Learning
At our school, we teach the NSW curriculum and offer many different subjects to support each student’s learning. We know that development of skills in literacy and numeracy are the building blocks for learning and for everyday life. Our teachers use effective teaching strategies to help students achieve their goals.
Why choose us for your child’s learning?
At Forestville we use the InitiaLit program
InitiaLit is an evidence-based whole-class literacy program designed to provide children with the essential core knowledge and strong foundations to become successful readers and writers. It is a three-year program covering the first three years of school (Kindergarten to Year 2) and is delivered by classroom teachers. The program focuses on systematic synthetic phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, covering the Five Big Ideas of Reading. It is structured and aligned with the NSW syllabus and the Australian Curriculum, ensuring consistency in teaching methods and literacy content. InitiaLit is designed to be delivered in a 90-minute instruction block, including whole-class teaching, further literacy work, and a Storybook session. Regular progress monitoring using curriculum based assessments helps identify the needs and strengths of students and ensures they are on track to become successful readers and writers.
Strong foundations
We focus on the skills your child needs to succeed in school and beyond. This helps them feel confident and prepared for the future.
High-quality education
We offer a range of subjects to match what students enjoy and want to learn about. Our skilled teachers support every student to find what they love, do their best and succeed.
Inclusive and personalised learning
Our teachers adjust how they teach to suit your child’s needs, interests and learning pace. We make sure every student feels confident and supported.
Extension opportunities
Some students are ready for more challenges. We offer open-ended tasks, enrichment programs and support. We help all students to reach their full potential.
What students learn
Students learn a wide range of subjects in the NSW curriculum. They build skills, think creatively and prepare for life beyond school.
Our subjects
Explore how we teach the NSW curriculum through key learning areas.
The study of mathematics is mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10.
By studying mathematics, students learn to work mathematically – developing fluency, understanding, problem-solving, reasoning and communication skills.
The syllabus consists of the following strands:
- number and algebra
- measurement and geometry
- statistics and probability.
The study of English is mandatory in NSW from Kindergarten to Year 12.
In English, students learn about the study and use of the English language in its various textual forms. These encompass spoken, written and visual texts through which meaning is shaped, conveyed, interpreted and reflected. Complexity increases as students progress through their schooling.
Developing proficiency in English enables students to take their place as confident communicators; critical and imaginative thinkers; lifelong learners; and informed, active participants in Australian society. Their understanding of English through knowledge and skills acquisition is essential to their intellectual, social and emotional development.
The study of English should develop a love of literature and learning and be challenging and enjoyable. It develops skills to enable students to experiment with ideas and expression, to become active, independent and lifelong learners, to work with each other and to reflect on their learning.
Science and technology is mandatory for all students from Kindergarten to Year 6.
In science and technology, students explore the natural and made worlds. They learn how to apply scientific and technological skills, knowledge and understanding across a broad range of contexts.
Science provides a way of inquiring about the world around us. It explores evidence and investigates ways to discover, develop and produce solutions to real world problems. The inquiry and skill-based nature of science opens doors to ideas and discoveries.
Science and Technology fosters in students a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world around them. Students are encouraged to embrace new concepts and to learn through trialling, testing and refining ideas. They are supported to participate responsibly in developing innovative ideas and solutions in response to questions and opportunities relevant to them and the world around them.
Creative arts is mandatory for students from Kindergarten to Year 6.
In creative arts, students discover a variety of art forms through a study of dance, drama, music and visual arts where they learn to appreciate, compose, listen, make and perform.
Each art form has its own unique knowledge and skills, elements or concepts as well as a capacity to inspire and enrich lives.
In human society and its environment (HSIE), the subjects of history and geography are mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10, where students study specific historical and geographical concepts and skills.
In HSIE, students explore varied subjects in human society and its environment to learn about history, geography, people, societies and culture.
Students also have an opportunity to learn more about people and the societies and environments in which they live.
A large number of individual subjects make up the key learning area of HSIE in which students:
- research, gather and analyse information
- question and make judgements
- write for a variety of purposes.
Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE) provides opportunities for students to explore the past and present to develop an understanding of their personal and community identity. They investigate the interactions between people, places and environments that shape their nation and world. They learn to participate in society as informed, responsible and active citizens.
Personal development, health and physical education (PDHPE) is mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10.
According to the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), students are expected to participate in PDHPE for between 1.5 and 2.5 hours per week in Kindergarten to Year 6.
