O LORD, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all: The earth is full of your riches.
–Psalm 104:4
What is Oxley Horizons?
The Horizons co-curricular program enriches a child’s learning journey at Oxley Christian College. As a part of enrolment, students have the opportunity to participate in various activities, clubs, and events that helps them discover and develop their gifts and talents.
The program consists of four domains: Discovery, Influence, Expression, and Service. Each domain offers a range of options that caters to different levels of ability and interest. Students experience the joy of learning, the thrill of adventure, and the satisfaction of helping others. This cultivates students’ character, resilience, and teamwork, as they lead by example and influence others in a positive way.
Oxley Horizons is inspired by the Christian values of generosity, courage, respect, and joy, which empower us to live a meaningful and fulfilling life. We look to Christ as our ultimate source of wisdom and virtue, and aspire to follow His example in all that we do. We invite students of all backgrounds to join us in this journey of discovery, growth, and transformation.
“The wide world is all around you: you can fence yourselves in, but you cannot fence it out.”
– J.R.R Tolkien
Duke of Edinburgh Award
In 1956, HRH the Duke of Edinburgh established a program for young people to encourage personal development and community involvement.
Oxley is proud to offer students the opportunity to take part in this program which promotes exploration,
self discovery and stewardship. Volunteering, Physical Fitness, Skills Development and Adventurous Journeys are the four key areas of the award. Offered to our Year 9 students, the program at Oxley incorporates both individual and group activities as students explore their interests and engage in meaningful experiences.
Ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you . . .
– Job 12:7-8
Earth’s Stewards
Looking after the Creation is something we take seriously. Students learn about how to look after the environment and about sustainable agricultural practices at our onsite Enviro Barn.
Students garner an appreciation of life, from the smallest insects to the largest whales, from the delicious raspberry to the great oak that provides shade and oxygen.
Camp Discovery
A key component of our Discovery domain is the Oxley Camp Program. Featuring in both Junior and Senior School, camps are carefully facilitated with safety, self discovery and interconnectedness front of mind.
Our Camp Discovery program in Junior School is founded on the principles of nurturing a spirit of inquiry, and an understanding of the world.
Students from Years 2–6 participate in age appropiate multiday experiences, culminating in our Year 5 and 6 expeditions.
Discovering Australia’s Capital
For Year 5 and 6 participants, the Canberra experience is a journey into understanding the heart of Australia’s civic life, history and culture.
From exploring iconic landmarks to visiting Parliament and observing the Senate in session, students broaden their perspective and ignite a passion for the future.
Reliving Victoria’s History
Alternating with the Canberra experience, a Sovereign Hill expedition takes adventurers back in time to the Gold Rush era. Interactive, hands on activities allow students to immerse themselves in the stories of pioneers, understanding the unique challenges of Australian colonial life that has left a lasting legacy on Australia’s culture and hard yakka attitude.
Venture Beyond
As students grow and pursue deeper understandings, so does Oxley’s camp program. In Senior Years, students Venture Beyond and experience more complex activities and expeditions.
A key feature of the Venture Beyond program is developing resilience, problem solving and collaboration skills. A focus on teamwork teaches students to consider solutions to problems from different perspectives, and to realise that often there are many viable courses of action.
Students are presented with challenges that develop grit, perserverance and a sense of achievement. Each year level has a Camp Program culminating in the Year 12 Retreat to energise and encourage students for the year ahead.
“ As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another ”
– Proverbs 27:17
Embracing the Cold
Year 8 students brave the chill for an unforgettable winter adventure. Among snow-capped landscapes students engage in team-building activities, winter sports such as skiing and tobogganing, and nature exploration.
This expedition teaches students to adapt to the environment around them, encouraging and supporting one another.
Where Waves Beckon
Diving into the depths, our Year 10s trade in their classroom for the allure of the ocean during a four day adventure.
Students explore the aquatic realm, from above and below. Boating, surfing and scuba diving activities are an incredicble way to develop a deep appreciation for marine ecosystems and the importance of enviornmental stewardship.
Influence
When we help to build character in our students, we know that they will graduate as citizens of virtue.
The Influence domain is designed to cultivate Leaders of Tomorrow, encouraging students to lead with service and humility. Through student government, clubs, and House activities, students learn to make inclusive decisions and develop skills that contribute to our community.
These experiences prepare students to be influential figures who carry their learned values into the wider world.
“Let
no one despise you for your youth, but set an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity” – 1 Timothy 4:12
Leaders of Tomorrow
At Oxley, we firmly believe that authentic leadership is deeply rooted in Christian values. As part of the College Student Leadership program, scholars of character embody servant-hearted leadership. Their primary goal is to serve the community, putting others’ needs before their own.
