National Science Week

Junior School and Secondary School

Last month, Oxley came alive with curiosity and creativity as we celebrated National Science Week 2025 under the inspiring theme: Decoding the Universe – Exploring the Unknown with Nature’s Hidden Language.

Throughout the week, students were invited to see science not just as a subject, but as a powerful lens through which we explore the mysteries of God’s creation—uncovering patterns, discovering beauty, and seeking truth in the world around us.

Our lunchtime activities were a hit! Students:

E-met a biomedical scientist from the University of Melbourne, gaining insight into how science is used to heal and help others.

Built catapults to launch ping pong balls at a target, testing physics and precision.

Decoded their DNA to create personalised beaded name bracelets — a colourful glimpse into the genetic code that makes each of us unique

Worked in teams to design water filtration systems, solving real-world problems with creativity and care

The week kicked off with a high-energy Monday assembly, hosted by our enthusiastic science faculty captains, Nifemi D (10.4) and Jimmy W (11.14). The audience joined in for the fast-paced science trivia challenge, then were treated to “Interviews with a Science Teacher”, as well as a showcase of the science subjects offered at Oxley, and finally a hilarious messy game where student volunteers raced to dress as scientists and trigger a volcanic chemical reaction—all under pressure!

We also ran a Pitch Your Invention Competition, welcoming brilliant design entries from across Junior and Secondary School. The ideas were imaginative, inspiring, and showed that innovation starts young! A well done to Titus L (1G), Hajera M (1JB), Alice T (4OW), Claire T (4OW), Raphael P (4OW), Olive H (5M), Mohi H (6B), Ariel C (7.2), Pehal S (7.3), for their inventions.

Pitch Your Own Invention Competition—Innovation Starts Young!

A special congratulations goes to the 75 Secondary students who participated in the Science ICAS 2025 Competition—with the following students awarded a Distinction: Jocelyn D (7.1), Aryan B (7.4), Zichong Y (8.7), Reuben T (9.9), Mitchell W (9.11), Imogen R (9.11), Celina W-M (9.11) and Karson C (12.8), in addition Leah C (8.5) and Nicole M (9.9) were recognised with a High Distinction! A fantastic achievement that reflects the talent and dedication of our budding scientists.

National Science Week reminded us that science is more than formulas and facts—it’s a way to explore the unknown, appreciate the beauty of creation, and seek truth in the world God has made. Whether through physics, biology, chemistry or earth sciences, we are decoding the universe—one discovery at a time.

Pauline Steele

Secondary Science Teacher

Mission: Space—An Out-of-This-World Adventure!

During National Science Week, our Junior School students embarked on an out-of-this-world adventure, all from the comfort of their seats! Each day, they blasted off into a new Mission: Space theme, discovering the wonders of God’s creation through science, experiments, interviews with astronauts and even some giggles along the way.

Tuesday – Enigmatic Earth

We launched our mission by exploring our home planet. Students discovered how Earth tilts, orbits, and rotates, and how these movements change our weather patterns. Suddenly, chilly mornings and sunny afternoons made a whole lot more sense!

Wednesday – Cryptic Chemistry

Things began to bubble, fizz, and react as we dived into chemistry. Students learned how things heat up, cool down, and combine in surprising ways. Linking it to space, we thought about rocket fuel (no explosions in the classroom, don’t worry!) and the materials used to build the International Space Station.

Thursday – Puzzling Physics

Hold on tight, physics was all about pushes, pulls, and energy in motion. The highlight? Learning about space junk zipping around Earth at a jaw-dropping 28,000 kilometres per hour. (That’s faster than a Junior School student racing to the playground at lunch!) Students discovered how scientists are tracking this junk and planning solutions.

Friday – Baffling Biology

Our final stop was all about life — plants, fungi, frogs, and yes, humans too! But what does biology have to do with space? Students discovered that astronauts need plants for food, oxygen, medicine, and even happiness. Scientists are learning how to grow plants in space, and these discoveries are helping farmers here on Earth. And in case you’re wondering… yes, this mission really grew on us!

National Science Week reminded us that exploring the universe isn’t just about rockets, stars, or planets. It’s about pausing to be amazed at God’s creation, asking big questions, and growing in wonder at the incredible world He has made.

Vicky Kirby-Beach

Assistant Head of Junior School