PDHPE provides students with opportunities to explore issues that are likely to impact on the health, safety and wellbeing of themselves and others – now and in the future. Students also participate in challenging and enjoyable physical activity, improving their capacity to move with skill and confidence.
Through Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) students develop self management, interpersonal and movement skills to help them become empowered, self-confident and socially responsible citizens. The learning experiences in PDHPE provide students with a foundation to actively contribute to, and advocate for the health, safety and wellbeing of themselves and others in the community and beyond school. Students are provided with opportunities to participate in physical activity to develop movement skills and recognise the impact of physical activity on health and wellbeing.
Sport is an integral part of the school’s Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) curriculum and students of all ability levels are catered for through the school’s sport programs.
Sport and physical activity is a valued and accepted part of our school's curriculum, contributing to the development of the whole child. It provides a vehicle for social, physical, emotional and moral learning and is an important expression of our culture. The school implements a separate sports and physical activity program for students in Kindergarten to Year 2 and students in Years 3 to 6.
Students who are in Years 3 to 6 are given the opportunity to participate in the annual school carnivals - swimming, cross country and athletics. Students who are 8 years of age in Year 2 are given the opportunity to participate in the 8 yrs events at the swimming and athletics carnivals. Students who are successful at these carnivals are also given the opportunity to advance to zone, regional, state and national representative levels.
There are also opportunities to represent our school at inter-school sports competitions. As a NSW public school we benefit from the opportunities for shared activities and competitions with other schools, coordinated by school sport associations.
The school is a member of the Primary School Sports Association (PSSA) - Warringah zone. This association consists of 10 local Public Schools and organises zone carnivals and competitions including the Friday afternoon competitive sports program for students in Years 4 to 6. Students not involved in PSSA competitions participate in the School Sport program. The program emphasises games skills training and encourages a positive attitude towards sport.
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.
You’re welcome to change your choice at any time. Just let us know in writing or use the online form in the parent portal of the School Bytes app.
Catholic
Teachers are authorised by the Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay.
The curriculum can be viewed at https://www.bbcatholic.org.au/parish-community/ministries/ccd/curriculum
Combined Christian
Combined Christian is provided by teachers who are authorised and trained by the Anglican Diocese of Sydney.
The curriculum can be viewed at whysre.com.au.
Jewish
Teachers are authorised by the NSW Board of Jewish Education (BJE).
The curriculum can be viewed at https://bje.org.au/program/scripture/
Ethics
All volunteers are checked, trained and authorised by Primary Ethics to conduct Ethics classes in the Department of Education schools.
Primary Ethics’ curriculum are aligned to the following general capabilities in the Australian curriculum and the NSW syllabus:
- Ethical understanding
- Critical and creative thinking
- Personal and social capability
Alternative Meaningful Activities (Non scripture)
Students who do not attend SRE or SEE classes will attend 'non-scripture'. During this time students may engage in meaningful alternative activities under the supervision of Forestville PS teachers.
Timetable
These classes occur weekly on Thursdays and Fridays.
Years 3 - 6 Thursdays 1:40pm - 2:10pm
Years K - 2 Fridays 1:40pm - 2:10pm
For more information, visit the department’s website or
Our learning approach
Our school uses explicit teaching. This means we clearly tell students what they are learning, why it is important and how to do it step by step. Explicit teaching helps students understand new ideas by breaking them into smaller parts.
Learning at our school is student-centred, inclusive and practical. We are committed to equity and access. We support all learning styles and needs. Our teachers use proven teaching strategies. They take part in ongoing professional development to stay up to date with best teaching practice.
Our learning approach includes:
- real-world learning: hands-on tasks, group work and exploring new ideas
- technology: to help students learn and build digital skills
- flexible teaching: the right support for each student, with a focus on wellbeing
- community connections: through excursions and local programs
Helping students progress
We support every student’s academic progress by:
- checking their progress and giving clear and timely feedback
- setting learning goals with each student
- giving extra help with personalised plans and support from specialist staff
- reporting on each student’s learning progress so parents and carers know how their child is doing
- providing targeted literacy and numeracy support in small groups
- making wellbeing part of everyday learning
- working with families to support learning at home and school
- helping students through transitions, like starting school or moving to a new stage of learning
Learn more about additional learning support at our school.
Want to know more about our subjects?
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Student opportunities and activities
Discover clubs, sports and other activities your child can enjoy at school.
Our principal and staff
Get to know our principal and staff, who work together to create a positive school culture.