Curriculum Overview

Learning at Manly Vale Public School is vibrant, meaningful and grounded in strong relationships. Our teachers know the NSW Curriculum deeply and bring it to life through clear, purposeful lessons that help every child feel confident, curious and capable.

We use evidence-based practices such as explicit teaching, shared learning goals and regular check-ins so students understand what they’re learning and can celebrate their progress. Our classrooms are calm, supportive and engaging places where every child feels safe to take risks, try new things and grow at their own pace.

Beyond the core curriculum, students experience rich opportunities to explore science, the arts, sport, outdoor learning and leadership within our stunning bushland setting. We aim to spark joy, foster creativity and build strong foundations that help every learner thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

At Manly Vale, we don’t just teach the curriculum, we make learning come alive.

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Evidence Based Teaching

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At Manly Vale, great teaching isn’t left to chance. It’s grounded in proven, research-driven practice. Our teachers use approaches that are known to make the biggest difference to student learning, from explicit teaching and clear modelling to guided practice and meaningful feedback. Every strategy has a purpose, and every lesson is built with intention. Families can feel confident knowing that their child is supported by educators who teach with clarity, skill and a deep understanding of how children learn best.

We believe children thrive when they feel truly known. Our teachers take time to build genuine, caring relationships with every student; learning their strengths, quirks, worries and passions. This connection creates a classroom where children feel safe to ask questions, take risks and have a go. It’s the warmth, trust and humour shared between teachers and students that turns learning into something joyful and meaningful every day.

Warm, Strong Teacher–Student Relationships

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Differentiation That Feels Personal

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Every learner is unique, and we honour that. Differentiation at MVPS isn’t about giving students “more” or “less”, it’s about giving them what’s right for them. Our teachers tailor instruction, adjust tasks and provide the right amount of challenge or support so that each child feels stretched, successful and capable. Whether a child needs scaffolds, extension, or something in between, our approach ensures they feel understood and supported as an individual.

At Manly Vale, we believe every child can achieve remarkable things. Our expectations are high, consistent and deeply optimistic; not pressured, but purposeful. We encourage students to aim high, think deeply and take pride in their effort, knowing they are supported every step of the way. We teach children to see themselves as capable learners who can rise to challenges, persist through difficulties and celebrate their growth with confidence.

High Expectations for Every Child

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Consistent School-Wide Practices

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Children feel calm and confident when learning feels predictable and clear. That’s why we use whole-school approaches that support consistency across classrooms; shared routines, shared language and shared expectations. This creates a cohesive learning environment where students know what to expect and what success looks like. With consistent structures in place, teachers can focus on what matters most: rich teaching, meaningful connections and supporting every child to reach their potential.

We don’t just hope students are learning; we know. Our teachers use assessment thoughtfully and regularly to understand where each child is, what they need next, and how to help them move forward. Data guides our teaching, informs our planning and shapes our support. We celebrate growth, track progress and respond early when students need something different. It’s a dynamic, caring process that ensures no child is ever overlooked.

Data-Informed Practice

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Empowering the Whole Child

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Our curriculum is about more than academics, it’s about nurturing confident, curious, resilient young people. We build creativity, collaboration, problem-solving and wellbeing into the everyday fabric of school life. We want children to discover their strengths, develop their voice and learn to care for themselves and others. When students feel safe, valued and inspired, they don’t just learn, they flourish. And that’s what we want for every child at Manly Vale Public School.

Confident Beginnings

We build the essential skills every child needs to feel capable, curious and ready to grow. Through clear instruction, warm relationships and consistent routines, students develop strong foundations in reading, writing and numeracy; and the confidence to take on new challenges.

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Learning that comes alive

Our teachers bring deep curriculum knowledge and genuine care to every lesson. With engaging, evidence-based teaching, hands-on learning and rich opportunities across all subjects, students discover what they love, feel proud of their progress and experience success every day.

