Merbein P-10 College logo

Home / Learning

Teaching & Learning

A comprehensive curriculum from Foundation to Year 10, delivered in modern, purpose-built spaces.

Foundation – Year 6

Primary Curriculum

Our primary program builds the essential foundations of literacy, numeracy and curiosity, with specialist programs in the arts, physical education and more.

English

In F-6, our English program builds the essential skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening, with students developing and focusing on:

  • Language — sounds, letters, words and sentences, spelling and grammar.
  • Literature — stories, poems and texts from diverse cultures.
  • Literacy — reading, writing, speaking and listening for real purposes.

Foundation – Year 2

We base our early years Reading program on the InitiaLit model — a reading program that incorporates a systematic synthetic approach to the teaching of phonics alongside a rich literature and vocabulary component. Students develop:

  • Reading and viewing — recognising letters and sounds, using phonics to decode words, building fluency, and developing comprehension skills.
  • Writing — learning to form letters, spell high-frequency words, construct sentences, and express ideas.
  • Speaking and listening — sharing ideas, listening to others, asking questions, and using oral language to build understanding and confidence.

Years 3–4

  • Reading and viewing — expanding vocabulary, strengthening fluency, and using strategies to understand literal and inferred meaning in texts.
  • Writing — planning, drafting and publishing a variety of text types with a focus on grammar, punctuation and spelling.
  • Speaking and listening — sharing ideas, making presentations, asking clarifying questions, and using language to express opinions and build connections.

Years 5–6

  • Reading and viewing — analysing a wide range of texts, comparing themes and perspectives, building higher-order comprehension skills, and evaluating information and ideas.
  • Writing — planning, drafting, editing and publishing well-structured pieces across genres with increasing accuracy in grammar, punctuation and spelling.
  • Speaking and listening — participating in collaborative discussions, giving formal and informal presentations, expressing and justifying opinions, and listening critically to the views of others.

Literacy Intervention

Targeted Literacy Intervention is provided across all year levels via scheduled sessions delivered by ES staff and classroom teachers, using a systematic synthetic phonics approach based on the InitiaLit/MultiLit and Read 3 programs.

Integrated Studies — Mappen Units

At Merbein P-10, we adopt a cross-curriculum, integrated approach to teaching the areas of Humanities, Digital and Design Technologies, the four Capabilities, and Health. Units are delivered over a two-year cycle to ensure students are exposed to a comprehensive curriculum in these areas.

Health & Physical Education

Our Physical Education program is taught by both classroom teachers and specialist teachers. Students are explicitly taught a range of skills and knowledge through engaging games and activities that support them to foster a lifelong involvement in physical activity. Through all grade levels, students are taught fundamental motor skills that can be incorporated into a variety of sports.

Throughout the year, students are encouraged to participate in Primary Athletics Day, Cross Country and Year 5/6 Interschool Sports. Our school is proactive in engaging external community members to run sport clinics with the students, such as hockey, AFL, gymnastics, cricket, rugby, softball and tennis.

A week-long swimming program is delivered to all Primary students each year.

Mathematics

Details of our primary Mathematics program are being finalised — please contact the college for more information in the meantime.

Science

Science units relate to three interrelated strands:

  • Science as a Human Endeavour
  • Science Understanding
  • Science Inquiry

At Merbein P-10 College, we explore and implement these strands through the teaching of Biological Science, Chemical Science, Earth and Space Science, and Physical Sciences.

Technology

Details of our primary Technology program are being finalised — please contact the college for more information in the meantime.

The Arts

Our Primary Arts program is delivered by both classroom teachers and specialist teachers. We provide engaging opportunities for students to explore their creativity through Music, Visual Arts and Performing Arts.

  • Each year students participate in week-long STOMP (hip hop dance) sessions run by external professional dance teachers.
  • During Term 4, we hold a Primary Concert to showcase our Performing Arts program.
  • Students are able to enter their artwork in the Mildura Show each year.
  • There are opportunities for cross-age Drama and Music sessions that include both primary and secondary students.
  • Primary students are able to access instrumental and singing lessons while at school.
Years 7 – 10

Secondary Curriculum

Our secondary program builds depth, independence and real-world skills, with VET programs and Work Place Learning available for older students.

English

Our English program helps students become confident readers, writers, and communicators by focusing on:

  • Language — grammar, spelling, and sentence structure
  • Literature — reading and responding to stories, poems, and plays
  • Literacy — writing clearly, expressing ideas and understanding how English helps us make sense of the world

Years 7–8: read a wide range of texts, practise clear writing, and build speaking and listening skills.
Years 9–10: explore deeper ideas in texts, write and speak more persuasively, and use evidence to support views.

