Curriculum & Classroom

Learning at Illawarra

We believe every child can learn and thrive when teaching is clear, purposeful, and inclusive. Our approach to teaching and learning is grounded in Explicit Direct Instruction (EDI) – a whole-school pedagogy that ensures all students know what they are learning, why they are learning it, and how to succeed.

Under EDI, our lessons are structured to include:

Clear learning intentions and success criteria
Active participation and engagement from all students
Teacher modelling and guided practice before independent work
Frequent checks for understanding to tailor teaching in real time

This approach ensures consistency across classrooms and gives every student the best opportunity to achieve success.

Curriculum

Our programs align with the Western Australian Curriculum and the eight key learning areas:

English
Mathematics
Science
Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS)
Design and Digital Technologies
Health and Physical Education
Languages – Italian
The Arts – with a focus on Music

We offer a rich, well-balanced curriculum that nurtures academic success, critical thinking, creativity, and social-emotional development. Lessons are tailored to student needs, with teachers using data and professional judgement to provide both support and challenge.

Assessment and Reporting

Families receive formal reports at the end of each semester, providing a snapshot of student achievement, progress, and effort. For students with additional learning needs or those new to English, we provide tailored reporting aligned to individual goals or language development.

We encourage families to meet with teachers to discuss reports and explore how to best support learning at home.

Extension and Enrichment

High-achieving and academically gifted students are supported through classroom differentiation and access to specialised opportunities, including the Primary Extension and Challenge (PEAC) program for identified Year 5 and 6 students. PEAC offers stimulating, project-based learning experiences that extend beyond the regular classroom and foster collaboration with like-minded peers.

These opportunities include:

PEAC centres
Online learning
School-based or visiting teacher programs

All Year 4 students are invited to sit PEAC testing, with opt-out available by request.