Our Curriculum

Learning Across the Curriculum

Our curriculum provides students with opportunities to develop knowledge, skills, and understanding across all areas of learning.

We support students to:

• become confident and capable learners;

• think critically and creatively;

• communicate effectively;

• collaborate with others;

• make connections between their learning and the world around them;

• develop independence and learner agency.

ACE – Abilities, Curiosities & Essential Learning

ACE is our curriculum enrichment programme, designed to personalise learning by responding to students' abilities, curiosities and essential learning needs.

ACE runs on Tuesdays and Fridays from 11:30am–12:30pm and is available to all students.

Students can explore interests, develop strengths, consolidate learning and try new experiences through a wide range of activities, including:

• Science and technology

• Music and art

• Languages

• Sports and physical skills

• Dance and cultural activities

• Wellbeing

• Environmental programmes

• Project-based learning

• Academic competitions

• Other student-led interests and passions

ACE programmes change throughout the year based on student interests and the strengths of our staff and wider community.

Music at MHP

Music is an important part of learning at Mission Heights Primary School, providing students with opportunities to develop creativity, confidence, collaboration and musical skills.

Students in Years 2–6 have a weekly specialist music lesson. Learning includes singing, instruments, movement, rhythm, composition, improvisation and music theory.

Students can also participate in a range of musical groups, including:

MHP Orchestra
An auditioned senior ensemble performing on percussion and other instruments at school and community events.

Starling Orchestra
An ensemble developing students' listening, rhythm and ensemble skills and preparing students for more advanced orchestral opportunities.

MHP Choir
An auditioned choir for Years 3–6, performing at school events and music festivals.

Chamber Orchestra
An ensemble for students who play orchestral instruments outside school.

Digital Learning & Technologies

Digital learning at MHP goes beyond using computers. Students use technology to create, problem-solve, code, explore robotics and work with data.

Teachers use a range of digital tools to support learning, creativity and collaboration, while students develop the skills to become confident, independent and responsible users of technology.

Year 6 BYOD

Year 6 students have the option to bring a Chromebook to school to support their learning.

ESOL & Bilingual Learning

Mission Heights Primary School is a diverse and multicultural community, and we value the languages, cultures and identities that our students bring to school.

Our English language learning programme provides additional support for students who are developing English as an additional language. Students may receive support through classroom programmes, small-group learning and our ESOL ACE programme.

We also recognise the importance of maintaining and using students' home languages. Being bilingual or multilingual is a strength, and we encourage students to use their languages as part of their learning and identity.

ESOL ACE

English language learners participate in a weekly ESOL ACE programme designed to support their individual language-learning needs through practical, engaging and hands-on experiences.

Growing a Sustainable Future

At MHP, sustainability is part of everyday learning. We encourage students to understand their role as kaitiaki and to make choices that have a positive impact on our environment.

Our students learn through practical experiences such as:

• Gardening and growing food

• Caring for our butterfly garden and beehives

• Recycling and waste management

• Worm farms and composting

• Growing and using produce

• Learning about sustainability and our environment

• Working together through our Enviro Team

Our students are encouraged to take action, share their knowledge and help create a more sustainable future.

Garden to Table

Our Garden to Table programme takes learning beyond the classroom and into the garden and kitchen.

Available to students in Years 2–6, the programme develops practical life skills while connecting learning to sustainability, food, science and healthy living.

Students learn to:

• grow and harvest food;

• prepare and cook meals;

• use kitchen tools safely;

• weigh and measure ingredients;

• explore the science of food;

• understand seasonal growing;

• work collaboratively;

• share and enjoy food together.

A typical session includes time in both the garden and kitchen, followed by sharing the food students have prepared.

Garden to Table provides authentic opportunities for students to apply their classroom learning in real-world contexts.

Useful Resources

• Knife Skills

• Growing from Seed

• Garden to Table Recipes