Grammar News

Community Engagement

Building a Culture of Community Engagement at Oakleigh Grammar

 

At Oakleigh Grammar, service learning has always been an essential part of our educational philosophy, rooted in our Orthodox Christian values, Philotimo and our school values of Humility, Aspiration, Respect and Kindness (HARK). Our approach to service has continually evolved to better support students in developing a strong sense of social responsibility. 

 

As we move into 2025, we are excited to introduce key enhancements to our Middle Years Programme (MYP), reinforcing our commitment to meaningful community involvement.

What’s Changing in 2025?

 

One of the most significant updates this year is the shift from Service as Action to Community Engagement. This change reflects a broader, more student-driven approach, where students will respond to real-world challenges through active participation, dialogue, and reflection.

 

In 2024, students focused on addressing a need, often defining their own service projects. Now, in 2025, they will work collaboratively to identify and engage with relevant opportunities in their communities. This ensures a deeper, more impactful learning experience, equipping students with essential skills in relationship-building, critical thinking, and civic responsibility.

 

Other key changes include:

  • Moving from service outcomes to engagement objectives, encouraging a more reflective and responsive approach.
  • Expanding engagement methods to include advocacy, social entrepreneurship, and action research, alongside traditional service activities.
  • Embedding community engagement more effectively across subjects, fostering a whole-school approach.

 

Community Engagement Hours & Logbooks

Students in Year 6 to 8 will now track their involvement through Community Engagement Continuum. 

 

As part of this continuum students work to set hours, recorded in Compass logbooks. These structured hours are designed to guide students through different areas of engagement:

  • Year 6 - Focus on disadvantage (10 hours)
  • Year 7 - Wellbeing, community, and self (10 hours)
  • Year 8 - Communication, community, and voice (15 hours)

Badges and Certificates will be awarded to students who complete their required engagement hours, recognising their efforts in contributing to the community.

 

Year 9 Community Project

 

While much is changing, the Year 9 Community Project remains the same as last year. This term-long project, running in Term 2 and Term 3, allows students to explore a community issue of their choice, develop a structured plan, and present their work.

 

Key dates for 2025:

  • Proposal due: 5th June (Term 2)
  • Taking action: Term 2 Week 8 to Term 3 Week 4
  • Process journal due: 5th August (Term 3)
  • Final report and exhibition: 5th September

 

All full-time MYP teachers will serve as mentors, guiding students through the process and ensuring they meet their milestones. Mentors are encouraged to support students by aligning their own skills with student interests, with at least three formal check-ins throughout the project.

 

Looking Ahead: Beta Trial for 2027

 

As part of the ongoing evolution of the IB MYP framework, Oakleigh Grammar is participating in a Beta Trial aimed at enhancing community engagement initiatives leading up to 2027. This trial will help refine our approach, ensuring that student experiences are meaningful and aligned with global best practices in community involvement.

A Stronger Culture of Engagement

 

At its core, the shift from Service as Action to Community Engagement is about fostering deeper, more authentic connections between students and their communities. By prioritising dialogue, relationship-building, and reflection, we are not only strengthening our school’s culture of giving but also empowering students to be active, thoughtful, and engaged citizens.

 

We look forward to another exciting year of learning and community involvement. If you have any questions about our new framework, feel free to reach out to me at ismit@oakleighgrammar.vic.edu.au.

 

Here’s to a year of meaningful engagement and impact!

 

Inneke Smit

MYP Service Coordinator