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?
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.
Students learn about the English language through written, spoken and visual texts of increasing complexity as they progress through their schooling.
An understanding of the English language is central to how we communicate and essential for 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.
Our English programs
Morning Routine
At Yarrawarrah we teach Morning Routine K-6, a program that is designed to build automaticity in children’s learning and skills which leads to mastery. It’s a great tool to improve student's vocabulary and academic background knowledge.
Phonics
Phonics is the synthesising, or blending of phonemes (sounds) to make a word, enabling children to read.
Spelling Mastery
Spelling Mastery is a six-level direct instruction series that teaches students dependable spelling skills by blending three approaches: the phonemic approach, the whole word approach and the morphemic approach.
Unaided Writing
The school-wide Unaided Writing tasks provide teachers with ongoing analysis of student's writing development throughout their time at primary school.
The children are encouraged to participate in the Premier’s Reading Challenge each year.
Learning and support programs are run for children in need of additional support in literacy.
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.
Our mathematics programs
Pr1me Mathematics
PR1ME Mathematics is a world-class program using effective evidence-based teaching and learning practices. Mathematics lessons at YPS are grade-based and include number sense, hands-on activities, mathematical reasoning and problem solving across mathematical strands.
Maths Mastery
Students in Years 3-6 participate in JEMM, JEMM+ and EMM. These daily lessons are composed of strands each starting at base level where foundations are laid. These strands proceed to build on the foundations moving through the particular concepts involved whilst all the time inter-relating with the other strands being run concurrently.
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.
In history and geography, 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 through elective subjects.
Students will:
- research, gather and analyse information
- question and make judgements
- write for a variety of purposes.
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.
Our school has developed a reputation for excellence in the performing arts in music, dance, drama and creative arts.
Visual Arts
Students enjoy regular visual arts activities at our school. All classes complete various visual arts lessons, generally on the topics they are studying. Students also use a variety of materials to complete their art works. Some teachers have received intensive additional training in visual arts, which they have passed on to their colleagues. Over the years some of our talented students have had pieces of art submitted and displayed in regional exhibitions and murals including the Community of Schools mural on display in Engadine.
Choir
Yarrawarrah Public School has a choir group consisting of students from Year 2 to Year 6. The choir is a great way for students to experience what it is like to be part of a school choir and also a combined choir at the Sutherland Shire Schools Music Festival.
Public Speaking and Debating
Public speaking and debating have become an integral part of our classroom programs at Yarrawarrah Public School. It gives every student from Kindergarten to Year 6 the opportunity to develop their confidence and skills in public speaking.
Class competition winners compete at a grade level which in turn leads to a 'Yarrawarrah Speak Off'. The successful students at this level proceed to the Zone and District Competitions.
Dance
All students at Yarrawarrah Public school have the opportunity to participate in a dance program. The program is independently conducted by a dance tutor who visits the school to teach the students. The program runs in all four terms.
All students in the dance program are given the opportunity to perform at a variety of events including in-school events, The Sutherland Shire Schools Music Festival and other events throughout the year. This program is a great way for all students to participate in a fun and active experience.
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.
Students are involved in fitness and sports sessions during the week. These activities develop aerobic capacity, coordination and fundamental motor skills. All students are involved in Friday sport programs, which develop gross motor, games and team skills.
Many students are selected to represent the school in the Engadine Zone PSSA competitions. These sports include softball, T-ball, cricket, oztag, soccer, basketball and netball.
The school holds three major sporting carnivals each year – swimming, cross-country and athletics, from which a team is chosen to represent the school at Engadine Zone Carnivals. Pathways to State and National events exist for talented students.
At our school, students can take part in special religious education (SRE) or an Aboriginal education initiative called Yarn Up every Tuesday for 30 minutes. The scripture classes are delivered by approved providers, whilst Yarn Up is delivered by classroom teachers in consultation with Aboriginal elders.
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 Yarn Up are given supervised alternative activities.
You’re welcome to change your choice at any time. Just let us know in writing or use the online form.
For more information, visit the department’s website or contact us.
At our school, we give the right support to help advanced or talented learners grow and do their best.
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.
Assessment and Reporting to Parents/Carers
Assessment of student learning is a continual and ongoing process. When an area of concern is identified, teachers will contact parents, arrange an interview and may refer the student to the School Learning Support Team or Counsellor for further assessment.
Formal reporting on student outcomes takes place at various stages of the year:
End of Term 1 – Parent / Teacher interview
End of Term 2 – Semester 1 Report
End of Term 3 – Parent / Teacher interview by request
End of Term 4 – Semester 2 Report
Assessment of student achievement takes place at all stages of learning. Both formal and informal assessments assist teachers in making judgements about student achievement. Samples of student work are collected and referred to when measuring individual progress. Teachers follow an assessment schedule and the data collected from assessments are used to target teaching to individual needs.
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.