Discover our Other Learning and Experiences (OLE) Continuum.
98ÌÃapp’s Other Learning and Experiences (OLE) Continuum provides a structured, progressive outdoor education program that fosters personal growth, resilience, and environmental stewardship across all year levels, from Kindergarten to Year 12. The continuum emphasises hands-on, experiential learning, where students engage in outdoor environments to develop essential life skills, build character, and connect with nature.
Kindergarten to Year 2
In the early years (K-2), the program focuses on nurturing a personal relationship with the outdoors, where students explore various environments and engage in playful, sensory experiences.
Years 3-4
As they move into Years 3-4, students begin to develop confidence through more independent tasks and basic outdoor skills, including planning for extended stays and understanding environmental conditions.
Years 5-6
In Years 5-6, the emphasis shifts towards increasing autonomy and responsibility, with students undertaking overnight expeditions and managing small group activities.
Year 7-8
In Years 7-8, the focus extends to more challenging outdoor journeys, where students are introduced to navigation and leadership, practicing safety protocols and learning resilience through longer periods in nature. There is also a strong focus on the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award which is fundamentally important to students' experiences at 98ÌÃapp.
Year 9
Years 9 marks a significant transition that goes beyond the conventional classroom. Rites of Passage is an innovative program that aims to spark curiosity, inspire passion for future possibilities and support students on their learning journey as they transition to Senior School.
Grounded in the developmental needs identified by psychologist Michael Carr-Gregg for 14- and 15-year-olds, the program focuses on:
- Developing a strong sense of personal identity
- Building healthy friendships
- Experiencing a degree of independence from parents
- Exploring vocational interests and future pathways.
The Rites of Passage program is an essential milestone, guiding students toward greater self-awareness and readiness for the challenges of Senior School and beyond.
Year 10
The Year 10 trips at 98ÌÃapp are designed to enrich students' learning by exposing them to diverse global and regional experiences. These trips aim to develop key life skills such as independence, cultural awareness, leadership, and a sense of responsibility toward global and local communities. They are aligned with 98ÌÃapp’s holistic educational philosophy, fostering both personal growth and academic enrichment. The trips also provide opportunities for service, leadership, and experiential learning beyond the classroom, reinforcing the values of empathy, collaboration, and global citizenship.
Years 11-12
By Years 11-12, the program culminates in character development through adversity, where students face autonomous decision-making in challenging environments, integrating community service, leadership, and advanced outdoor skills. Outback is a long-standing College tradition at Oxley. Each year our Year 11 students spend two weeks on the road travelling to remote areas within Australia. Students are expected to contribute to the success of the journey through cooking, serving, packing and cleaning.
The trip includes hikes in locations such as Kata Tjuta and the Flinders Range. The experience is deliberately designed to help the year group to become more cohesive and resilient before they begin their final year at 98ÌÃapp and is exclusive to students continuing into Year 12.
Whilst trips for Year 12 students are less frequent, there are times when students will be invited to places such as Europe, Japan and the United States as part of our Senior School Adventure trips.
Throughout the continuum, students are encouraged to reflect on their experiences, deepen their understanding of First Australian perspectives, and foster an enduring connection with the natural world. The continuum provides a foundation for lifelong learning and personal growth, preparing students to face challenges both in the outdoors and beyond.
Year 10 Trips Summary (2024-2027)
Term 3 (September / October Holidays)
– Jib Jihbe (World Horizons)
This immersive service-learning trip to Nepal allows Year 10 students to engage with local communities through the World Horizons program. Students participate in cultural exchange and community service, gaining insights into life in Nepal while building global awareness.
– Three Generation Farm, Chang Mai
The Thailand trip focuses on sustainable living and environmental education at the VSp Program in Chang Mai. Students learn about eco-friendly practices, rural Thai culture, and the importance of sustainability in today's world.
– NSW
This regional service trip within NSW provides students with an opportunity to contribute to local communities through volunteer work and community engagement. The program is designed to develop a sense of service and connection with regional Australia.
- NSW
This program focuses on building skills, resilience, and teamwork through activities like mountain biking, backcountry skiing and canoeing with opportunities for Service Learning.
(Selected Students)
Selected Year 10 students have the opportunity to attend the international Round Square Conference, connecting with peers worldwide to explore leadership, service, and adventure while fostering a global perspective.
These trips, offered consistently from 2024 to 2027, allow students to engage with international and regional communities, promoting 98ÌÃapp’s values of service, courage, and global citizenship.
Explore our activities beyond the classroom
Abundant opportunities exist for students to explore their gifts in cultural, sporting, community service, and outdoor activities. As well as acquiring particular skills, students test and develop their sense of self, their commitment to a group exercise and teamwork in all its complexity.
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