Philosophy and Ethics at Oxley College
Oxley is proud of its innovative subject, Cornerstone, introduced in 2015 and taught to every student in Years 7-10. Cornerstone’s curriculum, devised and written entirely at Oxley, draws together big, inspirational, and ethical ideas from various fields into one subject.
It teaches students how to think critically and is designed to be the cornerstone of an enlightened, rigorous education for the 21st century.
- What does it mean to live a good life in today's complex world?
- How do you separate truth from belief in a world full of noise?
- When cultures clash, whose morality prevails? Can something be right in one place and wrong in another?
- Where do we draw the line between free speech and shouting 'fire' in a crowded theatre?
Cornerstone engages with the timeless questions of human existence while navigating the dynamic landscape of the 21st century, marked by rapid social, cultural, and technological change. As a Round Square school, we embrace the principles of internationalism, democracy, and service, fostering global perspectives in our students. Our mission is to deepen their understanding of influential thinkers and moral dilemmas, empowering them to question assumptions and beliefs.
Through rigorous inquiry, we cultivate critical thinking, ethical discernment, and empathetic engagement, emphasising civic responsibility. We encourage interdisciplinary connections, allowing students to see how ethics and critical thinking intersect with various fields. Oxley’s Centre for Ethics provides numerous opportunities to hear from distinguished speakers and leaders from diverse fields, including philanthropy, higher education, media and industry.
As students explore fundamental questions that shape our collective future, they embark on a personal journey of discovery, reflecting on their own worldviews and values. Collaborative learning fosters dialogue and diverse perspectives, enhancing critical thinking skills. Additionally, we emphasise the role of emotional intelligence in ethical decision-making and encourage students to consider global perspectives on ethical issues.
By equipping students with these skills, we prepare them to navigate and contribute meaningfully to an ever-changing world.
"Cornerstone is the subject where we get to learn about what is going on in the world and how to think independently, as well as serving as an introduction to philosophical ideas and ways of looking at the world."
