Strengthening continuity of learning

Strengthening continuity of learning is not about implementing a 'push-down' curriculum.

For early childhood educators, it is about knowing what the next step in a child’s learning is in order to plan learning experiences that extend their learning.

For Kindergarten teachers, it is using information about what a child can already do and know and how they learn best, to plan learning experiences that build upon and extend their current learning.

The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia (EYLF)

In the early childhood education sector, educators design learning programs aligned to the approved learning framework, the EYLF. The EYLF includes ‘… principles that reflect contemporary theories and research evidence concerning children’s learning and early childhood pedagogy. The principles underpin practice that is focused on assisting all children to make progress in relation to 5 learning outcomes.' (ELYF p.13)

These outcomes relate to identity, connection with community, wellbeing, confidence as a learner and effectiveness as a communicator.

NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) syllabuses

Schools and teachers use the syllabuses to develop educational programs for students. The syllabuses are organised into broad areas of learning, referred to as Key Learning Areas:

• English
• Mathematics
• Science and technology
• Human Society and its Environment (history and geography)
• Creative arts
• Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE)
• Languages (optional in K-6).

Each syllabus:

• is divided into stages of learning, with Kindergarten children generally working within Early Stage 1
• describes the knowledge, understanding, skills, values and attitudes that students are expected to develop
• includes an aim and rationale for the learning, as well as outcomes and content
• identifies opportunities to address 3 cross-curriculum priorities that develop students’ understanding of contemporary issues and the world around them.

Further information and resources

Online learning modules support educators and teachers in early childhood and school settings to strengthen continuity of learning through an understanding of the education continuum.

This professional learning is short, flexible and available on-demand. Modules can be completed individually, in any order and at any time.

• Curriculum links – early childhood educators. Enrol in this course via MyPL or follow these links to each module:
  • Module 1: What do I need to know about the English and mathematics syllabuses?
  • Module 2: Continuity and transitions within the National Quality Standard and School Excellence Framework
  • Module 3: Understanding the continuum of learning between preschool and Early Stage 1
  • Module 4: Creating collaborative partnerships to support continuity of learning
    

• Early learning curriculum links (for ES1 teachers and school leaders). Enrol in this course via MyPL or follow these links to each module:
  • Module 1: What is continuity of learning and how is it linked to our professional responsibilities?
  • Module 2: Cross curriculum links that support continuity
  • Module 3: How does understanding continuity of learning impact and guide my practice?
    

• Examples of practice. These examples show how common early childhood learning experiences link to Early Stage 1 learning outcomes:
  
  • Example 1: Arranging sticks and stones
  • Example 2: Book sharing.