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?
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.
NSW public schools offer Special Religious Education (SRE), delivered by approved providers from Maitland Evangelical Church.
At Thornton Public School, Scripture lessons are held each Thursday during the middle session. Lessons run for approximately 30 minutes and are organised in age groups. SRE is taught by trained and authorised instructors from approved religious organisations.
Students who do not participate in SRE engage in a supervised alternative activity. During this time, students are supervised in a designated area where they can read, draw, or complete quiet, independent tasks such as homework.
Students are placed in a Scripture class based on the nomination made by parents or carers at the time of enrolment or the Schoolbytes form.
If you would like your child to participate in or withdraw from Scripture, please complete the Special Religious Education Participation Letter. This form can be accessed online or collected from the school office.
For more information, visit Religion and ethics.
For more information, visit the department’s website or contact us.
At Thornton Public School, our approach to High Potential and Gifted Education reflects a commitment to high expectations, equity and excellence for every student. We recognise that potential exists along a continuum and that students demonstrate strengths across intellectual, creative, social-emotional and physical domains. Our programs are designed to provide meaningful challenge, authentic engagement and personalised pathways so that all students—regardless of background or circumstance—can aspire to and achieve their personal best.
We create learning environments that nurture talent development and support the diverse learning and wellbeing needs of our students. Through quality teaching, differentiated practices and targeted opportunities, we ensure that students with differing levels and expressions of potential receive appropriate adjustments, extension and enrichment. At Thornton Public School, we believe that every student deserves access to learning experiences that allow them to thrive, excel and realise their full capabilities.
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.
Our learning approach includes:
- real-world learning: hands-on tasks, group work and exploring new ideas
- technology: to help students learn and build digital skills
- flexible teaching: the right support for each student, with a focus on wellbeing
- community connections: through excursions and local programs.
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.