High School Programs Years 10, 11 and 12
CRICOS:065344E | CRICOS:045432D

Educational Philosophy

Every student is valued regardless of ability, and with respect for cultural diversity. Teaching and learning takes place in a supportive, nurturing student-centred environment where every effort is made to cultivate the individual's full potential. By meeting educational needs, individual student’s barriers to learning can be broken down, empowering students to meet and exceed their own personal educational expectations. We believe that by providing a range of learning strategies in response to individual learning styles, learning will be a satisfying, fulfilling experience for all.

Policies & Requirements

Choosing Oxford College, Sydney means:

• Small classes
• Dedicated teachers, skilled in working with international students
• A challenging, rigorous, academic approach where all students are encouraged and supported to achieve their full potential
• Private study/resource support area
• Access to computer and web-based learning materials
• Individual academic counselling as required and
• An environment of integrity, diversity and tolerance

Academic Requirements for entry into Oxford College, Sydney

• Students must have completed the equivalent of Year 10;
• Certified copies of last two years school reports together with English translations. These must show subjects studied and marks/grades obtained

Features of Oxford College, Sydney

Location:

Conveniently located in the heart of Sydney, Oxford College, Sydney is well served by an excellent transport system including bus, train and light rail. It is surrounded by shopping centres, restaurants, theatre and sporting facilities.

Sydney's famous Bondi beach is just a short bus ride away. Manly beach can be easily reached by crossing the harbour by ferry, which passes the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the world famous Sydney Opera House.

Student Services include:

• Ongoing programme of English language assistance
• Career and academic counselling

Pastoral Care:

The students' general wellbeing is nurtured by providing the safe, secure and supportive environment needed to maximise their studies at Oxford College, Sydney including:

• Personal counselling
• Discipline when necessary (in accordance with discipline policy)
• Ensuring that all relevant stakeholders are kept informed on students’ progress and
• Encouraging interaction between family and school

Time is made available for the parents and guardians should they have any concerns for their child.

Accommodation:

Our Homestay Coordinator verifies the suitability of all accommodation.

Guardianship Arrangements:

The provision of a guardian is an Australian Government requirement for all students under the age of 18. Therefore, Oxford College, Sydney ensures that a responsible adult is nominated as guardian.

Pathways to Success with Oxford College, Sydney




Subjects available for Senior High School Programs ( Years 11 and 12 )

English as a Second Language (ESL)

The English (ESL) courses address the needs of a specific group of students and share the overall aim and rationale of English. When presented at the HSC, the English (ESL) courses will satisfy Board of Studies requirements for the study of English.

The English (ESL) courses provide students with the opportunity to become effective, creative and confident communicators in English and to assist them in achieving Stage 6 (Year 11 & 12) outcomes. They will be able to respond to and compose texts for a variety of purposes and audiences that are relevant to their personal, educational, social and vocational lives. Students extend their reading, writing, listening, speaking, viewing and representing skills through an integrated engagement with texts drawn from literature and other sources.

The English (ESL) courses are designed to allow for the development of flexible programs that address a diversity of needs and backgrounds.

Fundamentals of English

The Fundamentals of English course addresses the literacy needs of students undertaking the course and assists students in meeting the outcomes of English in Stage 6 (Year 11 & 12).

The course integrates the modes of language to improve students' understanding of the forms, features, structures and functions of the language. Students will enhance their skills in responding to and composing a range of texts characteristic of those they will encounter in their English and other courses. The course will assist them in the development and understanding of various strategies and styles of learning.

Mathematics

The course is intended to give students who have demonstrated general competence in the skills of Stage 5 (Year 10) Mathematics, an understanding of and competence in some further aspects of mathematics, which are applicable to the real world. It has general educational merit and is also useful for concurrent studies in science and commerce. The course is a sufficient basis for further studies in mathematics as a minor discipline at tertiary level in support of courses such as the life sciences or commerce. Students who require substantial mathematics at a tertiary level, supporting the physical sciences, computer science or engineering, should undertake the Mathematics Extension 1 course or Mathematics Extension 2 course.

