Learning across the curriculum

Creative arts is mandatory for students from Kindergarten to Year 6. 

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.

The study of English is mandatory in NSW from Kindergarten to Year 12.

In English, students learn about the study and use of the English language in its various textual forms. These encompass spoken, written and visual texts through which meaning is shaped, conveyed, interpreted and reflected. Complexity increases as students progress through their schooling.

Developing proficiency in English enables students to take their place as confident communicators; critical and imaginative thinkers; lifelong learners; and informed, active participants in Australian society. Their understanding of English through knowledge and skills acquisition is essential to their 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.

In human society and its environment (HSIE), the subjects of history and geography are mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10, where students study specific historical and geographical concepts and skills. 

In HSIE, 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.

A large number of individual subjects make up the key learning area of HSIE in which students:

• research, gather and analyse information
• question and make judgements
• write for a variety of purposes. 

The study of mathematics is mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10. 

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.

Personal development, health and physical education (PDHPE) is mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10.

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.

Science and technology is mandatory for all students from Kindergarten to Year 6.

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.

NSW public schools offer special religious education and special education in ethics, delivered by approved providers wherever available.

During enrolment, you can choose a special religious education option for your child from the school’s available approved providers. You can withdraw your child from special religious education by selecting alternative meaningful activities, or special education in ethics if it’s available.

You can update your preference by writing to the school or through the online form available at participating schools.
 
Visit the department’s website for more information about religion and ethics. 

At Mosman Public School, Special Religious Education (SRE) and Special Ethics Education (SEE) is delivered on a Wednesday. (12-12.30pm Years 3-6 and 12.35-1.05pm Years K-2)

On enrolment parents/carers are required to select the SRE/SEE option for their child upon enrolment.

After the initial enrolment, all changes must be in writing. Changes are only possible on an annual basis. Notification of changes to a child's enrolment in SRE/SEE should be emailed to the School Office at mosman-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

The following SRE & SEE classes are offered at Mosman Public School:

- Anglican/Combined Christian SRE is provided by the Anglican diocese of Sydney. For further information about Anglican SRE, including the authorised curriculum scope and sequence, please visit the website: https://whysre.com.au/what-is-the-sre/what-is-sre/

-Catholic SRE is provided by Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney. For further information about Catholic SRE, including the authorised curriculum scope and sequence, please visit the website: https://ccd.sydneycatholic.org/publications/curriculum-resources/ or contact The Catholic Parishes of Sydney Harbour North https://www.shnparish.org.au/

-Primary Ethics SEE is provided by Primary Ethics. For more information about SEE, including the authorised curriculum scope and sequence, please visit the Primary Ethics website http://www.primaryethics.com.au. 

Mosman Public School ethics teachers currently include school parents and local community members. If you're interested, now or possibly later on, please get in touch with our MPS Ethics Coordinator, Rachel Cloke via our school email mosman-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

If you do not wish your child to attend either SRE or SEE, your child will be placed in a NON-SCRIPTURE group and supervised in a classroom by one of our teachers during the allocated SRE/SEE time.  Students participate in alternative activities including reading.

Cross curriculum content enriches and supports the learning areas and adds depth to student learning. In NSW students study a range of learning across the curriculum content.

Cross curriculum priorities

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures 
• Asia and Australia’s engagement with Asia 
• sustainability

General capabilities

• critical and creative thinking 
• ethical understanding 
• information and communication technology capability 
• intercultural understanding 
• literacy 
• numeracy 
• personal and social capability

Other learning across the curriculum areas

• civics and citizenship
• difference and diversity
• work and enterprise.

© NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2012

Taught by our specialist teacher: Mr Wright

Early Stage 1 students will be introduced to the concept of computer science through highly engaging iPad applications and hands-on robots including Bluebots and Spheros. A foundational understanding of school-based devices, basic coding languages and robotic resources will be developed through weekly computer science lessons. The Kindergarten computer science learning program attempts to instil a passion for educational technologies while providing students with the knowledge and skills to engage with the devices and learning resources they will encounter throughout their primary school experience.

Stage 1 students will develop a fundamental understanding of visual coding languages and their place in the programming sequence. Additionally, students will continue to become familiar with school-based devices and their use in an educational setting. While engaged in computer science lessons, students will be using a range of robotics and online resources, such as Bluebots, Dashbots and Spheros to establish an understanding of basic coding languages and key aspects of computer science, such as computational and algorithmic thinking.