Just as Jesus demonstrated compassion and humility, these young leaders actively contribute to the College’s well-being, and promote the strength of a Christian ethos.
“Love wisdom and she will guard you”
Understanding our Home
To help shape our Leaders of Tomorrow, it is crucial to impart an understanding of civic life to our students.
Through curricular and co-curricular activities students become ready to be active participants in their communities upon graduation.
Cultivating Active Citizens
Our Year 9 Civics program allows students to develop an understanding of the modern world by immersion in the civic life of Melbourne and Australia. This three-week City Cite event offers students a firsthand experience of Melbourne’s vibrant urban life.
As students delve into cultural landmarks, engage with local communities, and navigate bustling streets, they not only acquire practical knowledge but also cultivate an understanding of city dynamics.
This understanding serves as the foundation for the student Election program, that explores voter concerns, policy-making processes, and research campaign strategies. Students are tasked with forming their own mock political party, defining the key issues, and orchestrating a compelling political campaign. By the end of this program our students become not just informed citizens, but also stewards of tomorrow.
Expression
Oxley values individual expression and provides opportunities for students to express their values, faith and creative pursuits.
The Expression domain provides a platform for students to develop and showcase their talent, artistry and creativity.
Individual and collective expression are encouraged in our programs. Through expression, students find avenues to communicate, inspire and leave a lasting impact.
Creative
Since the completion of the Broadley Performing Arts Centre (BPAC), Oxley has become well known for its extensive music program and theatrical productions. Our Performing and Visual Arts departments join together biennially to produce the Festival of the Arts where students can visually communicate and inspire our community.
Faith
We have a variety of ways in which students can express their faith. Our weekly Chapel services are led by student music teams, and students are also able to participate in or lead bible study groups. Our College Chaplain is available to assist students in getting involved. We respect and understand that not all families at Oxley share a Christian faith, and no student will ever be required to declare a faith they do not own for themselves.
Beauty Reflects Truth
We believe that everyone is gifted with the potential to be creative and expressive. Creative expression is fostered by providing opportunities and guidance for artistic pursuits.
Students explore the concept of beauty, not only as an aesthetic quality, but also as a reflection of Truth.
Art is a conduit for communicating truth, and we appreciate its beauty.
Sounds of Joy
Music is more than a combination of sounds and rhythms. It is a form of expression, and creativity. It can connect people to something greater than themselves, such as nature, culture, or spirituality. Music inspires joy, hope and gratitude in performers and listeners alike.
At Oxley many genres are studied for students to grow and develop their musical talents. Individually, students learn instruments and vocal techniques. Students are able to participate in choics, ensembles, worship groups and music festivals.
Arts in Unity
At Oxley visual and performing arts entwine. The biennial Arts Festival brings these creative forces together, igniting inspiration. The Senior Art department hosts elegant gallery nights, where artists showcase their works, and diverse talents.
“I was a skilled craftsman beside Him. I was His delight every day . . .”
– Proverbs 8:30
Each year, our Junior School takes center stage in a spectacular production led by Year 6 students who infuse the auditorium with youthful devotion.
Biennially, our Middle School and Senior School productions grace the theatre, leaving the audience moved. Passion, dedication, and artistry weave captivating narratives.
Service
Have you ever noticed how much of Christ’s life was spent in doing kind things?” Henry Drummond, the theologian once observed.
At Oxley, our cherished motto Wisdom & Virtue captures our heartfelt desire to emulate Jesus as our greatest role model.
One such way is by following His example of compassionate service. Just as He reached out to those in great need, we also extend our hands to help others.
Oxley, takes great delight in offering our students meaningful pathways to serve both local and international communities. Whether through small gestures or grand initiatives, students embody a spirit of generosity and love.
Cambodia Mission Trip
Through Samaritan’s Purse students embark on a transformative experience of a lifetime. The annual mission trip to Cambodia leaves them both inspired and humbled. Each year brings unique ways of serving, from assisting with meal preparation and teaching young children in schools, to setting up water filtration systems and distributing cherished Operation Christmas Child boxes.
Students feel fulfilled, and honoured to be able to make a difference to people who are in need and have been deeply affected by periods of war and civil unrest.
Our Partners
“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less”
–C.S Lewis
Throughout the year, Oxley partners with several community and charity organisations. Students serve these organisation in small and large ways, whether it be fundraising, raising awareness, assisting in operations or collecting supplies.
Our Key Partners:
• Samaritan’s Purse
• Cire Services
• Amari Community Development Organisation