Mathematics Extension 1

The content of this course, which includes the whole of the Mathematics course, and its depth of treatment, indicate that it is intended for students who have demonstrated a mastery of the skills of Stage 5 (Year 10) Mathematics and who are interested in the study of further skills and ideas in mathematics. The course is intended to give these students a thorough understanding of and competence in aspects of mathematics, including many which are applicable to the real world. It has general educational merit and is also useful for concurrent studies of science, industrial arts and commerce. The course is a recommended minimum basis for further studies in mathematics as a major discipline at a tertiary level and for the study of mathematics in support of the physical and engineering sciences. Although the Mathematics Extension 1 course is sufficient for these purposes, students of outstanding mathematical ability should consider undertaking the Mathematics Extension 2 course.

Mathematics Extension 2

The course offers a suitable preparation for study of mathematics at tertiary level, as well as a deeper and more extensive treatment of certain topics than is offered in other Mathematics courses. It represents a distinctly high level in school mathematics involving the development of considerable manipulative skill and high degree of understanding of the fundamental ideas of algebra and calculus. These topics are treated in some depth. Thus, the course provides a sufficient basis for a wide range of useful applications of mathematics as well as an adequate foundation for the further study of the subject.

Economics

Economic decisions have a crucial influence on the quality of life experienced by people throughout the world. The study of economics can help individuals, groups and societies make choices that assist them to improve their quality of life. As a subject, Economics Stage 6 (Year 11 & 12) is distinctive because of the range of problems and issues that it investigates and the skill that it develops. By understanding economics, students can make informed judgements about issues and policies and participate responsibly in decision-making. Students will benefit from the study of economics if they engage in studies that include business, accounting and finance, media, law, marketing, employment relations, tourism, history, geography or environmental studies.

The study of Economics Stage 6 (Year 11 & 12) allows students to develop knowledge and understanding, skills, attitudes and values using subject matter and methodology that suit their interests. The course benefits students when they pursue further education and training, employment and active participation as citizens.

Business Studies

Business Studies is distinctive in that it encompasses the theoretical and practical aspects of business and management in contexts which students will encounter in life. Conceptually, it offers focus areas and perspectives ranging from the planning of a small business to the broader roles of management, finance, employment relations, marketing and the impact of the global business environment. Through the incorporation of contemporary business theories and practices the course provides rigour and depth and lays an excellent foundation for students either in further tertiary study or in future employment.

Business Studies makes a significant contribution to the ability to participate effectively in the business environment. Students completing this course will develop general and specific skills including research, problem-solving, decision-making, critical thinking and communication. These skills enhance students' confidence and ability to participate effectively, not only as members of the business world, but as informed citizens dealing with issues emanating from business activity that impacts on their lives.

Business Studies fosters intellectual, social and moral development by assisting students to think critically about the role of business and business institutions and their ethical responsibilities to society. A significant feature of Business Studies is its relevance to the full range of HSC students, as it provides useful knowledge and skills for life.

IPT (Information Processes & Technology)

Information Processes & Technology is the study of computer based information systems. It focuses on information processes performed by these systems and the information technology that allows them to take place.

Social, ethical and non-computer procedures resulting from the processes are considered. Different types of information systems are studied. Through project work, students will create their own information system to meet an identified need. Social and ethical issues arising from the processing of information are specifically addressed in the first Preliminary course topic. Subsequent topics address relevant issues. Students gain knowledge about these issues and are encouraged to adopt social and ethical practices.

A substantial amount of indicative time has been allocated to project work in both the Preliminary and HSC courses. This is in recognition that project work is more than a demonstration of what students have learnt, it allows them to develop their technical, communication and management skills.

A team project is required in the Preliminary course and optional in the HSC course. Team projects allow students to develop interpersonal and communication skills in addition to technical skills. Experience at working in teams will prepare students for similar situations common beyond the HSC in this field.

The syllabus has been presented in a way that clearly explains what is to be taught and the level of detail required.