Australian Curriculum-Aligned Learning
A Curriculum Framework Designed Around How Students Learn
At Dimaxe Academy, our curriculum framework is designed to align with the structure and intent of the Australian Curriculum while allowing learning to be adapted to individual student needs, school contexts and tutoring formats.
Our framework covers Years 1–10 at a high level, with notes for extension into Years 11–12. It provides a structured approach to Mathematics, English and Science, supporting students as they progress from foundational concepts in the primary years to increasingly abstract, specialised and applied learning in secondary years.
Our Australian Curriculum Framework
Across all subjects, Dimaxe Academy's programs are designed around the three dimensions of the Australian Curriculum:
Learning Areas and Subjects
Building knowledge and understanding within each subject and learning area.
General Capabilities
Supporting the development of literacy, numeracy, critical and creative thinking, ICT capability, personal and social capability, ethical understanding and intercultural understanding.
Cross-Curriculum Priorities
Recognising cross-curriculum priorities including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures, Asia and Australia's engagement with Asia, and sustainability.
Our Curriculum Approach
Our curriculum approach also emphasises progression, moving from foundational concepts in the primary years towards increasingly abstract, specialised and applied learning in secondary years.
Learning can be differentiated for varied learner needs, including extension for high-achieving students and targeted support for students who need additional scaffolding.
Assessment for learning, assessment as learning and assessment of learning are integrated through formative checks, feedback and summative tasks.
Mathematics Curriculum
Building Mathematical Understanding, Fluency and Problem-Solving Skills
Mathematics at Dimaxe Academy aims to help students develop understanding of mathematical concepts, relationships and representations. Students work towards gaining fluency with mathematical procedures, calculations and problem-solving strategies while applying problem-solving and reasoning skills to familiar and unfamiliar situations.
The aim is also to build confidence in using mathematics in everyday life, further study and work.
Primary Years 1–6
Foundational MasteryStudents develop foundational mathematical knowledge and skills including:
- Place value
- Addition and subtraction within 100
- Introduction to multiplication and division
- Simple fractions including halves and quarters
- Patterns and basic algebraic thinking
- Length mass capacity and time
- 2D and 3D shapes
- Position and direction
- Simple data collection
- Picture graphs
- Basic chance language
Students progress towards more complex mathematical concepts including:
- Four operations with larger numbers
- Mental and written strategies
- Fractions and decimals including tenths and hundredths
- Simple percentages
- Patterns and number sentences
- Introduction to variables
- Metric measurement
- Area and perimeter of simple shapes
- Angle concepts
- Data representation using column graphs
- Chance and probability basics
Students build greater confidence with:
- Operations with whole numbers fractions decimals and simple percentages
- Ratios and rates
- Algebraic expressions and equations
- Volume and capacity
- Coordinate systems
- Transformations and symmetry
- Data interpretation
- Probability experiments
The pedagogical emphasis includes concrete-representational-abstract progression, explicit instruction, problem-solving tasks and real-world applications.
Mathematics | Secondary Years 7–10
Years 7–8
Students develop understanding of:
- Integers fractions decimals and percentages
- Ratios and rates
- Proportional reasoning
- Algebraic expressions
- Substitution
- Linear equations
- Patterns and linear relationships
- Perimeter area and volume
- Surface area
- Angle properties
- Geometric reasoning
- Data collection and representation
- Measures of centre and spread
- Probability
Years 9–10
Students progress into more advanced mathematical concepts including:
- Linear and non-linear relationships
- Graphing
- Simultaneous equations
- Algebraic manipulation
- Factorisation
- Quadratics in Year 10
- Trigonometry
- Pythagoras' theorem
- Advanced geometry
- Financial mathematics
- Growth and decay
- Bivariate data
- Probability models
- Inference basics
For high-achieving students, extension may include early exposure to Mathematical Methods-style topics such as functions and calculus concepts in Year 10.
Mathematics Assessment Approach
Diagnostic Checks
Diagnostic checks at intake help identify year-level and concept gaps.
Formative Assessment
Ongoing formative assessment can include questioning, mini-tasks and exit tickets.
Summative Assessment
Periodic summative tasks can include problem-solving investigations, tests and projects.
Achievement Standards
Progress can be reported against achievement standards including understanding, fluency, problem-solving and reasoning.
English Curriculum
Developing Listening, Speaking, Reading, Viewing and Writing Skills
English at Dimaxe Academy aims to develop students' skills in listening, speaking, reading, viewing and writing.
