About Multi-stage Units of Work
Curriculum planning for small schools with multi-stage classes
The material that can be accessed here is to support small schools with classes of students from more than one stage of learning in K – 6.
Approaches to curriculum planning for small schools
Multi-stage settings in P5 and P6 schools can be quite varied, ranging from one teacher to several in the school. It is common practice for P5 schools to organise classes around stage groupings (e.g. Stage 2-3 and ES 1- Stage 1) and P6 schools to have K-6 classes.
The support includes scope and sequence units of work; K-6, ES1-S1, S2-S3.
Process/development of multi-stage approaches
In 2006, small schools from New England, Riverina, Western, Hunter/Central Coast, North Coast, Sydney and South Western Sydney regions were involved in examining curriculum planning and programming approaches. All schools were involved in the AGQTP Curriculum planning and assessment frameworks project.
The Multi-stage focus area of the AGQTP project aims to help teachers in small schools, who have a class with more than one age/stage, to develop curriculum programs that 'cover' what should be covered, with material that is appropriate and avoids repetition for the students.
The COGs work was the obvious starting point following feedback about COGs initially received from small schools. These schools recognised that the 'strings' of groups provided connections across stages that would assist them in providing curriculum programs.
P6 teachers looked for ways to develop a curriculum program that encompasses learning for all stages while teachers from the P5 schools have worked on programs for two stages.
Five day writing workshops were held for the project teachers in each regional group. The workshops were supported by the Project Coordinator, KLA officers from Curriculum Directorate and regional staff. The connected outcome groups and already published units were the starting point and continue to guide development throughout.
Acknowledgements and feedback
The diligence and expertise of the teachers involved in writing the Multi-stage units is acknowledged. With input from teachers and Principals in small schools, and support from Curriculum K-12 Directorate personnel, over 40 units have been drafted and are being gradually published to this website.
Your feedback on the units would be appreciated, particularly feedback on meeting assessment challenges and on adjusting content for local needs. Please direct any suggestions and questions to Cogs@det.nsw.edu.au | 