English gives students the skills to read and think critically, communicate with confidence, understand different perspectives, and use language effectively — at school, in work, and in the world.

Mathematics

Our Maths program helps students build strong skills through direct teaching, hands-on projects, and digital tools.

Years 7–8: work with numbers, algebra, measurement, geometry, data, and chance, building problem-solving and logical thinking skills.
Years 9–10: explore advanced algebra, geometry, statistics, and real-world maths problems using graphs, formulas, and investigations.

Students learn to apply maths to everyday life, think critically and solve problems, use data to make decisions, and grow confidence and practical skills. Our goal is to help every student become a capable, confident mathematician — ready for school, work, and life.

Science

Our Science program builds curiosity and helps students understand the world around them.

Years 7–8: living things, ecosystems, basic chemistry, forces, Earth, and space.
Years 9–10: genetics, evolution, advanced chemistry, electricity, magnetism, and Earth's systems.

Skills gained include planning and doing experiments, asking questions and analysing data, working in teams and sharing ideas, and solving problems and thinking critically. Science builds confidence, curiosity, and real-world understanding — preparing students to make informed decisions in life.

Humanities

Our Humanities program helps students understand people, places, and how societies work.

  • History — how societies have changed over time
  • Geography — places, environments, and human impact
  • Civics and Citizenship — how government works and how to be an active citizen
  • Economics and Business — how money, markets, and decisions affect people

Students learn to think critically and make informed choices, understand the world and their place in it, respect different cultures and views, and be active, responsible members of the community. Humanities gives students the tools to understand the world — and shape it.

Health & Physical Education

Our Health and PE program helps students stay active, healthy, and confident — both physically and mentally.

  • In Health, students learn about mental health, respectful relationships, safety, and making healthy choices.
  • In PE, they build fitness, coordination, and teamwork through a variety of sports and activities.
  • They also practise movement skills and learn how to stay active and safe in everyday life.

The program builds strong bodies and minds, encourages teamwork and leadership, promotes healthy, balanced lifestyles, and supports confident, informed decision-making.

Technology

Our Technology program helps students learn how to design and create solutions to real problems. They build skills in coding, digital tools, and hands-on projects. Students also learn to use technology responsibly and think about its impact on people and the environment.

Students develop creativity and practical skills, gain confidence with digital technology, learn to work with others and solve problems, and understand how technology affects the world.

The Arts

Our Arts program helps students explore creativity through visual arts, music, drama, and dance. They learn to create and share their own work, understand art from different styles and cultures, and develop important skills using different materials and tools. Students also work collaboratively on projects, giving and receiving feedback.

The program builds creativity and confidence, develops teamwork and communication skills, encourages appreciation of different styles and cultures, and supports students in finding their unique creative voice.

Facilities

Modern Learning Spaces

Our secondary students enjoy access to modern, flexible learning spaces that inspire creativity, collaboration, and achievement.

The Technology building offers specialist facilities in Food Technology, Woodwork, Metalwork, and Textiles, where students can develop practical skills and explore future pathways. Our Science building includes two well-equipped laboratories designed for both experiments and classroom learning.

Students also have access to a large gymnasium, a dedicated dance and drama space, and a Wellbeing Centre fitted with gym equipment to support health and fitness. The Music room features its own recording studio and a well-resourced rehearsal space, supporting both performance and creativity.

In addition, our Resource Hub houses the library and technology space, providing students with opportunities for research, digital learning, and quiet study. These purpose-built spaces ensure our students are provided with rich, diverse learning opportunities in a supportive environment.

Covered multi-purpose courts at Merbein P-10 College
Student using equipment in the Wellbeing Centre gym
Students playing sport on the outdoor courts
Outdoor courtyard and shaded seating areas
Technology

BYOD Program

At Merbein P-10 College, we are committed to delivering the highest quality education for every student. As part of this commitment, we integrate technology into the classroom to enrich and support learning across all year levels.

In our primary years, students have access to 1:1 devices during class time, allowing them to engage with a range of educational apps and programs that enhance literacy and numeracy development.

From Year 7 to Year 10, we operate a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program, where all secondary students are required to bring a personal device to school. This approach ensures students can access digital tools and resources that enhance their learning and prepare them for the demands of the modern world.

To support equity and ensure that all students have access to the same learning opportunities, we offer a loan device program for families who may be unable to provide a device. Contact the office to find out more.