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Support that feels personal

Every child learns in their own way and we embrace that. Our teachers and Learning Support Team tailor instruction, adjustments and wellbeing care so each student feels understood, supported and empowered. From high potential learners to students with additional needs, we ensure every child thrives.

Opportunities to shine

From science, sport and creative arts to clubs, enrichment and leadership, we offer pathways for every child to explore their interests and stretch their abilities. Students can try new things, build strengths and discover their potential in an environment that celebrates who they are.

What students learn

Students experience a dynamic and engaging curriculum that blends strong literacy and numeracy foundations with creativity, science, outdoor learning and enrichment opportunities. They develop skills for thinking, collaborating and problem-solving, all while growing into well-rounded, confident young people ready for the future.

Our subjects

Discover how we bring the NSW curriculum to life through meaningful, hands-on learning across all key learning areas. Explore the subjects we teach and how each one helps your child grow, learn and shine.

Religion and ethics

Families at Manly Vale Public School can choose for their child to take part in Special Religious Education (SRE) or Special Education in Ethics (SEE). These lessons are delivered by approved external instructors and take place on Wednesday mornings between 9:00 am and 9:35 am.

When you enrol, you’ll be asked to select from the SRE and SEE options currently offered at Manly Vale PS. Students who do not attend SRE or SEE take part in supervised, meaningful alternative activities.

Families are welcome to update their preference at any time, simply contact the school office or submit a change in writing via email. Please note that changes for your child won't be made until the following term to minimise disruptions to classes.

For more information, visit the department’s website or contact us.

High potential and gifted education

At Manly Vale Public School, we recognise and nurture students who show advanced potential in learning, creativity, leadership or physical performance. Our teachers know their learners deeply and identify high potential early, ensuring these students are challenged, extended and inspired in meaningful ways.

We offer rich, differentiated experiences (both in the classroom and through specialised opportunities) that allow high potential and gifted learners to stretch their thinking, pursue their interests and grow with confidence. Our goal is for every child to feel stimulated, supported and proud of the progress they make.

Learn more about how we support high potential and gifted learners.

Our learning approach

Learning at Manly Vale Public School is purposeful, engaging and built on strong relationships. Our teachers use clear, explicit instruction so students always know what they’re learning, why it matters and how to succeed. New ideas are introduced in small, achievable steps, helping every child feel confident, supported and ready to take on a challenge.

We create classroom environments that are student-centred, inclusive and genuinely responsive to individual needs. Our teachers know their learners deeply and adapt lessons, routines and supports to help every child feel capable and proud of their growth. Ongoing professional learning keeps our staff up to date with the most effective evidence-based practices, ensuring students benefit from high-quality teaching every day.

At MVPS, our learning approach includes:

meaningful, hands-on learning that sparks curiosity and connects to the real world
thoughtful use of technology to build digital skills and enhance learning
flexible, differentiated teaching so each child receives the support or enrichment they need
connections to the community through excursions, local partnerships and outdoor learning in our bushland environment.

Our aim is simple: to help every child feel excited to learn, supported in their journey and proud of what they can achieve.

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Helping students progress

At Manly Vale Public School, we make sure every child feels supported, challenged and celebrated as they grow. Our teachers keep a close eye on each student’s learning, giving clear, timely feedback and setting goals that feel achievable and motivating. We use personalised plans, targeted small-group literacy and numeracy support, and specialist staff to give students the right help at the right time.

Families are kept informed through regular communication and formal reporting, and we work closely with parents to create a strong home–school partnership. Wellbeing is woven into all our learning, helping students feel confident and ready to succeed. We also guide children through key transitions, whether beginning Kindergarten or moving into a new stage, so they feel calm, connected and prepared for what comes next.

Learn more about the learning support we offer at our school.

Want to know more about our subjects?

We can connect you with the right teacher or staff member.

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Have a question for our principal or teachers?

Our friendly office team can help you get in touch.

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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.