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?
Ashtonfield Public School is proud to be part of strong networks within the Maitland area, leading the way in explicit teaching alongside our sister schools through the Maitland Explicit Community of Schools (METCoS). Collaboration both within our school and across METCoS is at the heart of our approach, with leadership teams and Principals regularly spending time in each school to support and enhance teaching practices.
Our teachers are confident experts in explicit teaching strategies, actively sharing their knowledge and engaging in honest, open, and reflective discussions to continually improve their practice. Committed advocates for explicit teaching, our staff participate in ongoing professional learning to ensure all learners receive the support they need to succeed.
At Ashtonfield Public School, students understand that they are learners with clear goals. They receive regular, meaningful feedback from teachers, helping them stay engaged and aware of ‘where to next’ in their learning journey to achieve high levels of success.
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 our school, students can take part in special religious education (SRE) . 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 the department’s website or contact us.
At our school, we give the right support to help advanced or talented learners 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.
Contact us to 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.
Maitland Explicit Teaching Community of Schools (METCoS) consists of seven NSW Department of Education schools in the Maitland Network who engage in cycles of professional learning, collaborative practice and reflection, to deepen teacher knowledge and understanding of Explicit Teaching using evidence-based practice.
Explicit Teaching of New Content is Foundational
Within METCoS, we recognise that learners achieve optimal progress when new content is explicitly taught. Our shared Explicit Teach Plans provide a consistent framework for teachers across our schools to deliver clear, structured instruction aligned to the NSW Syllabi. This ensures that all students develop deep and flexible understandings essential for creative and reflective thinking, and problem solving.
Revisiting Learning Through Spaced and Interleaved Retrieval Practice
METCoS schools consistently implement retrieval practice as a key strategy to support students’ transfer of knowledge from short-term to long-term memory. Through regular, teacher-led review sessions embedded in daily routines, students reinforce foundational concepts and build confidence in learning processes. Teachers across our schools ensure retrieval activities are engaging, interleave multiple concepts, and incorporate varied question types to deepen understanding and retention.
Guided Practice with Gradual Release of Scaffolds
A signature of METCoS explicit teaching is the structured progression through modelling, guided practice, and independent application. Teachers collaboratively refine their approach to the “I do, We do, You do” cycle, recognising that fluid movement between stages is responsive to student needs.
In our community, the emphasis is on maximising time in guided practice (“We do”) to provide targeted support and minimise errors before independent work. Scaffolds such as teacher prompts and instructional resources are systematically reduced as students demonstrate growing competence and confidence, ensuring effective learning progression.
Responsive Teaching Adapted to Evolving Student Needs
METCoS encourages flexible teaching that adjusts to students’ progress during lessons. Teachers use quick checks like mini whiteboards, targeted questions, and simple signals to see how well students understand and then change their teaching as needed.
Lessons include different challenge levels and paths to meet all students’ needs, even in mixed-age or multi-level classes.
Success Criteria are created with students and clearly explained step-by-step, so students can track their own progress. Teachers keep these criteria visible and reinforce them regularly, helping students understand and remember important maths skills.
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.