English study is mandatory in NSW from Kindergarten to Year 12.
Students learn about the English language through written, spoken and visual texts of increasing complexity as they progress through their schooling.
An understanding of the English language is central to how we communicate and essential for intellectual, social and emotional development.
The study of English should develop a love of literature and learning and be challenging and enjoyable. It develops skills to enable students to experiment with ideas and expression, to become active, independent and lifelong learners, to work with each other and to reflect on their learning.
NSW K-2 New Curriculum
English K–2 shows essential learning as outlined in the research for building foundations in reading and writing.
The syllabus recognises that for most students, oral language comes before written language. Oral language outcomes and content are inclusive of students whose primary communication is not through speaking and listening.
Each research-based key to reading has an explicit outcome, including phonics. The teaching advice suggests that teachers should typically provide daily opportunities for students to practise reading, starting with the use of decodable texts.
Focus on reading ‘fluency’ as a key component of building strong foundations.
More emphasis on writing and ensuring that students have a clear understanding of how to create a sentence.
‘Literature’ is highlighted as essential in the development of core knowledge for subject English. Listening to and using literature can foster an understanding, appreciation and love of reading.
Content is structured to highlight the parallel connections across oral language, reading and writing.