Learning

Our subjects

Explore how we teach the NSW curriculum through key learning areas.

English

At our school, we follow the NSW English syllabus which develops students’ ability to understand and create a wide range of texts. Students are supported to build essential knowledge, understanding, and skills through the study of diverse literature, helping them become confident, thoughtful, and effective communicators.

In the early years (Kindergarten to Year 2), students develop strong foundational skills that set them up for success as readers, writers, and speakers.
Learning focuses on oral language and communication, vocabulary development, phonological awareness, and an understanding of print conventions. Students also build phonic knowledge, reading fluency, and comprehension skills, alongside early writing skills such as spelling, handwriting, and text creation. A love of literature is nurtured through shared reading and meaningful engagement with stories, poems, and other texts.

As students move through Years 3 to 6, they continue to strengthen and extend their skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
The focus areas include oral language and communication, vocabulary enrichment, reading fluency and comprehension, and the creation of increasingly complex written texts. Students also develop their spelling, handwriting, and digital transcription skills, enabling them to communicate effectively across a range of modes.
Through studying and responding to literature, they deepen their understanding of language and explore how texts reflect different ideas, cultures, and perspectives.

Across all stages, our English program is flexible and responsive to the needs of learners. This ensures that every child is supported to progress confidently to the next stage of learning, developing the skills and appreciation for language that will serve them throughout their education and beyond.

Mathematics

At our school, we follow the NSW Mathematics syllabus, which develops students’ ability to think critically, reason logically, and solve problems with confidence. The syllabus supports students in building essential knowledge, understanding, and skills across the areas of Number and Algebra, Measurement and Space, and Statistics and Probability, with Working Mathematically embedded throughout all learning.

A central feature of our approach is Working Mathematically, which is embedded across all areas of learning. This means students are not only learning mathematical facts and procedures but also developing essential mathematical processes such as communicating, reasoning, problem solving, and demonstrating understanding and fluency. Through these processes, students learn to make connections between ideas, explore different strategies, and reflect on how they think mathematically — building what are known as ‘mathematical habits of mind’.

Students engage in hands-on experiences and real-world problem-solving activities that encourage them to apply mathematical concepts in meaningful ways. Whether they are exploring patterns, measuring objects, interpreting data, or analysing probability, they are constantly using the processes of Working Mathematically to deepen their understanding. This approach ensures that learning is active and purposeful, fostering curiosity and confidence in tackling new challenges.

As students progress through each stage of learning, their mathematical thinking becomes more sophisticated. They learn to choose efficient strategies, explain their reasoning clearly, and apply their knowledge to increasingly complex problems. At our school, we place strong emphasis on helping every student develop fluency, flexibility, and confidence in mathematics — equipping them with the skills and mindset to be successful learners, problem solvers, and critical thinkers both inside and outside the classroom.

Human Society and Its Environment

Our school follows the NSW Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE) syllabus, which helps students explore the world they live in and understand the complex relationships between people, places, cultures, and environments. Through the study of history and geography, students build foundational knowledge, understanding, and skills that enable them to see how people and events have shaped societies over time and how we, in turn, shape the world around us.

By engaging with stories, images, artefacts, maps, and data, students learn how people have understood and interacted with their environments throughout history. They also explore what it means to be Australian, developing an understanding of civics and citizenship — the values, rights, and responsibilities that underpin Australia’s democratic society.

A key part of HSIE is learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures. Students have opportunities to engage with the world’s oldest living, continuous cultures, gaining an appreciation for their diversity, sustainable practices, and deep connection to Country and Place. Through these studies, students learn to value and respect the unique contributions of First Nations Peoples to our shared history and future.

Through HSIE, students develop curiosity, empathy, and a sense of connection to others. They learn to think critically and creatively about social, cultural, and environmental issues and are encouraged to become active, responsible citizens who contribute positively to a socially just and sustainable world.

Science and Technology

Our school follows the NSW Science and Technology syllabus, which nurtures students’ natural curiosity and sense of wonder about the world around them. Through engaging, hands-on learning experiences, students explore how and why things work, developing the knowledge, understanding, and skills needed to make sense of both the natural and the designed world. They are encouraged to ask questions, observe carefully, test ideas, and use evidence to explain their thinking, building the foundations of scientific inquiry and technological innovation.

Our Science and Technology program highlights the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ scientific and technological knowledge, which has guided sustainable living and deep connections to land, sea, and sky for tens of thousands of years. By linking traditional and contemporary knowledge, students gain a richer understanding of how science and technology relate to culture, community, and the environment.

