Starting Term 1 in Australia: What Teachers Need to Know About the Australian Curriculum

Term 1 is a pivotal time for teachers across Australia. It sets the tone for the year ahead, academically, socially, and professionally. Whether you’re returning to the classroom, starting at a new school, or teaching in Australia for the first time, understanding how Term 1 aligns with the Australian Curriculum is key to a confident start.

Why Term 1 Matters

Term 1 is about establishing strong foundations. During the first weeks of the school year, teachers focus on:

• Building classroom routines and expectations
• Getting to know students and their learning needs
• Setting academic benchmarks that will guide planning across the year

Education authorities consistently highlight the importance of the early weeks in supporting both student engagement and teacher confidence. Many schools prioritise curriculum orientation, wellbeing, and classroom culture during this period.

The Role of the Australian Curriculum in Term 1

The Australian Curriculum sets out what students should learn from Foundation to Year 10, regardless of where they attend school. It is designed to provide consistency while still allowing schools flexibility in how content is delivered. 

The curriculum is three‑dimensional, made up of:

• Learning areas (such as English, Mathematics, Science and HASS)
• General capabilities (including literacy, numeracy and digital literacy)
• Cross‑curriculum priorities (including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures) 

In Term 1, teachers often introduce core concepts early to support skill development across later terms.

What Teachers Typically Focus on in Term 1

While content varies by year level and state, Term 1 planning commonly includes:

• Revisiting key skills from the previous year
• Introducing foundational concepts in literacy and numeracy
• Embedding general capabilities such as personal and social capability and critical thinking
• Establishing assessment baselines aligned to the Australian Curriculum achievement standards

These early learning experiences help ensure students are prepared for more complex learning later in the year. 

Understanding General Capabilities Early in the Year

The Australian Curriculum includes seven general capabilities that are embedded across all learning areas. These are not taught separately but are developed through everyday classroom learning. 

In Term 1, teachers often focus on:

• Personal and social capability through classroom expectations and teamwork
• Literacy and numeracy across subjects
• Digital literacy as students re‑engage with learning technologies

Introducing these capabilities early helps establish consistent expectations for learning and behaviour throughout the year.

Curriculum Differences Across States

Although the Australian Curriculum provides a national framework, each state and territory manages implementation. This means:

• Registration requirements vary by state
• Curriculum delivery and reporting timelines may differ
• Schools retain flexibility in structuring units of work

Teachers moving between states—or arriving from overseas—may notice differences in how the curriculum is applied, even though the underlying standards remain consistent.

Term 1 Tips for Teachers New to Australia

If you’re new to teaching in Australia, Term 1 can feel intense. Helpful strategies include:

• Familiarising yourself with your state’s curriculum authority
• Reviewing Australian Curriculum learning outcomes early
• Allowing time to understand school‑specific planning and assessment processes
• Using Term 1 to build relationships with colleagues and students

Preparing early and understanding curriculum expectations can make the transition smoother.

Finding Teaching Opportunities After Term 1 Begins

Once you are registered and settled, teaching opportunities remain available throughout the term. Schools often seek teachers for:

• Casual and relief roles
• Short‑term contracts
• Ongoing positions that arise after enrolment changes

Registering with Prospero Teaching allows you to work with consultants who understand the Australian Curriculum and can match you with roles that suit your experience, location preferences, and availability.