Students learn to understand and create a range of literary, informational, digital and multimodal texts.
The curriculum also supports students in analysing how language is used to express ideas, argue, persuade and inform.
Students are encouraged to appreciate diverse literary traditions, including Australian and global texts, while developing the ability to use English effectively for academic success and participation in society.
Primary Years 1–6
Foundational MasteryStudents develop foundational English skills through:
- Phonics
- Decoding
- Fluency in reading aloud
- Vocabulary development
- Sentence structure
- Punctuation
- Listening and speaking
- Following instructions
- Retelling stories
- Simple presentations
- Narrative and informative texts
- Writing simple sentences and short paragraphs
- Characters
- settings and events
- Identifying main ideas
Students develop their reading, writing and communication skills through:
- Reading a wider range of fiction and non-fiction
- Inference and prediction
- Paragraph structure
- Cohesive devices
- Varied sentence types
- Narrative writing
- Recount writing
- Explanation writing
- Simple persuasive texts
- Themes
- Character motivations
- Author's purpose
- Editing and revising their own work
Students progress towards more critical reading and structured writing through:
- Comparing texts
- Identifying bias and point of view
- Structured paragraphs
- Multi-paragraph texts
- Narratives
- Explanations
- Arguments
- Using evidence from texts to support ideas
- Figurative language
- Tone and style
- Discussions
- Presentations
- Collaborative tasks
NEED CONTENT
English | Secondary Years 7–10
Years 7–8
Students work with increasingly complex texts and develop:
- Close reading of literary texts Novels Short stories Poetry Drama Analysis of language features Structure and context
- Coherent essay writing
- Written responses
- Imaginative writing
- Informative writing
- Persuasive writing
- Multimodal and digital texts
- Personal voice and style
Years 9–10
Students develop more advanced English skills through:
- Critical analysis of complex texts
- Contemporary and classic literature
- Argument construction
- Evaluation of evidence
- Logical reasoning
- Analytical essays
- Creative pieces
- Research-based tasks
- Cultural
- social and historical contexts
- Textual analysis
- Comparative study
- Sophisticated expression
This provides preparation for senior English.
English Assessment Approach
Diagnostic Checks
Diagnostic writing and reading tasks help gauge the student's level and learning needs.
Formative Feedback
Ongoing formative feedback can be provided on drafts, oral contributions and comprehension tasks.
Summative Tasks
Students can demonstrate their learning through essays, creative pieces, oral presentations and reading responses.
Achievement Standards
Progress can be reported against achievement standards including understanding, analysis, creation and language use.
Science Curriculum
Building Scientific Knowledge and Inquiry Skills
Science at Dimaxe Academy aims to help students develop scientific knowledge across biological, chemical, physical, and Earth and space sciences.
Students develop an understanding of science as a way of investigating and explaining the world.
The curriculum also builds skills in questioning, planning, conducting investigations, analysing data and communicating findings.
Students are encouraged to apply scientific understanding to personal, social and environmental issues.
Science Primary Years 1–6
Students explore:
- Living things
- Basic needs
- Growth
- Life cycles
- Everyday materials and their properties
- Push and pull forces
- Movement
- Light and sound basics
- Daily and seasonal changes
- Weather
- Simple investigations
- Observing
- describing and recording
Students develop understanding of:
- Life cycles
- Habitats
- Interdependence
- States of matter
- Mixing and separating
- Forces
- Energy
- Light
- Heat
- Sound
- Simple machines
- Earth's resources
- Changes to Earth's surface
- Solar system basics
Students explore:
- Classification
- Ecosystems
- Human body systems
- Changes of state
- Mixtures
- Solutions
- Energy forms and transformations
- Electricity
- Forces
- Earth-Sun-Moon system
- Natural resources
- Sustainability
- Variables
- Hypotheses
- Data tables
- Basic graphs
- Conclusions
NEED CONTENT
Science | Secondary Years 7–10
Years 7–8
Students develop knowledge and inquiry skills across:
- Classification
- Cells
- Body systems
- Ecosystems
- Properties and reactions of substances
- Acids and bases
- Chemical change
- Forces
- Motion
- Energy transfer
- Simple circuits
- Earth's structure
- Resources
- Human impact
Years 9–10
Students progress towards more advanced scientific concepts including:
- Genetics
- Evolution
- Ecosystems
- Human impact
- Atomic structure
- Chemical bonding
- Chemical reactions
- Stoichiometry basics
- Motion
- Forces
- Energy conservation
- Waves
- Electricity
- Magnetism
- Earth systems
- Climate
- Astronomy
- Sustainability
Students develop inquiry skills through designing and conducting investigations, evaluating methods and scientific reporting.
