Secondary School
In Secondary School we prepare young adults for life beyond school by helping them develop academically, socially and spiritually so they can impact the world for good.
Developing leaders & preparing emerging adults
At OCS, you can be confident you’ve chosen a school community where we take the time to know each young person as an individual so they can navigate life with resilience and purpose, reaching their full potential.
The teen years can bring both challenges and opportunities to explore, and a supportive wellbeing program and engaging curriculum are critical to success.
In these formative years, your child will benefit from rich learning opportunities so they can develop soft skills, a spiritual awareness and deeper academic knowledge.
Secondary School is a diverse learning environment where we believe that building strong relationships and truly knowing each young person is fundamental to their academic progress. Our students are understood, supported and extended in their learning to make sure they are engaged and challenged.
Since 1981, we’ve delivered a holistic Christian education to hundreds of children and families in Orange.
Academic Growth
Real-world learning opportunities
Alongside our broad subject offering and Distance Learning opportunities, Stage 5 and 6 students take part in our Mentor Program, where they can thrive in their special interest area and develop a project, paired with a professional in that field.
With the HSC and ATAR in mind, we also offer Vocational Education & Training so students can work towards a nationally recognised qualification as part of their HSC. Some subjects are offered as a compressed HSC course, allowing students to complete an HSC subject prior to Year 12.
Parent Partnership
Staying connected through the teen years
Clear communication between home and school enables us to care for your young person in the best possible way. We let parents know what’s happening through Parent Information Nights, Parent Teacher Interviews, written reports each semester and Schoolstream app. Good communication is always two-way, and we value parent feedback, and parent involvement in supporting students, particularly in their senior years.
Christian Discipleship
Being the hands and feet of Jesus
Students are taught the values of respect, humility, integrity, creativity, truth and service. Daily devotions, lunch groups, worship teams and assemblies all provide opportunities to grow in discipleship. Stage 5 and 6 students have the opportunity to be involved in an annual mission trip as an expression of Christian service.
We run a 4 year program in Homeroom that covers the “Big Picture” and where Jesus can be found throughout the whole bible. Students work through some big questions about the world and examine relevant social issues from a Christian perspective. All academic subjects are taught within a biblical worldview, under the principles of the “Transformation By Design” program, while ensuring the academic integrity of the curriculum is upheld.
Student Wellbeing
Building genuine relationships
Our wellbeing program includes Vertical Homerooms, where students in Years 7-12 interact daily to establish cohesive connections.
To help build strong, confident and dedicated young people, we explicitly teach organisation, motivation, resilience and service. We run leadership-focused excursions and an outdoor education program that focuses on self-awareness and teamwork that serves others.
We intentionally develop leadership skills through the Student Leadership Team. The school’s strength program incorporates the Duke of Edinburgh Award, developing students leadership skills and resilience.
Co-Curricular Opportunities
Developing skills and boosting performance
Our homework and study centre STAR (Students Taking an Active Role) is a structured environment where students can study with the support of qualified staff. Importantly for senior students, we see a clear correlation between participation in STAR and improved HSC performance.
Music and drama-minded Secondary School students have the opportunity to participate in Worship Band, Senior Singers, Senior Band and our school musicals. Our musicals are a significant time of building musical skills, confidence, and teamwork, culminating in sell-out performances in the Orange Civic Theatre.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
What outdoor education and camping experiences are offered in Secondary School?
Secondary students participate in a range of overnight and day experiences. Experiences in Stage 5 include a Homelessness camp, an Urban experience for 2 nights in Sydney, an Aboriginal experience day with Indigenous elders, and a day with Orange’s Wontama Aged Care facility, developing awareness and empathy with Senior community members.
Stage 6 students undertake the Rite of Passage leadership retreat each year and an academic tour, which alternates each year between Sydney and Canberra.
We also run academic excursions overseas such as the Ancient History Tour to Pompeii, Herculaneum, the British Museum and other locations.
Stage 4 attend various excursions including two camps per year in Terms 1 and 3. These include our iconic adventure camps such as Six Foot Track and Waves. These camps are an important growth experience for our junior secondary students as they develop independence and a sense of themselves in God’s world. Don’t forget we love to have parents come along to help out.
Are there mission trips in Secondary School?
Stage 5 and 6 students have a wonderful opportunity to go on a mission trip each year. OCS teams up with a mission focused organisation such as YWAM or Scripture Union and the students become part of facilitating mission programs such as kids clubs, beach missions and outreach activities, along with specific mission training including sharing testimonies, learning how to speak to different age groups about Jesus and praying for the mission field. Mission trips are not included in our school fees, however, every effort is made to include those Senior students who have a desire to attend. Previous mission trips have been to Fiji, Broken Hill and Byron Bay.
What subjects are available in Secondary School?
- English (Standard and Advanced)
- English Extension 1
- Mathematics
- Mathematics (Advanced)
- Mathematics Extension 1
- Mathematics Extension 2
- PDHPE
- CAFS
- Music
- Drama
- Physics
- Visual Arts
- Ancient History
- Modern History
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Design and Technology
- Legal Studies
- Agriculture
- Construction (VET)
- Hospitality (VET)
There is also a wide range of Distance Education subjects available.
What Careers support is available in Secondary School?
Student can explore a wide range of post-school options through guest speakers, excursions, and access to information sessions. Careers guidance is given on an individual basis, whether it be looking at university options, apprenticeships, or other programs such as overseas missions. As a child’s first and most important teacher, parents are valued advisers helping to consider each choice along with the Careers Adviser.
How are students oriented into Secondary School?
New Secondary School students coming in to OCS are assigned a buddy when they enrol and have ongoing follow-up with their Homeroom teacher, Chaplain and Secondary Coordinator to make sure they are settling in well. Our vertical Homeroom structure means that new students interact with current students from the whole Secondary School, not just their own cohort.
Are VET courses run at OCS?
We run Construction and Hospitality Vocational Education & Training (VET) courses in our purpose-built commercial kitchen and workshop facilities. These are available to Stage 5 and 6. Stage 5 students can choose a VET course as an elective that counts as 2 elective units and can sit their VET HSC examinations in Year 10, 11 or 12. This allows more flexibility in Stage 6 for those wanting to focus on extension subjects, and can also allow those practical, hands-on learners to find a balance and improve focus in other subjects.
What opportunities in the Creative & Performing Arts are available?
Secondary School students have opportunities to strengthen their performance skills in various groups, including Concert and Stage Bands, school musicals, worship team, choir and string ensemble.
Ready to join us at Orange Christian School?
Step 1
Discover if OCS is the right fit for your family
Why OCS?
Step 2
Take a tour of OCS with our Registrar
Book a tour
Step 3
Submit an enrolment application online
Enrol online