Our learning approach
The Learning Approach at Manly West PS
In 2026, Manly West Public School was externally validated at the Excelling level within the Leading Teaching and Learning domains by a panel from the NSW Department of Education. This achievement reflects our ongoing commitment to educational excellence.
Our school proudly employs a significant number of Highly Accomplished Accredited Teachers. We invest substantially in Professional Learning to ensure our staff develop expertise in their fields, equipping them to deliver high-quality, innovative teaching.
At Manly West, our dedicated staff use a range of evidence-based pedagogical strategies to support every student to reach their full potential and engage deeply in their learning.
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Our approach incorporates Differentiation, Explicit Teaching strategies aligned with Dr. Lyn Sharratt’s Clarity Waterfall Chart, as well as Parameters and Third Wall strategies. We clearly communicate what students are learning through well-defined Learning Intentions, explain why the learning is important, and outline how success can be achieved with clear Success Criteria. Students take ownership of their progress through the Novice to Master Rubrics. By breaking down new concepts into manageable parts, our explicit teaching methods empower students to confidently grasp, apply, and master new ideas.
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Learning at Manly West is student-centred, inclusive, and practical. We are firmly committed to equity and access, supporting diverse learning styles and needs. Our teachers employ research-backed, evidence-based teaching practices and engage in continuous professional development to remain at the forefront of educational best practice.
Our Learning approach includes:
- Real-world learning: Delivered by specialist teachers through hands-on tasks, collaborative group work, and exploration of new ideas and concepts.
- Flexible teaching: Providing tailored support for each student, with an emphasis on differentiation alongside targeted Enrichment and Extension programs.
- Community connections: Enhanced through excursions and partnerships with local programs, fostering meaningful engagement beyond the classroom.
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.
Supporting student progress
At Manly West, we are committed to supporting the academic and personal growth of every student by:
- Regularly monitoring progress and providing clear, timely feedback to guide learning.
- Empowering students to become confident, assessment-capable learners who take ownership of their educational journey.
- Maintaining high expectations to encourage every student to achieve their best.
- Offering additional support through our team of specialist staff.
- Keeping parents and carers informed with detailed progress reports on their child’s learning.
- Delivering targeted, small-group literacy and numeracy support tailored to individual needs.
- Embedding wellbeing as an integral part of everyday learning including the initiatives, The Anxiety Project and the Gotcha4 Life Mental fitness programs.
- Collaborating closely with families to strengthen learning connections between home and school.
- Assisting students through key transitions, such as starting school or progressing to new learning stages, to ensure a smooth and positive experience.
At Manly West Public School, we prioritise developing teacher expertise to ensure outstanding learning outcomes. We proudly hold the highest number of Highly Accomplished Accredited Teachers of any primary school in the State. Additionally, many of our staff are currently undertaking the Highly Accomplished and Lead Accreditation levels.
All our teachers receive targeted professional learning that aligns with our Strategic Directions and is grounded in evidence-based research. This ongoing development empowers our educators to deliver innovative, high-quality teaching tailored to meet the diverse needs of our students.
Learn more about Additional Learning Support at our school.
Learn more about High Potential and Gifted Education at our school.
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.
At our school, students can take part in special religious education (SRE) or special education in ethics (SEE) classes, depending on what’s available. These classes are delivered by approved providers.
When enrolling your child, you’ll be able to choose an option from the approved providers offered at our school. Students not attending SRE or SEE are given supervised quiet activities.
You’re welcome to change your choice. Please use the form on the School Bytes parent portal.
For more information, visit the department’s website or contact us.
At our school, we give the right support to help gifted learners to grow and do their best.
We notice these students early. They may learn quickly or show strong skills in creativity, leadership, problem solving or sport. We help them stay challenged with lessons and activities that match their strengths.
Contact us to learn more about how we support high potential and gifted learners.
Want to know more about our subjects?
We can connect you with the right teacher or staff member.