In the classroom
Muyan Primary School Curriculum
At Muyan Primary School, we are committed to providing a well-rounded education that prepares students for academic success and social success. Our curriculum is designed to ensure that students develop the literacy, numeracy and social skills to thrive on their learning journey. This core curriculum is supplemented by our specialist curriculum program which provides students with rich learning experience in the arts and humanities.
Our Literacy Program
Reading and writing are the foundations of all learning, which is why we take a comprehensive, research-based approach to literacy instruction. We explicitly teach students both how to read and how to write by developing essential skills in each area.
Reading Instruction
We teach students how to read by developing six essential components:
Phonemic Awareness (Sounds They Hear)
Students learn to identify and manipulate the individual sounds they hear in spoken words. This auditory skill helps children understand that words are made up of separate sounds, which is crucial for reading success.
Phonics (Decoding)
We teach students the relationship between letters and sounds, giving them the tools to decode unfamiliar words independently. Students learn systematic strategies to sound out words and recognize common spelling patterns.
Fluency (Reading Rate and Expression)
Students develop their reading rate, accuracy, and expression through guided practice and repeated reading. Fluent readers can focus their attention on understanding the text rather than struggling with individual words.
Background Knowledge of Topics We build students’ knowledge across science, social studies, and other subjects, recognizing that what children know about the world directly impacts their reading comprehension. Rich content knowledge helps students make connections and understand what they read.
Vocabulary (Word Meanings)
Students expand their word knowledge through direct instruction and exposure to rich texts. We teach both the meanings of new words and strategies for figuring out unfamiliar vocabulary while reading.
Comprehension (Understanding the Meaning of Text)
We explicitly teach students strategies for understanding the meaning of text, including making predictions, asking questions, making connections, and summarizing. Students learn to think critically about what they read across different types of texts.
Writing Instruction
We teach students how to write by developing six parallel components:
Phonemic Awareness (Breaking Words into Sounds and Syllables)
Students learn to break down words they hear into individual sounds and syllables, which helps them spell words accurately when writing. This skill bridges the connection between spoken and written language.
Phonics (Encoding)
Students learn to represent sounds with correct spellings, moving from hearing sounds to writing them down. This encoding process is the reverse of decoding and helps students become confident spellers.
Transcribing (Letter Formation and Conventions)
We teach students to correctly form letters and use proper spacing and punctuation. These foundational skills ensure that students can clearly communicate their ideas in writing.
Fluency (Building Automaticity)
Students develop automatic recall of spelling patterns and writing conventions so they can focus their mental energy on expressing their ideas rather than struggling with basic writing mechanics.
Background Knowledge (Topics and Written Language Structure)
Through our Knowledge Rich curriculum, students develop deep understanding of the topics they write about while also learning the structures of different types of writing. This comprehensive approach helps them organize and develop their ideas effectively across various writing genres.
Vocabulary (Words and Their Meanings)
Our Knowledge Rich curriculum naturally exposes students to sophisticated academic vocabulary within meaningful contexts. Students learn to use precise and varied vocabulary in their writing, expanding their ability to express complex ideas and emotions clearly and effectively.
Written Expression
All of these skills come together to help students communicate their thoughts, ideas, and creativity through writing. Students learn to write for different purposes and audiences, developing their unique voice as writers.
Our Mathmatics Program
We are committed to creating positive mathematical experiences that build confidence and enthusiasm for mathematics. Every student deserves to see themselves as capable of mathematical thinking, and our evidence-based approach ensures student develop both the skills and mindset needed for lifelong mathematical success.
At Muyan Primary School, we believe:
Every student can learn mathematics
We maintain high expectations for all learners and provide the support each child needs to succeed.
Mistakes and effort promote brain growth
We celebrate mistakes as learning opportunities and recognize that effort leads to mathematical understanding.
Conceptual understanding comes first
Students learn why mathematical strategies work, not just how to use them.
Making connections deepens learning
We help students see relationships between mathematical ideas and connect mathematics to the real world.
Fluency and problem-solving work together
Students develop both automatic recall of number facts and strong problem-solving skills.
Challenges help us grow
We encourage students to embrace mathematical challenges and persist through difficult problems. Our mathematics program follows research-proven instructional methods that systematically build student proficiency across four key areas:
- Problem-Solving:
Students learn to approach mathematical challenges with confidence and multiple strategies - Fluency:
Students develop automatic recall and efficient computational methods - Understanding:
Students build deep conceptual knowledge of mathematical ideas
Knowledge Rich
Humanities Curriculum
At Muyan Primary School, we use a Knowledge Rich curriculum approach to teach the humanities subjects from the Victorian Curriculum, including History, Geography, Civics and Citizenship, and Economics and Business. This approach ensures that students develop a broad and deep understanding of the world around them by systematically building their knowledge across cultures, time periods, and global perspectives. Rather than focusing solely on generic skills, our Knowledge Rich curriculum deliberately exposes students to rich content that expands their cultural literacy, vocabulary, and ability to make meaningful connections between past and present, local and global events.
Our humanities program recognizes that knowledge is the foundation for critical thinking and informed citizenship. Through carefully sequenced units that build on each other, students develop not only factual knowledge about important historical events, geographical features, and civic processes, but also the analytical skills needed to evaluate sources, understand different perspectives, and engage thoughtfully with complex social issues. This comprehensive approach prepares our students to be knowledgeable, empathetic global citizens who can contribute meaningfully to their communities and understand their place in the wider world.
Specialist Subjects
At Muyan Primary School, we enhance our core curriculum with three specialist subjects that support the whole child’s development:
- Physical Education (PE)
- Science
- Performing Arts
- Visual Arts
These specialist programs are taught by dedicated teachers who bring expertise and passion to their subject areas, providing students with rich learning experiences that complement and extend their classroom learning. Our specialist subjects ensure that students develop physical literacy, scientific inquiry skills, and creative expression while discovering their individual talents and interests.
Each specialist subject plays a vital role in developing well-rounded learners who are prepared for future success. Physical Education builds students’ physical skills, teamwork abilities, and understanding of health and fitness, while our Science program fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and hands-on investigation skills through exciting experiments and discoveries. Performing Arts allows students to explore their creativity through music, drama, and movement, building confidence, communication skills, and cultural appreciation. Together, these specialist subjects create a dynamic and engaging school experience that helps every student discover their strengths and develop a lifelong love of learning.
Wellbeing & inclusion
At Muyan Primary School, every child is supported to feel valued, and empowered to reach their full potential. Our comprehensive approach to Wellbeing and Inclusion ensures all students can thrive in a nurturing environment where differences are celebrated, wellbeing is prioritized, and every student thrives.
Our structured Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum explicitly teaches students essential skills to understand themselves, connect with others, and navigate challenges with resilience. Through programs such as The Resilience Project, lessons support students to develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, and empathy while building strong foundations for mental health and wellbeing.
Together, we create an inclusive community where every child at Muyan Primary School can flourish, develop strong relationships, and build confidence to face future challenges with resilience and optimism.
