Professional Readings

Nurturing wonder and igniting passion: Designs for a new school curriculum

This report, by Professor Geoff Masters, has been utilised by NESA in the development of the reformed NSW curriculum.

AERO: How students learn best  

This paper highlights the impact aligning teaching practices with how students learn has on educational outcomes. It underscores the importance of evidence-based practices that enhance learning for all students.

AERO: A Knowledge-rich approach to curriculum design

This report highlights the importance of a well-structured, content-rich curriculum in enhancing student learning outcomes. It emphasises the need for clear knowledge progression and coherence across subjects. The report details the key design elements and factors necessary for effectively implementing a knowledge-rich curriculum in schools.

NCEC: Cognitive foundations  

Discussion Paper

The National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC) discussion paper, ‘Cognitive foundations: Using a theoretical framework for evidence-based reading instruction and assessment’ sets out an evidence-based framework for teaching and assessing reading that will inform the Commission’s deliberations and guide systems and schools in their policy and practice.

Effective Instruction in Reading and Spelling

Endorsed by NESA in 2024, Effective Instruction in Reading and Spelling describes and recommends teaching practices that have the strongest evidence of effectiveness that aligns with the evidence base of the NSW K-10 English Syllabus. 

The chapters take a deep dive into the evidence-based models, the Five Big Ideas of reading, oral language, spelling, effective instruction and assessment, and how teachers can bring them all together to plan and implement high-quality literacy lessons so that all children learn to read and spell. 

Bringing Words To Life

Referenced heavily throughout the teaching advice of all Syllabus, 'Bringing Words to Life' is a high-quality resource, suitable for use in K–12 classrooms to support explicit vocabulary instruction enabling students to broaden their vocabulary and notice, understand, and use new words. 

Grounded in research, the book explains how to select words for instruction, introduce their meanings, and create engaging learning activities that promote both word knowledge and reading comprehension.