Curriculum News, Parent's Support and Agencies
St Patrick's Catholic Primary School, Walcha
Curriculum News - Curriculum Reform.
This article continues to inform parents of the NSW Curriculum Reform.
Submitted by Anna Flanagan
Leader of Curriculum
NSW Curriculum Reform – What’s Changing in Our Classrooms?
Over the past two years, families may have heard about the NSW Curriculum Reform. This is the most significant update to the NSW curriculum in many years and has been carefully designed to ensure students develop strong knowledge, understanding and skills through a clear, sequenced and evidence-informed approach to learning.
At St Patrick's School, we have already implemented the new English and Mathematics syllabuses. These updated syllabuses place a strong emphasis on explicit teaching, ensuring that essential knowledge and skills are taught systematically so that every child has the opportunity to build confidence and experience success. Students are encouraged to master important concepts before moving on to more complex learning, creating strong foundations for future learning.
Religion: Armidale Catholic Schools is currently in the process of updating the Religion syllabus. Stage 3 (Years 5 and 6) is trialling the programs this year. Other stages will continue in 2027.
The next stage of Curriculum Reform is known as CHPS, which will be implemented across NSW primary schools from 2027. CHPS represents four important Key Learning Areas:
- Creative Arts
- HSIE (Human Society and Its Environment)
- (PDHPE) Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
- Science and Technology
Although these subjects are familiar to students, the updated syllabuses have been carefully redesigned to provide clearer learning progressions, stronger links between year levels, and greater consistency across all NSW schools. Teachers at St Patrick's have already begun engaging in professional learning and curriculum planning to ensure we are well prepared for this transition. Parents may notice some exciting developments within these learning areas over the coming years.
Creative Arts continues to nurture creativity, imagination and self-expression through Dance, Drama, Music and Visual Arts, while also helping students think critically, solve problems and communicate their ideas in a variety of ways.
HSIE brings together learning about Australia's history, geography, civics and citizenship. Students develop an understanding of Australia's democratic system, learn about the importance of active citizenship, explore the diversity of cultures that make up our nation, and deepen their understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia and the continuing significance of their histories, cultures and connections to Country.
PDHPE continues to promote students' physical, social and emotional wellbeing. Alongside physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices, students develop important skills in respectful relationships, resilience, safety, decision-making and personal wellbeing.
Science and Technology encourages curiosity and investigation as students explore the natural and designed world. Through scientific inquiry, problem solving and digital technologies, students develop the knowledge and skills needed to understand an increasingly technological world.
While the curriculum is evolving, our commitment remains the same—to provide every child with a rich, engaging and high-quality education that prepares them for lifelong learning. We are excited about the opportunities these new syllabuses provide and look forward to continuing this journey with our students and families.
