Learning in primary school

During their primary school years, students will develop strong literacy and numeracy skills. They will explore new ideas including the use of information and communication technologies (ICT). Lessons are designed to respond to the needs, learning styles and rates of progress of individual students.

Special learning needs

The department provides specialist support classes, as well as schools for specific purposes (SSPs). Discuss options with the principal of your local school if your child has special learning needs.

For more information and assistance with special learning needs, you can:

• call the educational services team on 131 536
• visit Disability, learning and support.

Best Start Kindergarten Assessment

Best Start is a mandatory one-on-one assessment that identifies the literacy and numeracy skills of a student at the beginning of Kindergarten. Accommodations are made for students with disability.

Infants schools

Infants schools are smaller primary schools providing quality education for children from Kindergarten to Year 2. After completing Year 2, students proceed to a general primary school in the local area.

Opportunity classes

NSW public schools offer a range of opportunities for gifted and talented students including opportunity classes for Years 5 and 6. Students sit a placement test to attend a school with an opportunity class.

For more information, visit selective high schools and opportunity classes.

Before and after school care

Before and after-school care is available for primary school-aged children. It is located within the school or nearby. Vacation care may also available - but not always in the same location.

Children play with friends and take part in a variety of supervised activities. Fees are charged.

For information on the before and after school election commitment please visit Before and after school care.

Helping students at home

Reading with your child at home will assist their development. Some strategies include:

• set aside some uninterrupted time to read aloud with your child
• read to your child in your first language - research shows that using your first language will help your child when he or she learns to read English
• listen to your child read every day, even if only for a short time
• talk about books together - make reading a shared, enjoyable activity
• discuss the meanings of stories and words
• ensure there is a range of reading material for your child at home, both fiction and nonfiction
• give books as treats and presents
• join your local library - borrow books for yourself as well as your child
• work through easy-to-use activities with your child using our digital learning packs.

Practical help for parents and carers

Visit Parents and carers for useful information and strategies to help your child with tests, exams, and homework in general.