Below is a snapshot of information about the primary curriculum taken from the NSW Board of Studies K-6 website. The best source of information about your childs learning is their class teacher. Further information about the NSW curriculum for primary schools can be found on the BOS website or the NSW Department of Communities Curriculum website.
As the parent of a primary school student you will want to know what your child is learning so you can help them along at home. You and your child’s teachers will be the most important influence on your son or daughter’s education. This Guide is provided to help you follow your child’s early learning and to help you talk with teachers about day-to-day classroom activities and your child’s progress.
What will my child learn at school?
The Board of Studies NSW sets the learning requirements for each stage of primary school. The four stages are:
The Board's syllabuses state what must be taught in these six key learning areas: (click on the links to find out more)
How much time will be spent on each subject?
The Board's syllabus requirements can be taught in 80 percent of a typical 9 am to 3 pm five-day school week. The remaining 20 percent of the school week is left free for additional activities at the school's discretion. For example, many schools use this time for languages, additional school sport, concert rehearsals, religious education and special projects.
English and Mathematics make up about 50 percent of the school week – this is equivalent to at least 12 hours each week. The other subjects are spread across the remaining time (see pie chart below). The 6–10% of time noted below represents between 1.5 and 2.5 hours per week.
The use of computers is included in every stage of every subject.
Assessment and reporting
Teachers at Coogee Public School make ongoing judgements about student learning progress through a range of formative, summative, informal and formal assessments. Assessment serves two primary pruposes – 'assessment for learning' and 'assessment of learning'.
Assessment for learning are the teacher judgements made to plan and program for teaching and learning. Teachers use ongoing judgements to ensure that their class programs are meeting the needs of students. Examples of these assessments include; reading records, work samples, observations of students, weekly tests.
Assessment of learning are usually the summative and more formal assessments to check student progress against the syallbus and class programs. The school uses some standardised assessments once per yer and stages may complete some formal assessments at the end of a unit of work to check student understanding.
Student grading and reporting to parents is a result of teachers making informed judgments against sysllbus standards and using the full range of assessments above.
Reporting to parents
At Coogee Public School, the reporting process includes:
- Parent/Teacher Information Sessions – Term 1
- Parent/Teacher Interviews (Kindergarten) – Term 1
- Half Yearly Report
- Parent/Teacher Interviews (Stage 1-3) – Term 2
- End of Year Report
The school welcomes parental involvement and feedback. Teachers are always willing to discuss any concerns a parent may have about his/her child's performance.
School Reports
This report indicates your child's achievements in the Key Learning Areas of the NSW Curriculum. Student reports also provide information about your child's social development within this school over a semester.
Performance Scale
Outstanding Achievement
The student has an extensive knowledge and understanding of the content and can readily apply this knowledge. In addition, the student has achieved a very high level of competence in the processes and skills and can apply these to new situations.
High Achievement
The student has a thorough knowledge and understanding of the content and a high level of competence. In addition, the student is able to apply this knowledge and skills to most situations.
Sound Achievement
The student has a sound knowledge and understanding of the main areas of content and has achieved an adequate level of competence in the processes and skills.
Basic Achievement
The student has a basic knowledge and understanding of the content and has achieved a limited level of competence in the processes and skills.
Limited Achievement
The student has elementary knowledge and understanding in a few areas of content and has achieved a very limited competence in some processes and skills.
External Assessments
National Assessment Program (NAPLAN) are undertaken by the Year 3 and 5 classes to assess each student's skills in literacy and numeracy.
Primary students may also sit for the University of New South Wales tests in English, Mathematics, Computing, Creative Writing and Science.