Last Thursday and Friday, our K–6 staff engaged in two days of professional learning dedicated to exploring the concept of student agency—a key focus in amplifying our core competencies and being intentionally embedded with the implementation of the new HSIE and Science and Technology syllabuses.
We were privileged to be joined once again by Carrie Alker, Manager of Primary Education and K–6 Education Consultant with the Association of Independent Schools of NSW (AISNSW). Carrie has been supporting our staff since January, and during these recent Professional Development Days, she returned to further guide us in unpacking the new syllabus documents and designing purposeful learning experiences that meet the intent of the curriculum.
Staff worked collaboratively to deepen their understanding of how students can become more active participants in their learning through creative, responsive, and agency-driven learning design. Using Melbourne Metrics Agency in Learning framework, we explored how to further build student voice, choice, goal-setting and reflection into daily practice, ensuring that students develop ownership of their learning in meaningful ways. This professional learning also aligned with our ongoing commitment to embedding Deep Learning competencies into classroom practice. These competencies not only enrich learning but also equip students with the skills and dispositions they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.
It is important to be aware that:
● All K–6 students are currently engaging with the Draft HSIE syllabus, which explores history and geography through rich stories, sources and contemporary issues.
● The new Science and Technology syllabus is now being taught in Kindergarten, Year 1, Year 3 and Year 5. It will continue its staged implementation with Years 2, 4 and 6 from 2026 as students progress through their stages of learning.
To help you stay informed, we are sharing with you the latest Parent and Carer Guides developed by NESA for both HSIE (K-2 Parent Guide & 3-6 Parent Guide) and Science and Technology (K-2 Parent Guide & 3-6 Parent Guide). These provide overviews of the key content changes and practical ways to support learning at home.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss how these changes relate to your child’s learning, please don’t hesitate to contact myself or your child’s class teacher.
Mrs Sarah Jones
Deputy Director of Teaching and Learning