Oxley High School

Oxley High School, with an enrolment of more than 1100 students, is a large, co-educational, comprehensive high school that was established in 1968. The school caters for students from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences and there is a high expectation of every student and all staff members. Oxley High School is recognised as a Centre for Excellence with a focus on developing high quality teaching through a partnership with the University of New England. The school is closely involved in developing teaching practice which includes professional links and support for nearby schools. There is a focus on student and staff leadership and a tradition of academic, sporting and cultural excellence with all students encouraged to achieve their potential. A strong and positive partnership between the school and the Parents and Citizens Association supports positive and long term relationships with the whole school community. There is a clear and determined focus on respect, tolerance, personal best and commitment to community. All students are encouraged to take every opportunity offered by the school which has a long standing tradition of offering a broad range of extracurricular activities. Pastoral Care roll groups foster relationships across Years 7 to 12. Diverse opportunities for student leadership are offered in the Student Representative Council, the Creative Arts and Performing Arts Council, the Sports Council and the Junior Aboriginal Education Consultative Group. Oxley High School offers a broad curriculum to cater for all students' interests and abilities, including accelerated learning opportunities and a range of learning support programs. The breadth of curriculum is further enhanced by close professional links with the adjacent New England TAFE. A Trade Training Centre specialising in Metals and Engineering and Construction is shortly to be developed and many students are actively participating in school based traineeships and apprenticeships. The school encourages and fosters very strong links with its partner primary schools. There is a long tradition of cooperation between all levels of the learning continuum and strong ongoing positive relationships between students, teachers and parents. The school believes strongly in a learning community where all students and teachers have access to quality learning and teaching that is active, meaningful and challenging and that takes place in a caring environment based on compassion, understanding, dignity and respect.