friends, family and students all welcome to attend.

Year 12 2025 Yearbook - Now On Sale

Our Year 12 students have put together a beautiful keepsake of their Oxley journey. Pre-order your copy now by clicking on the following link: Class of 2025 Yearbook

Year 11 Outback Information

Further to the information evenings held for the Year 11 Outback trip, please see the latest information from Ms Stanton on the Year 11 Oxley Connect page: Year 11 Parent / Carer Information | Oxley College

Year 11 End of Preliminary Examinations

Year 11 End of Preliminary Examinations are commencing on 4 September (week 7). Please see the letter from Ms Patterson regarding exam protocols on the Year 11 Oxley Connect page: Year 11 Parent / Carer Information | Oxley College

Subject Selection for Year 9, 2026

Subject Selections for Year 9, 2026 will take place in the coming weeks. Please see information from Ms Patterson on the current Year 8 Oxley Connect page: Year 8 Parent / Carer Information | Oxley College

Year 9 Food Technology Excursion - Monday 1 September

Students will leave school at 8.45am and return by 1.30pm where they will take part in an incursion for the remainder of the day. Students should wear full sports uniform.

Western Sydney University Visiting – Years 10-12, Tuesday 2 September

Western Sydney University will be visiting Oxley College at lunchtime on Tuesday 2 September in the library for any students in Year 10-12 wishing to learn more about the University and its courses.

Lord of the Flies Auditions

If you are in Years 7-9 and love Drama, the theatre, performing and acting, I would love to see you at the auditions of the Senior Production of Lord of the Flies which will be performed in Term 1, during March 2026. If you are currently in Year 10-11 – you can express your interest in a leadership position on the production.

Not sure about performing on stage, but interested in the world of theatre? It is possible a behind-the-scenes or production role may be right for you.

To register your interest in auditioning or applying for a role, understand the commitment involved and receive relevant materials – please access and complete this Google Form.

Interested applicants will be sent a scene to learn dependent on the role that is of interest and will also need to engage in some drama games and improv activities on the day. Audition materials will be sent by end of Week 7.

Auditions will take place on Wednesday of Week 9 in Hoskins Hall. Cast will be announced by end of Term 3.

Positions on the cast and crew are limited to 25 students from Years 7-9.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask Mrs Pascoe or Arkie Francis for further information.

Stay tuned for an audition workshop, to take place a lunchtime of Week 8 to guide auditions (hosted by some of our Year 12 Drama students).

The Masked Singer – Teacher Edition

On Wednesday 3 September the Empowerment Group will be raising money for Pop In, a local Bowral charity. They, along with some willing staff members, will be creating Oxley’s own version of the Masked Singer. Senior School students wishing to be part of the audience will need a $2 donation.

Jersey Day

On Friday 5 September, students are invited to wear mufti and their favourite sporting jersey to school. The purpose of the day is to raise awareness and spark important family conversations about organ and tissue donation. Jersey Day was inspired by the incredible gift of life that Nathan Gremmo gave to seven people when he became an organ donor at just 13 years old.

Junior School News

My Mind Check - Junior School

We’re excited to roll out My Mind Check, a new tool designed to help our students reflect upon their mental health and wellbeing and share their insights with us. Check-in sessions for students in Year 5-11 will commence in Week 8, Term 3 and continue in the final weeks of term. To ensure your child can participate, please remember to complete the consent form on the app or portal by: Friday 5 September.

This essential step allows your child to take part in the upcoming check-in sessions, helping us better understand their needs and support their wellbeing.

For more details, visit mymindcheck.org.au or watch this video. To learn about the stringent security and privacy measures in place, visit Security and Privacy. Let’s work together to make the most of this valuable initiative!

Changes to Co-curricular Clubs - Week 7

Please note that due to staff unavailability, Tech Club and Art Club WILL NOT be running during Week 7.

ICAS-Years 3-6

Over the past few weeks, some students in Years 3–6 participated in this year’s International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) in Science, Mathematics, English, Writing and Digital Technologies. These internationally recognised challenges provide an exciting opportunity for students to challenge themselves and demonstrate their knowledge, and we look forward to celebrating their achievements when results are released.

Student Led Open Classrooms - Monday 15 September

We are excited to invite you to our upcoming Student-Led Open Classroom evenings on Monday 15 September (Week 9). These sessions are a wonderful opportunity for your child to take pride in their learning by guiding you through their classroom, sharing their work and discussing the goals they’ve been working towards.

During an allocated half-hour session, either 3.45-4.15pm or 4.15-4.45pm, your child will take the lead in showcasing their achievements and progress. They will walk you through the work they’ve been doing in class, both on display in the rooms, and in their books and on their devices. Classroom teachers will be present to help facilitate the sessions. Ms Noonan, our Visual Arts teacher, will be based in the K-4 part of the Junior School for these sessions, and Miss Dorczak, Head of Junior School Sport, will be based in the Gateway Building, and both are available to answer any questions you may have.

Please note that this is not a time for individual parent-teacher conferences. If you would like to discuss your child’s progress in more detail, class teachers are happy to arrange a separate meeting at a mutually convenient time.

A booking link will be provided closer to the event.

We look forward to seeing you at this special event and celebrating your child’s hard work and accomplishments.

Gifted and Talented Camp

Next week, several of our Year 6 students will take part in the HICES (Heads of Independent Co-Educational Schools) Gifted and Talented Camp. This unique program offers students the chance to participate in tailored workshops designed to extend their thinking, challenge their creativity and nurture their individual talents. By bringing together like-minded peers from independent schools across NSW, the camp is designed to inspire these students to learn, collaborate and grow.

Save the Date!

Year 6 Celebration Dinner Wednesday 26 November

We look forward celebrating with our Year 6 students at their Year 6 Celebration Dinner. A caterer has been booked and more information will be provided at a later date.

Year 6 students are invited to provide a digital copy of a photo of their first day at school in Kindergarten to be screened on the evening. Please email your child’s Kindergarten school photo to Anabel.Williams@oxley.nsw.edu.au.

There will be a group photo of our Year 6 students on a Monday morning in the coming weeks or during Term 4.

Junior School Colour Run - Wednesday 17 September

The SRC are hosting an Oxley College Junior School Colour Run on Wednesday 17 September. Students may wear mufti on this day - please wear an old white top for the colour run. We would also like you to bring sunglasses, ski googles or swimming googles. Students should also bring a towel.

Please bring a $3 donation on the day. All money raised will go towards purchasing items for families in need (Pop In). We look forward to a fun and messy afternoon.

The Oxley Update - Term 3, Week 6B