Learning

At Riverwood Public School, we have high expectations for all students. Our dedicated teachers use effective, evidence-informed teaching strategies to help every student achieve their personal best. We teach the NSW curriculum with a strong focus on building the literacy and numeracy skills students need for learning and everyday life.

We recognise that wellbeing is essential for learning. When students feel safe, supported and ready to learn, they are better able to engage and make progress. Learn more about the approach to wellbeing at Riverwood Public School.

Why choose us for your child’s learning?

Strong foundations

We prioritise strong foundations in literacy and numeracy, with regular review and practice helping students build the knowledge and skills they need to succeed across the curriculum.

Building deep knowledge

Students develop rich knowledge and vocabulary across the curriculum through carefully sequenced learning, building on what they already know and making connections between ideas.

Students listening and responding during a classroom discussion.

Engaged learners

Riverwood classrooms are active places where students are focused and involved throughout each lesson. They share ideas, explain their thinking, listen to different perspectives and build on the contributions of others.

A teacher modelling a mathematics strategy using counters on a whiteboard.

Teaching excellence

Our whole-school instructional framework is shaped through collaboration, professional learning and coaching. This ensures students experience consistent, high-quality teaching in every classroom.

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Our teaching in the spotlight

Riverwood’s approach to teaching has been showcased to educators across Australia. The Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) filmed our teachers and students to demonstrate evidence-informed teaching practices in action. Dr Nathaniel Swain also featured Riverwood as a case study in Harnessing the Science of Learning (2025).

“Riverwood’s teachers pride themselves on leaving nothing to chance, ensuring their students are learning and thriving.”

— Dr Nathaniel Swain, Senior Lecturer in Learning Sciences at La Trobe University

Our teaching approach

At Riverwood Public School, our approach is informed by evidence about how students learn best. Teaching is carefully planned and responsive, helping students build knowledge, develop understanding and become more independent learners.

Explicit teaching

Teachers clearly explain and model new knowledge and skills, breaking learning into manageable steps. Students are guided through new learning before applying it with increasing independence.

Building knowledge

Learning is carefully sequenced so students can connect new ideas to what they already know. Our Knowledge Rich Units build students' vocabulary, background knowledge and understanding across the curriculum.

Review and practice

Students continually revisit important knowledge and skills to strengthen their understanding and help them remember what they have learned. Regular practice also helps teachers identify areas that may need further teaching.

Checking for understanding

Teachers regularly check students' understanding through questioning, discussion and other forms of formative assessment. This helps teachers address misconceptions, adjust teaching and provide clear feedback about what students can do next.

Academic discussions

Students are taught to explain their thinking, listen carefully and build on the ideas of others. Structured classroom discussions deepen understanding while developing students' confidence and communication skills.

Watch AERO's video of Riverwood Public School to see these teaching practices in action

Helping students progress

At Riverwood Public School, monitoring student progress is a shared responsibility. We recognise that progress looks different for every learner and work together to understand where each student is in their learning and what they are ready to learn next. We do this through:

regular assessment and monitoring to track growth and identify appropriate next steps
clear and timely feedback so students understand their progress and how they can improve
meaningful learning goals that help students understand what they are working towards and reflect on their progress
partnerships with families to share information and support each child's learning

Some students may need more targeted support at different times in their learning. Find out more about additional learning support at Riverwood Public School.

Assessment and reporting

Families receive a written report at the end of Terms 2 and 4, providing information about their child's progress. Parent-teacher interviews are held at the beginning of Term 3, giving families an opportunity to discuss their child's learning with their teacher. Parents and carers are also welcome to contact the school at any time to arrange a meeting with their child's teacher.

What students learn

Our subjects

Explore how we teach the NSW Curriculum through six key learning areas:

English
Mathematics
Science and Technology
Human Society and Its Environment
Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
Creative Arts

Religion and ethics

At Riverwood Public School, special religious education (SRE) and special education in ethics (SEE) is delivered on Monday from 2:25pm to 2.55pm for K-6 students. These classes are delivered by approved providers.

When enrolling your child, you will be able to choose an option from the approved providers offered at our school. Students not attending SRE or SEE are given supervised alternative meaningful activities.

You’re welcome to change your choice at any time. Just let us know in writing or use the online form.

The following SRE/SEE classes are offered at Riverwood Public School:

Catholic SRE is provided by the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney.
Islamic SRE is provided by the Islamic Charity Projects Association.
Protestant SRE is provided by the Baptist Union of NSW.

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

Inspire - High potential and gifted education

Riverwood Public School is committed to supporting high potential and gifted students. We nurture potential across the intellectual, creative, social-emotional and physical domains through differentiated teaching, targeted enrichment and extension opportunities. Students are supported to achieve excellence while maintaining strong wellbeing and engagement.

Learn more about Inspire - High potential and gifted education at our school.

Have a question about your child's learning?

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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.