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

At Wilberforce, we build a strong foundation in every classroom, using explicit teaching strategies to give students the skills they need for long-term success. In reading, we use phonic readers that align with the sounds students are learning, ensuring they can practise and apply their skills with confidence. In spelling, we follow the Sound Waves program, a synthetic phonics approach that teaches students to understand the relationship between sounds and spelling patterns. In Mathematics, we prioritise core number concepts, explicitly teaching the building blocks that support future learning in more complex areas. Together, these approaches ensure students develop solid, transferable skills that set them up for continued growth.

High-quality education

We are committed to providing a high-quality education through explicit teaching, ensuring every student clearly understands what they are learning and how to succeed. In both English and Mathematics, daily warm-ups help revisit key skills and strengthen long-term memory, while regular assessments guide our teaching and track student progress. Student goals are built into learning, with ongoing feedback so students know where they are and what steps to take next, empowering them to take ownership of their learning and continue to grow.

Inclusive and personalised learning

We tailor learning to meet the needs of every student, ensuring each child is supported and challenged at the right level. In Mathematics, students are grouped dynamically according to their current understanding, allowing teachers to deliver lessons that closely match their learning needs. Regular assessments help us monitor progress and adjust groups or lesson focus as needed, ensuring every student receives targeted instruction that helps them grow confidently and achieve their best.

Extension opportunities

Some students are ready for additional challenges, and we provide a range of extension opportunities to meet their needs. These include open-ended tasks that encourage creativity and critical thinking, targeted enrichment programs that deepen understanding in specific subjects, and tailored support to help students tackle more complex concepts. By offering these opportunities, we ensure all students are engaged, motivated, and able to reach their full potential academically, socially, and personally.

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 learning approach

Wilberforce Public School uses explicit teaching to ensure every student knows exactly what they are learning, why it is important, and how to do it step by step. Teachers use a gradual release model—‘I do, We do, You do’—so that students are first guided through new concepts, then supported as they practise, and finally able to apply their learning independently. Rubrics are used, especially in areas like writing, to clearly show students what is expected and to help them develop the skills and confidence they will need in high school. Breaking learning into manageable steps allows students to master new ideas and build strong foundations.

Learning at our school is student-centred, inclusive, and practical. We are committed to equity and access, supporting all learning styles and needs. Our teachers use proven teaching strategies and engage in ongoing professional development to stay current with best practice.

Our learning approach includes:

• Real-world learning: hands-on tasks, group work, and exploring new ideas
• Technology: supporting learning and developing digital skills
• Flexible teaching: providing the right support for each student, with a focus on wellbeing
• Community connections: engaging with local programs and excursions to enrich learning

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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