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.
Courses offered at our school
- Dance
- Drama
- English
- Geography
- History
- Languages
- Mathematics
- Music
- PDH/PE
- Science
- Technology
- Visual Arts
- English
- Geography
- History
- Mathematics
- PDH/PE
- Science
- Technology
Electives
- Ceramics
- Classical Ballet
- Dance
- Drama
- Film and Animation
- Master Chef
- Master Designer Construction
- Master Designer Textiles
- Music
- Musica Vitae
- Musical Theatre
- Photo, Paint and Print
- English
- Geography
- History
- Mathematics
- PDH/PE
- Science
Electives
- Classical Ballet
- Commerce
- Dance
- Dance Extension
- Design and Technology
- Drama
- Drama Extension
- Design and Media Studies - Film Studies
- Food Technology
- French
- Music
- Music Extension
- Photographic and Digital Media
- Physical Activity and Sports Studies (PASS)
- Performing Arts - Theatre Production
- Textiles and Design
- Visual Arts
Showcase Electives
- Beats and Beyond
- Dark Fomo
- Graphic Design
- Like a Version
- NTV Music Video
- Stagecraft - Costume and Props
- Set Design and Construction
- Showcase Digital Video Production
- Showcase Shorts
- Showcase Hospitality
- Up in Lights
- Starstruck – The Portrait
- Song Writing
- The Digital Times
- English
- Geography
- History
- Mathematics
- PDH/PE
- Science
Electives
- Classical Ballet
- Dance
- Dance Extension
- Design and Media Studies - Film Studies
- Design and Technology
- Drama
- Drama Extension
- Food Technology
- Music
- Music Extension
- Photographic and Digital Media
- Physical Activity and Sports Studies (PASS)
- Performing Arts - Theatre Production
- Visual Arts
- Ancient History
- Biology
- Business Studies
- Chemistry
- Classical Ballet
- Dance
- Design and Technology
- Drama
- Economics
- English Advanced
- English Standard
- English Studies
- English Extension 1
- Entertainment Industry
- Food Technology
- Geography
- Health and Movement Science
- Legal Studies
- Mathematics Advanced
- Mathematics Standard
- Mathematics Extension 1
- Modern History
- Music 1
- Music 2
- Physics
- Screen and Media
- Society and Culture
- Textiles and Design
- Visual Arts
- Ancient History
- Biology
- Business Studies
- Chemistry
- Classical Ballet
- Dance
- Drama
- Economics
- English Advanced
- English Standard
- English Studies
- English Extension 1
- English Extension 2
- Entertainment Industry
- Food Technology
- Geography
- Health and Movement Science
- History Extension
- Legal Studies
- Mathematics
- Mathematics Standard
- Mathematics Extension 1
- Mathematics Extension 2
- Modern History
- Music 1
- Music 2
- Music Extension
- Physics
- Screen and Media
- Textiles and Design
- Visual Arts
The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) is responsible for the curriculum, Kindergarten to Year 12, for all NSW schools.
For the high school years, NESA develops syllabuses for all subjects in 8 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).
NSW schools also offer special religious education and special education in ethics via approved providers, where available.
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 the 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. High school covers Stages 4 to 6.
- Stage 4 includes Years 7 and 8.
- Stage 5 includes Years 9 and 10.
- Stage 6 includes Years 11 and 12.
Why choose us for your child’s learning?
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.
At Newtown High School of the Performing Arts, SRE is delivered to Year 7-10 on alternate Fridays.
On enrolment parents/carers will be given the SRE participation letter to complete and return. After the initial enrolment, notification of changes to a child's enrolment in SRE can be made in writing to the school email address at any time.
The following SRE classes are offered at NHSPA:
Combined Christian SRE is provided by SRE teachers from different Christian denominations and churches. The approved providers in this combined arrangement are: Anglican Diocese of Sydney, Special Religious Education - Baptist Churches of NSW & ACT, SRE - Presbyterian Youth NSW, SRE (SCRIPTURE) | ACC NSW ACT, SRE in NSW Schools, Special Religious Education (SRE) - UCA, Special Religious Education - Churches of Christ Australia | NSW & ACT | Unity. Restoration. Life., Schools - CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCHES OF AUSTRALIA (CRCA) NSW SRE, SRE — Fellowship of Congregational Churches, Special Religious Education | Providing SRE in NSW Schools — CCC Aust, NSW SRE | Australia.
All Christian SRE teachers are authorised and trained by an approved provider.
The Combined Christian SRE curriculum being used is produced by Christian Education Publications CEP curriculum overview and is approved by each SRE provider.
During the time that the SRE lesson is being held, students not attending will be with their class and teacher and will participate in meaningful activities such as reading, private study or completing homework.
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.
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.