Learning
The Crescent School follows the NSW curriculum and offers a wide range of subjects designed to support every student’s individual learning journey. As a specialised educational environment, we cater to students with diverse intellectual, physical, sensory, and behavioural needs from Kindergarten to Year 12. Our programs focus on developing essential literacy and numeracy skills as the foundation for lifelong learning, alongside the growth of social-emotional and practical life skills. Through personalised teaching strategies and a supportive, inclusive environment, our teachers work to help each student achieve their goals and reach their full potential.
Our Key Curriculum Areas of Focus
Literacy and numeracy are fundamental pillars of our educational framework. These skills underpin success in all other learning areas, so a significant portion of our day is dedicated to fostering growth in reading, writing, and mathematics. Our programs are tailored to meet the individual abilities and needs of our students.
SEL is crucial in helping our students develop the emotional regulation, self-awareness, and social skills needed for success both inside and outside the classroom. We integrate SEL into our daily routines and explicitly teach emotional regulation strategies during structured times such as the morning circle, reset, brain breaks and throughout the day.
What students learn
Students learn a wide range of subjects in the NSW curriculum. They build skills, think creatively and prepare for life beyond school.
At The Crescent School, students have the opportunity to participate in Special Religious Education (SRE) or Special Education in Ethics (SEE), depending on availability. These classes are delivered by approved external providers.
A combined Christian SRE class is offered on Monday afternoons at The Crescent School.
On enrolment, parents and carers are provided with an SRE participation letter to complete and return. After enrolment, any changes to a child’s participation in SRE should be submitted to the school office in writing. Parents and carers are welcome to change their choice at any time.
Christian SRE is delivered by authorised and trained teachers from local Christian denominations and churches. Approved providers in the local combined arrangement include:
- Anglican Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn
- Baptist Union of NSW
- Australian Christian Churches
- Presbyterian Church of Australia (NSW)
- The Salvation Army
- Uniting Church in Australia (NSW Synod)
- Catholic Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn
The authorised curriculum used is Godspace, and the scope and sequence can be viewed at: https://godspace.org.au/curriculum/
During SRE lessons, students who do not attend will be supervised in a separate space and engaged in meaningful educational activities.
For more information, visit the department’s website or contact us.
Our learning approach
Our school uses explicit teaching. This means we clearly tell students what they are learning, why it is important and how to do it step by step. Explicit teaching helps students understand new ideas by breaking them into smaller parts.
Learning at our school is student-centred, inclusive, and practical. We are committed to equity and access, ensuring that every learner is supported through proven, evidence-based strategies. Our teachers continually engage in professional development to stay current with the best teaching practices.
- real-world learning: hands-on tasks, group work and exploring new ideas
- Visual Supports and AAC: visuals and communication tools to support understanding and engagement.
- technology: to help students learn and build digital skills
- flexible teaching: the right support for each student, with a focus on wellbeing
- Community connections: through excursions and local programs.
Personalised Learning Support Plan (PLSP)
At The Crescent School, every student has a Personalised Learning and Support Plan (PLSP), carefully developed by classroom teachers in collaboration with families, external support agencies, and the school’s learning support staff.
- These plans are designed to ensure that each student’s individual learning needs and goals are effectively addressed.
- Throughout the school year, students, parents and carers are given opportunities to reflect on and discuss the student’s growth in academic, social, and emotional areas.
- Parents and carers are encouraged to take an active role in these meetings, sharing personal insights into their child’s learning style and discussing the involvement of external professionals. Together, we establish key learning goals that align with each student’s needs and aspirations.
- Teachers will also provide updates on student progress, highlight areas of achievement, and outline the next steps in their learning journey. This collaborative approach empowers students to set meaningful goals and ensures they have every opportunity to succeed.
- You can find further information through the NSW DoE Website - Inclusive Learning Support
We support every student’s academic progress by:
- checking their progress and giving clear and timely feedback
- setting learning goals with each student
- giving extra help with personalised plans and support from specialist staff
- reporting on each student’s learning progress so parents and carers know how their child is doing
- providing targeted literacy and numeracy support in small groups
- making wellbeing part of everyday learning
- working with families to support learning at home and school
- helping students through transitions, like starting school or moving to a new stage of learning.
Learn more about additional learning support at our school.
Student opportunities and activities
Discover clubs, sports and other activities your child can enjoy at school.
Our principal and staff
Get to know our principal and staff, who work together to create a positive school culture.