Units, Early Stage 1 – Creative Arts
Early Stage 1 sample units to support implementation of the Creative Arts K–6 Syllabus (2024).
Syllabus
Syllabus outcomes and content descriptors from Creative Arts K–6 Syllabus (2024) © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2025.
Creative Arts K–6 sample units align with the department’s scope and sequence. The structure follows NESA’s sample whole school curriculum plan.
The Creative Arts K–6 sample units are designed as a 16-lesson sequence, comprising of 8 dance lessons and 8 music lessons, with 4 optional consolidation lessons. The lessons are written in sequence to show the flow of learning and the building of concepts across lessons.
To implement the syllabus and meet teaching requirements, teachers are expected to teach one dance and one music lesson each week. Sample units have been written to be flexible, allowing for schools to implement lessons from either or both focus areas, depending on their individual context.
Four sample units for Early Stage 1 will be released in a phased approach across 2025 and 2026.
This unit teaches students to develop creativity and self-expression through dance and music inspired by diverse cultures.
In Dance, students explore movements, respond to the beat, and observe and perform cultural dances to develop their understanding of storytelling through movement.
In Music, students explore how music can express ideas and connect to different cultures as they develop their understanding of rhythm, pitch and dynamics.
Unit 1 – Creative Arts, Early Stage 1 (staff only) (DOCX 9.8 MB)
This unit teaches students to explore music and dance through playful experiences that build confidence, creativity, and foundational skills.
In Dance, students experiment expressing ideas and feelings through dance, and recognising how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories are shared through movement.
In Music, students explore beat, rhythm and pitch and begin to use simple symbols to represent musical ideas.
Unit 2 – Creative Arts, Early Stage 1 (staff only) (DOCX 4.6 MB)
Feedback
We value your insights to inform the ongoing refinement of these units. After teaching, we invite you to provide feedback on the unit's effectiveness, what worked well and what could be improved.
To access the survey, scan the QR code or go to Creative Arts K–6 units survey.
Last modified date
12/03/2026
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