Students also develop essential technological literacy by using digital tools to investigate, design, and create solutions to real-world problems. They learn to manage and evaluate information critically, preparing them to navigate a world where technology and innovation are constantly evolving.

Overall, Science and Technology at our school builds on students’ curiosity and inventiveness. It empowers them to explore, experiment, and think creatively, fostering the confidence and capability to become informed, responsible, and innovative citizens in an ever-changing world.

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education

Our school follows the NSW Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) syllabus, which equips students with the knowledge, understanding, and skills to enhance their own and others’ health, safety, and wellbeing. In an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world, PDHPE empowers students to make informed, positive choices and to respond confidently to evolving health and physical activity contexts.

Learning in PDHPE lays the foundation for a lifelong appreciation of movement and physical activity. Students develop movement skills, concepts, and strategies through participation in a wide range of physical activities, games, and sports. These experiences help students refine their physical abilities while also strengthening their social, emotional, and cognitive skills, supporting them to lead healthy, active, and balanced lives.

Through PDHPE, students build essential life skills such as resilience, empathy, self-management, and respectful communication. They learn to make responsible decisions about consent, relationships, and personal safety, both online and offline. By developing health literacy skills, students are encouraged to think critically about the factors that influence health and wellbeing, and to advocate for positive change within their communities.

Overall, PDHPE at our school supports students in becoming confident, caring, and active individuals who value healthy lifestyles, respectful relationships, and lifelong participation in physical activity.

Creative Arts

Our school follows the NSW Creative Arts syllabus, which encourages students to explore their creativity and express themselves through Dance, Drama, Music, and Visual Arts. Each art form offers students distinct ways of thinking, creating, and understanding the world, and together they contribute to a rich and balanced education. Through the creative arts, students learn to communicate ideas, emotions, and stories, developing both artistic and critical thinking skills.

Through hands-on learning, students develop skills in creating, performing, and appreciating artworks across all art forms.

In Dance, they explore movement as a form of expression.

In Drama, they use imagination and performance to tell stories and embody experiences

In Music, they perform, listen to, and compose works that communicate mood and meaning

In Visual Arts, they make and respond to artworks that represent ideas and perspectives from different times and places.

Creative Arts learning at our school provides students with opportunities for self-expression, collaboration, and joy, helping them to grow as confident, compassionate, and creative individuals. By engaging with and contributing to the arts, students develop cultural understanding and a sense of belonging as active participants in Australia’s vibrant cultural life.

Languages

At our school, we are excited to begin introducing the NSW Languages curriculum through the teaching of Dharug Dhalang, the language of the Dharug people, who are the Traditional Custodians of the land on which our school stands, along with the Gundungarra peoples.

Through this program, students develop an appreciation for the significance of Aboriginal languages in expressing culture, identity, and connection to Country. Learning Dharug Dhalang encourages respect for First Nations perspectives and helps students understand the deep relationship between language, storytelling, and the land.

The Dharug Dhalang program blends language learning with cultural experiences, creating rich and engaging opportunities for students to explore Aboriginal knowledge and traditions. Lessons include speaking, listening, and understanding the language through storytelling, songs, dance, art, and hands-on activities. Students learn useful words, greetings, and expressions, as well as the meanings behind Aboriginal place names, Dreaming stories, and cultural practices. The program is developed in collaboration with Dharug community members and Aboriginal educators to ensure that learning remains authentic, respectful, and community-led.

Religion and ethics

At our school, students can take part in special religious education (SRE) or special education in ethics (SEE) classes, depending on what’s available. These classes are delivered by approved providers.

When enrolling your child, you’ll be able to choose an option from the approved providers offered at our school. Students not attending SRE or SEE are given supervised alternative meaningful activities.

At Lawson Public School we currently offer the following SRE and SEE classes:

Protestant Scripture (K-6)

Catholic Scripture (K-6)

Ethics (Y1-Y6)

You’re welcome to change your choice at any time. Just let us know in writing via email or letter.

For more information, visit the department’s website or contact us.

High potential and gifted education

At Lawson Public School, we take great pride in aligning our practices with the NSW Department of Education’s High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) policy, which recognises the unique strengths and needs of gifted and high potential students. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment that challenges and extends all students, ensuring they remain engaged, motivated, and empowered to achieve their full potential.

Please visit our High Potential and Gifted Education pageto learn more.