Learning
At our school, we teach the NSW curriculum and offer many different subjects to support each student’s learning. We know that development of skills in literacy and numeracy are the building blocks for learning and for everyday life. Our teachers use effective teaching strategies to help students achieve their goals.
Why choose us for your child’s learning?
Hillston Central School aims:
1. To maintain a safe, caring environment conducive to the wellbeing of students and staff.
2. To develop greater independence, self-esteem, motivation and self-discipline in all students.
3. To promote the spirit of enquiry and to develop an appreciation of life-long learning.
4. To overcome the disadvantages of isolation and size by providing access to educational opportunities equivalent to other students and staff in the state.
5. To significantly increase parent, student and community involvement in the school and to increase school involvement in the community.
6. To administer the school in a manner that best meets the needs of the students.
7. To provide a curriculum which is relevant, challenging and addresses the needs of all students.
8. To foster and develop students’ self-worth.
9. To provide students with opportunities to achieve academic outcomes and to reach their full potential.
Strong foundations
We focus on the skills your child needs to succeed in school and beyond. This helps them feel confident and prepared for the future.
High-quality education
We offer a range of subjects to match what students enjoy and want to learn about. Our skilled teachers support every student to find what they love, do their best and succeed.
Inclusive and personalised learning
Our teachers adjust how they teach to suit your child’s needs, interests and learning pace. We make sure every student feels confident and supported.
Extension opportunities
Some students are ready for more challenges. We offer open-ended tasks, enrichment programs and support. We help all students to reach their full potential.
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.
Find out more about what your child will learn at our school.
The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) is responsible for the curriculum, Kindergarten to Year 12, for all NSW schools.
For the primary years, NESA develops syllabuses for all subjects in six key learning areas:
- creative arts
- English
- human society and its environment (HSIE)
- mathematics
- personal development, health and physical education (PDHPE)
- science and technology.
For the high school years, NESA develops syllabuses for all subjects in eight key learning areas:
- creative arts
- English
- human society and its environment (HSIE)
- languages
- mathematics
- personal development, health and physical education (PDHPE)
- science
- technological and applied studies (TAS).
Like all NSW schools, we have developed teaching and learning programs to suit our local context and the needs of our students.
To learn more about curriculum in NSW, visit:
- NSW Department of Education – key learning areas
- NESA’s Parent Guide – Schooling in NSW which provides information about learning stages, key learning areas and syllabuses
- NSW Department of Education policy – Curriculum planning and programming, assessing and reporting to parents K–12.
Stages of learning
There are 6 stages of learning from Kindergarten to Year 12. Primary school covers Early Stage 1, or Kindergarten, to the end of Stage 3. High school covers Stage 4 to 6.
- Stage 1 includes Kindergarten to Year 2 (Kindergarten is referred to as Early Stage 1).
- Stage 2 includes Years 3 and 4.
- Stage 3 includes Years 5 and 6.
- Stage 4 includes Years 7 and 8.
- Stage 5 includes Years 9 and 10.
- Stage 6 includes Years 11 and 12.
At our school, students can take part in special religious education (SRE) sometimes known as scripture. These classes are delivered by approved providers.
When enrolling your child, you’ll be able to choose an option from the approved providers offered at our school. Students not attending SRE are given supervised alternative meaningful activities.
You’re welcome to change your choice at any time. Just let us know in writing.
For more information, visit Religion and ethics.
At our school, we give the right support to help gifted learners to grow and do their best.
We notice these students early. They may learn quickly or show strong skills in creativity, leadership, problem solving or sport. We help them stay challenged with lessons and activities that match their strengths.
Learn more about how we support high potential and gifted learners.
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. We support all learning styles and needs. Our teachers use proven teaching strategies. They take part in ongoing professional development to stay up to date with best teaching practice.
Our learning approach includes:
- real-world learning: hands-on tasks, group work and exploring new ideas
- 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.
Helping students progress
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.
Want to know more about our subjects?
We can connect you with the right teacher or staff member.
Please contact the School Front Office for any enquiry.
More specifically you can also contact the following people via appointment through the office:
Deputy Principal – Mrs Meg Taipaleti
Primary Class Teacher – The first point of contact
Secondary Year Advisor – The first point of contact is your relevant Year Advisor. Year Advisors manage wellbeing issues, attendance, general questions and concerns.
Learning and Support Teacher (LaST) – The LaST is there to assist students with additional learning and support needs. They can also assist in School Counsellor referrals, monitoring student wellbeing and attendance concerns.
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.