Find out more about what your child will learn at our school.
The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) is responsible for the curriculum, Kindergarten to Year 12, for all NSW schools.
For the primary years, NESA develops syllabuses for all subjects in 6 key learning areas:
- creative arts
- English
- human society and its environment (HSIE)
- mathematics
- personal development, health and physical education (PDHPE)
- science and technology.
Some primary schools may also offer languages.
NSW schools also offer special religious education and special education in ethics via approved providers, where available.
Like all NSW schools, we have developed teaching and learning programs to suit our local context and the needs of our students.
To learn more about curriculum in NSW, visit:
- NSW Department of Education – key learning areas
- NESA’s Parent Guide – Schooling in NSW which provides information about learning stages, key learning areas and syllabuses
- NSW Department of Education policy – Curriculum planning and programming, assessing and reporting to parents K–12.
Stages of learning
There are 6 stages of learning from Kindergarten to Year 12. Primary school covers Early Stage 1, or Kindergarten, to the end of Stage 3.
- Stage 1 includes Kindergarten to Year 2 (Kindergarten is referred to as Early Stage 1).
- Stage 2 includes Years 3 and 4.
- Stage 3 includes Years 5 and 6.
Curriculum
Medlow Primary School is committed to continuous review and improvement in order to ensure excellence in teaching and learning. There are Six Key Learning Areas taught at Medlow Primary School. During 2014 the school implemented the new National Curriculum in the key learning area of English. In 2015 the new Mathematics, Science and Technology syllabus commenced. In 2016, the History syllabus is being implemented.
English
English provides all students the opportunity to become confident communicators, imaginative thinkers and informed citizens. They develop a toolbox of reading and comprehension skills to read and view written, spoken, visual and multimodal texts. Students learn to apply critical thought when responding to and composing a range of texts and use grammar, punctuation and spelling conventions accurately. At Medlow all aspects of Literacy are valued including speaking and listening effectively in a variety of situations, proficient development of NSW Foundation Handwriting skills and key information technology skills. Ultimately we strive to develop a love of Literature with a high priority placed on daily reading for all students.
Mathematics
Mathematics explores the concepts of Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry and Statistics and Probability. These topics span the basics of number, patterns, position, shape, data, chance and measurement using informal and formal skills. At Medlow these content areas are embedded in rich learning tasks using a variety of materials and equipment that develop skills of communication, problem solving, reasoning, understanding and fluency.
Science & Technology
Science develops students' abilities to use skills of enquiry, investigating, designing and problem-solving. Students are encouraged to apply these skills to gain knowledge and understanding about natural and modified environments and people's interaction with them. Science involves acquiring knowledge of design processes and understanding the interaction of technology and society.
Human Society & Its Environment (HSIE)
HSIE involves developing investigation, communication and social skills to apply to the world around them. Students gain knowledge and understanding about the history of Australia, its geography, social institutions and our place in the world. Students are encouraged to develop a commitment to maintaining or improving the environment; exploring, comparing and appreciating religious and moral beliefs and values and learning about other cultures and languages.
Creative Arts
Creative Arts is a multifaceted Key Learning Area (KLA) involvingDance, Drama, Music and Visual Arts. In all aspects of Creative Arts students work to develop technical competence and skills of designing and performing by appreciating and investigating other art forms. They learn to self-express in response to creative stimuli.
Personal Development, Health & Physical Education
This involves learning to develop an active healthy lifestyle especially in creating thorough knowledge of what a healthy lifestyle is and developing skills in positive interpersonal relationships and positive values, attitudes and beliefs. Medlow follows Restorative Justice Procedures to build right relationships and uses the High Five Program to promote resilience in their children. At Medlow students are provided with a range of opportunities to engage in physical activity that teaches them fundamental movement skills, team skills and fun!
Knowing what your child is learning helps you support them throughout their education.
In this section you can find out how public education works and the range of learning opportunities offered for students to challenge their thinking, and make the most of their unique talents.
You can also browse each School Year section to find out more.