Director of Teaching & Learning

NSW Curriculum Reform - Professional Development

Last week Calrossy played host to what might be the first of many curriculum focused professional development sessions. Twenty three teachers across the region, including staff from Armidale, Newcastle and Gunnedah, attended one of two sessions looking at changes to the NSW Modern Languages curriculum. The event was spearheaded by our new Director of Teaching and Learning, Raelene Maxworthy.

"At Calrossy our expert languages teachers teach from K-10 and we are looking to venture into Stage 6 offerings as we grow. I have absolutely aspired to create a regional learning community in the early roll out of syllabuses for the NSW Curriculum Reform. This means we had cross – sectoral representation at this professional development (Association of Independent Schools, Independent Schools, Department of Education and Catholic Diocese of Armidale). This will provide an opportunity for Languages teachers to connect with each other and a network may form as we produce and implement new teaching and learning programs.

The languages syllabuses were previously individual syllabuses. This new design is one syllabus that provides a conceptual framework of language learning and developmental perspectives when it comes to understanding how learning progresses. There is now one syllabus that uses language specific examples.

Please find exceprts from NESA below:

Key features Modern Languages and Classical Languages K–10:

• Provide foundations in language learning and equip students for future learning. 
• Support the uptake of modern and classical languages in NSW schools and give local schools and communities greater flexibility. 
• Access content points in Early Stage 1 and Years 7–10 Life Skills outcomes and content provide pathways for students with intellectual disability who wish to learn a modern or classical language.
• Highlight the relationship between language, culture and identity, because research demonstrates that understanding these relationships is a key aspect of successful language learning.
• Include an explicit sequence of learning from Kindergarten to Year 10, stating what students are expected to know, understand and do.

Schools will have access to support materials including teaching advice on the Digital Curriculum to assist with implementation.  

Raelene Maxworthy

Director of Teaching and Learning