KEY LEARNING AREAS (KLA)

In NSW syllabuses are developed within Key Learning Areas (KLAs) that describe broad areas of learning.

For further information on the NSW Curriculum and all KLAs, please see the department website link: https://education.nsw.gov.au/teaching-and-learning/curriculum

ENGLISH

In English, students use language and texts to make sense of themselves and the world around them. This helps them connect with others and supports their intellectual, social, and emotional growth. Students engage with a wide range of literature from Australia, including the diverse voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, as well as texts from other cultures around the world. They explore both historical and modern works that reflect different cultural and social perspectives, broadening their understanding and encouraging them to express their own identities, values, and beliefs.

From the early years, students build strong foundational literacy skills, which they continue to develop as they learn to use language in increasingly complex ways. By creating and responding to texts, students discover the power, purpose, and beauty of English. These skills and understandings work together to help students become confident communicators, imaginative and critical thinkers, and active, informed members of society.

Syllabus Information: The focus areas across all stages build students’ knowledge and understanding while connecting closely with many other key learning areas.

English Focus Areas:

• Phonological awareness (K-2 only)
• Print conventions (K-2 only)
• Phonic knowledge (K-2 only)
• Oral language and communication
• Vocabulary
• Reading fluency
• Reading comprehension
• Creating written texts
• Spelling
• Handwriting
• Digital transcription
• Understanding and responding to literature

MATHEMATICS

The NSW Mathematics syllabus aims to develop students into confident and capable users of mathematics who can use mathematical language to communicate clearly and effectively.

Students build a deep understanding of mathematical ideas and become fluent in mathematical processes that enable them to interpret information, solve problems, and make meaningful connections between mathematical concepts and the real world. They learn to see mathematics as an essential and relevant part of everyday life.

Through studying mathematics, students develop key numeracy skills and fluency while strengthening their ability to think logically, critically, and creatively. Students explore patterns, relationships, and reasoning, allowing them to generalise ideas and find solutions to both familiar and new problems.

Mathematics K–6 outcomes and content

are grouped into the following areas:

• Number and Algebra
• Measurement and Space
• Statistics and Probability

In Mathematics, students don’t just learn facts and formulas — they learn how to think mathematically. The Working Mathematically component of the NSW syllabus focuses on helping students become confident problem solvers who can reason, communicate and apply their knowledge in real-life situations.

Students are encouraged to:

• Explore and investigate mathematical ideas
• Reason and explain their thinking
• Communicate using mathematical language
• Represent their ideas in different ways (such as drawings, symbols, or graphs)
• Solve problems in creative and practical ways

These skills are built into every area of Mathematics — number, algebra, measurement, space, statistics and probability. Working Mathematically helps students understand why maths works, not just how to do it, and builds strong thinking skills they can use in science, technology and everyday life.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Science and Technology encourages curiosity, exploration and creativity. Students investigate the natural and made worlds, learning how things work and how ideas can solve real-life problems. Through hands-on experiments, design challenges and digital learning, children develop skills in questioning, testing, observing and problem-solving.

They explore a wide range of topics — from living things and materials to energy, Earth, space and digital technologies. These lessons invite students to wonder about the world around them, think critically, and discover how science and technology connect to everyday life.

Science and Technology helps children see themselves as thinkers and innovators. They learn that their ideas can make a difference, sparking curiosity, imagination and a love of discovery that lasts well beyond the classroom.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT, HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION

In PDHPE, students learn how to live active, healthy and balanced lives. Lessons focus on building physical skills, teamwork and an understanding of how to make positive choices for their health and wellbeing. Through games, sport and movement activities, children develop coordination, confidence and a sense of fair play.

Students also learn about personal safety, emotional wellbeing and how to build respectful, caring relationships. They explore topics such as healthy eating, managing emotions and staying safe in different situations. PDHPE encourages every child to take part, try new challenges and enjoy being active, while learning how to care for themselves and others.

By combining physical activity with life skills, PDHPE helps students grow as confident, resilient and compassionate individuals — ready to lead healthy and happy lives.

HUMAN SOCIETY AND ITS ENVIRONMENT (HSIE)

In HSIE, students learn about people, places and cultures — exploring the world around them and the ways humans live and work together. The key subjects of History and Geography help children understand how the past has shaped the present, and how our choices shape the future.

In History, students explore personal and family stories, local community changes and significant events in Australia and beyond. In Geography, they learn about environments, places and sustainability, discovering how people interact with and care for their surroundings.

HSIE lessons encourage students to question, research and think critically. They learn to see connections between people and places, appreciate diversity, and understand their role as active, informed citizens who can contribute positively to their community and the wider world.

CREATIVE ARTS

Creative Arts gives students the chance to express themselves and explore their creativity through Visual Arts, Music, Drama and Dance. These experiences help children communicate ideas, emotions and stories in imaginative ways, building confidence and joy in learning.

In Visual Arts, students experiment with different materials and techniques to create and appreciate artworks. In Music, they sing, play, and listen to sounds from different cultures and times. Drama invites children to step into different roles, explore characters and bring stories to life, while Dance encourages movement, rhythm and expression through physical performance.

Creative Arts allows every student to discover their creative voice. It celebrates individuality, teamwork and imagination, helping children see that creativity is not just about making art — it’s a way of thinking, expressing and connecting with others.

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