Stage 1

• English
• Mathematics
• Science and Technology
• Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE)
• Creative Arts
• Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE)

English

In English, students learn to read, write, speak , view and represent language. They learn about the English language and literature through working with a wide range of spoken, visual, multimedia and digital texts. Students learn how language varies according to context, and how to communicate with a range of audiences for different purposes. They learn to read for information and pleasure. Students gain a sound grasp of language structures, punctuation, spelling and grammar and learn to think in ways that are imaginative, creative and critical.

Some Year 1 examples

Students:

• engage in conversations and discussions using attentive listening behaviours, showing interest and contributing ideas, information and questions
• communicate simple information, eg give directions to the library, briefly retell a familiar story
• develop an increasing range of reading and comprehension skills on familiar topics, eg sound out unfamiliar words or break them down into syllables, respond to punctuation when reading aloud, express opinions about characters
• plan, write and review simple imaginative, informative and persuasive texts on a familiar topic
• spell common sight words, eg said, was, some, have.

Some Year 2 examples

Students:

• listen attentively and share ideas, or give information in groups, class discussions or presentations to other classes and in assemblies, eg talk about familiar topics such as birthdays, sport, family, friends
• begin to read texts on less familiar topics
• make inferences, begin to summarise events and make predictions when reading stories to develop comprehension
• begin to organise ideas into paragraphs when writing and use basic grammatical features and punctuation conventions
• construct texts featuring print, visual and audio elements using software, including the use of digital technologies.

Mathematics

Mathematics in K–6 focuses on developing students’ mathematical understanding, fluency, communication, reasoning and problem-solving through their study of Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, and Statistics and Probability. These capabilities enable students to respond to familiar and unfamiliar situations, using strategies to make decisions and solve problems relevant to their further education and everyday lives.

Some Year 1 examples

Students:

• tell time to the half-hour
• state the place value of digits in two-digit numbers,
  eg ‘in the number 32, the 3 represents 30 or 3 tens’
• begin to model multiplication using concrete objects, eg 3 × 2 is the same as 3 groups of 2
• describe halves found in everyday life, eg half a glass of water
• use the terms ‘add’, ‘plus’, ‘equals’, ‘is equal to’, ‘take away’, ‘minus’ and ‘the difference between’
• measure the lengths of a variety of everyday items
• recognise, describe and order Australian coins according to their value.

Some Year 2 examples

Students:

• tell time to the quarter-hour
• count, read and write numbers to 1000
• model division using concrete objects, eg 6 ÷ 3 is the same as sharing 6 objects into 3 equal groups
• compare and order the area of two or more surfaces
• use a calendar to calculate the number of months, weeks or days until an upcoming event
• understand and draw graphs and diagrams of data, eg use simple picture graphs and tables
• count forwards and backwards by twos, threes and fives.

Science and Technology

Science and Technology develops students’ skills in thinking, investigating and problem-solving. It gives them knowledge and skills in scientific investigation and inquiry, design and applying technologies. Children pose questions, test ideas, and develop and evaluate arguments based on evidence.

Some Year 1 and Year 2 examples

Students:

• explore and observe different sources of light and sound in students’ daily lives and the senses that detect them
• describe some physical features of a landscape that has been changed by flood, drought or other weathering and erosion 
• record the changes in growth of a plant or animal in different ways 
• predict how materials will change when they are combined, eg sugar in water, different coloured paint and cooking ingredients
• study a range of familiar information sources and technologies and identify their purposes, eg television programs, websites, digital games, newspapers and magazines
• use a structured design process, everyday tools, materials, equipment and techniques to produce solutions

Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE)

Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE) provides opportunities for students to explore the past and present to develop an understanding of their personal and community identity. They investigate the interactions between people, places and environments that shape their nation and world. They learn to participate in society as informed, responsible and active citizens.

Some Year 1 and Year 2 examples

Students:

• talk about families and identify various family traditions 
• tell stories about events and important days using language such as ‘then and now’, ‘a long time ago’
• learn about the local community and how it has changed over time
• talk about historical sites in the local community
• discuss and observe how technology has changed over time
• use maps and globes to locate places and countries
• show an understanding of the relationships between environments and people and what they can do to help
  protect their environment
• identify roles and responsibilities in families, school and their community.

Creative Arts

Creative Arts gives students experiences in the visual arts, music, drama and dance. They have opportunities to explore their creativity in each of these areas. 

Students learn to appreciate the meanings and values that each artform offers. They perform and express themselves through the visual arts, music, drama and dance.

Some Year 1 and Year 2 examples

Students:

• sing songs, play and move to music using their voices and percussion instruments
• move to music in a variety of ways such as imagining they are a machine or a butterfly
• dramatise a story, eg Possum Magic
• make sculptures and 3D models using a variety of techniques such as carving, cutting, modelling clay,
  and simple print techniques such as screen printing
• talk about how music can represent ideas and feelings through different sounds, tempo and volume.

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE)

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) develops the knowledge, skills and attitudes students need to lead healthy, active and fulfilling lives. Students learn about the importance of good food and regular exercise and develop positive attitudes towards a healthy lifestyle. 

Students learn how bodies grow and change over time. They learn skills to play individual and team sports, and the values of sportsmanship and teamwork.

Some Year 1 and Year 2 examples

Students:

• identify medicines and describe how they are safely used and stored
• learn and practise fundamental movement skills including hopping, skipping, kicking, overarm throwing
• identify the qualities of positive relationships, eg cooperation and caring for others
• recognise choices that keep them healthy and safe, eg sun protection, eating habits, participation in physical
  activity, road use
• link movement skills together in simple sequences, eg jump–hop–run
• develop positive interaction skills, eg sharing, helping others.