Stage 2 students will build on previously developed skills through the use of various educational programs and applications. Throughout their time in Years 3 and 4, students will be working with a selection of robotics resources, such as Spheros, Dashbots and online learning programs. These programs will assist students in developing a working knowledge of visual coding languages and their application in a range of settings, including the solving of real-world challenges, computer-based games and hypothetical scenarios.

Stage 3 students will further develop their working knowledge and understanding of computer programming practises through a range of hands-on, robotic and digital activities. Over the course of their time in Years 5 and 6, students will investigate the various uses of coding and their real-world applications. They will work individually and as a part of a small group to identify real-world problems, design and create solutions. They will explore different creative, assistive and entertainment-based coding applications, producing their own artistic pieces, games and assistive technologies. Stage 3 students are invited and encouraged to select their preferred learning resources to showcase their coding knowledge and skill.

Currently, Mosman Public School is proud to offer an extensive (and growing) range of equipment, including 3D printers, Chromebooks and Windows-based laptops, Bluebots, Dashbots, Spheros and Lego Series devices.  We currently participate in the STEM.T4L program, offered by the Department of Education. Each year, we borrow the latest equipment to further enhance our teaching and learning programs.

Library is taught by our teacher-librarian: Mrs Daffas

Students from Kindergarten through to Stage 3 have a library lesson for 40 minutes each week. During this time, they complete programmed learning activities and have the chance to browse and borrow. Books can be returned during this time or put into the returns box at any other time. Books are borrowed for two weeks, and they should be returned promptly after the borrowing period. However, books may also be reborrowed for another two weeks if not yet finished. Although we do not expect payment for books returned late, we do expect lost or damaged books to be paid for so that we can buy the same or similar titles. All payments go through the office.

The library staff aim to give each student a love of literature and therefore we read and discuss books and give guidance to students who need to find a ‘good’ book. We also give students the opportunities to share their favourite books with their peers in order to open up their minds to different genres and authors.

The library staff encourage all students to take part in the Premier's Reading Challenge and we would love to see as many of our students participate as possible.  The Challenge aims to encourage a love of reading for leisure and pleasure in students, and to enable them to experience quality literature. It is not a competition but a challenge to each student to read, to read more and to read more widely.

Students in Kindergarten through to stage 3 complete learning activities that compliment classroom learning. They complete activities that demonstrate how a library works and model ways of independently locating desired books. Students also learn about visual literacy and the techniques illustrators use to engage readers in a book. They also learn to define, locate, select, organise and present information in the form of researching a variety of topics.

Music is taught by our specialist music teacher: Ms McMahon.

Mosman Public School offers a comprehensive music program for all students. Students have one 40-minute lesson per week from Kindergarten to Year Six. The principal aims of the music program are to encourage a positive attitude to music, help students to develop aural perception and appreciation and to provide opportunities to participate actively and sensitively in musical performance.

Mosman Public School is proud to offer a comprehensive physical education program run by Sport in Schools Australia. Students participate fortnightly in professionally structured lessons based on the fundamental movement skills. These lessons are facilitated by accredited teachers and:

• Are designed to enrich the education and broaden the learning experiences of each child under the PDHPE Curriculum
• Contain the latest contemporary teaching strategies, whilst engaging a holistic approach to primary school education
• Include the most up to date sciences for early learning education for each subject
• Are supported by Australia's largest range of innovate and engaging resources
• Aim to achieve the development of the skills base, links, progressions and knowledge of K-6 students as preparation for their commencement to secondary school PDHPE

For more information, visit the Sport in Schools Australia Website.

Students at Mosman Public School are provided the opportunity to participate in a range of performing arts programs.

The Instrumental program comprises band and string ensembles.

Band Ensembles are available for students in years 3 to 6.  Junior Band rehearse with their conductor before school one morning a week from 7.30am in the music tuition room.

Senior Band rehearse one lunchtime a week in the school music room.

String Ensembles are available for students who have been learning a string instrument for at least 6 months and once their tutor feels they are ready. They rehearse each week in the school music room.

Tutorial rooms are available on school grounds so that students involved in the instrumental program can attend private lessons before or after school.  Performance opportunities are organised for all instrumental ensembles throughout the year and run with the aid of parents who also support rehearsals and band camp.