Learning at our school

Primary learning includes whole-class, group and individual activities designed to develop an inquiring mind and teach basic learning skills needed for schooling and later life.

Literacy and numeracy are the building blocks of learning and that is why English and mathematics take up half of students' learning time in primary school.

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.

Shortland Public School has three Support Classes - K-6 Autism, K-6 Emotional Disturbance and K-6 Multi-Categorical classes.

Our support classes offer students access to the NSW Curriculum. Students from across the Hunter region, who have diagnosed disabilities and complex needs, are placed through a district panel.

Experienced and dedicated teachers and School Learning Support Officers provide a safe, nurturing and happy learning environment. Students work towards an Individual Education Program which enables them to reach their full potential, both academically and socially.

All classes have access to Interactive White Boards and iPad technology and use this technology to facilitate access to the curriculum.

Students are integrated into the mainstream setting on a regular basis and have access to whole school facilities and programs. The school's support classes offer an inclusive and caring setting, where all students and parents are supported and abilities are nurtured and celebrated.

Enquiries about the programs that we offer can be made through the school.