Preparation for senior science, including Biology, Chemistry and Physics, includes strengthening mathematical skills, scientific literacy and practical investigation experience.
Science Assessment Approach
Diagnostic Checks
Concept checks and practical skill observations help identify areas requiring additional support.
Formative Assessment
Formative assessment can include questioning, lab notebooks and mini-tasks.
Summative Assessment
Students can complete practical investigations, reports, projects and tests.
Achievement Standards
Progress can be reported against achievement standards including knowledge, inquiry skills and understanding of science as a human endeavour.
Individualised Curriculum Support
Learning That Can Be Adapted to Each Student
The Australian Curriculum provides a framework for learning, while Dimaxe Academy can adapt the learning approach to individual student needs, school contexts and tutoring formats.
Mapping to Year Levels
For each student, their current school year and identified gaps can be mapped to the relevant year-level content descriptions and achievement standards in the Australian Curriculum.
Individual Learning Plans
The framework can be used to create individualised learning goals based on the student's current learning needs.
Progress Tracking
Records can be maintained of topics covered, skills demonstrated and assessment results, aligned to relevant strands and achievement standards.
Communication With Schools
Where appropriate and with consent, progress reports can be shared using language consistent with the Australian Curriculum to support alignment with school reporting.
Supporting Students From Primary to Secondary School
The curriculum framework is designed to support progression from foundational concepts in the primary years to increasingly abstract, specialised and applied learning in secondary years.
Whether a student needs targeted support, additional scaffolding or extension opportunities, the curriculum can be adapted to support varied learner needs.
Dimaxe Academy's personalised one-on-one tutoring approach allows tutors to focus on the student's current understanding, learning needs and goals.
Australian Curriculum & Learning
Is Dimaxe Academy aligned with the Australian Curriculum?
DimaxeAcademy's curriculum framework is designed to align with the structure and intent of theAustralianCurriculumwhile allowing details to be adapted to individual student needs, schoolcontextsand tutoring formats.
What year levels does the curriculum framework cover?
The framework covers Years 1–10 ata high level, with notes for extension into Years 11–12.
Which subjects are included in the curriculum framework?
The framework covers three core subjects: Mathematics,Englishand Science.
Does the curriculum follow the same content for every student?
The framework provides structure, aims and key focus areas, while learning can be adapted to individual student needs, school contexts and tutoring formats.
Does Dimaxe Academy support different learning needs?
Yes. The framework supports differentiation for varied learner needs, including extension for high-achieving students and targeted support for students needing additional scaffolding.
Mathematics Curriculum
What does the Mathematics curriculum cover?
The Mathematics curriculum is organised around Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, and Statistics and Probability.
What Mathematics topics are covered in Primary School?
Primary Mathematics progresses from place value, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division through fractions, decimals, percentages, algebraic thinking, measurement, geometry,dataand probability.
What Mathematics topics are covered in Years 7–10?
Secondary Mathematics includes integers, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, rates, proportional reasoning, algebra, linear relationships, geometry, statistics, probability, trigonometry, financialmathematicsand other increasingly advanced concepts.
Is Mathematics support available for high-achieving students?
Yes. Extension for high-achieving students may include early exposure to Mathematical Methods-style topics such as functions and calculus concepts in Year 10.
English Curriculum
What skills does the English curriculum develop?
The English curriculum develops listening, speaking, reading,viewingand writing skills while helping students understand and create literary, informational,digitaland multimodal texts.
What English skills are covered in Primary School?
Students progressively develop phonics, reading fluency, vocabulary, sentence structure, punctuation, comprehension, writing, presentations, text analysis, persuasivewritingand critical reading.
What does English cover in Years 7–10?
Secondary English includes close reading, literary analysis, essay writing, imaginative, informative and persuasive writing, multimodal and digital texts, critical analysis, argument construction, evidence evaluation and research-based tasks.
Does the curriculum prepare students for senior English?
The Years 9–10 framework includes preparation for senior English through textual analysis, comparativestudyand sophisticated expression.
Science Curriculum
What areas of Science does the curriculum cover?
The Science curriculum develops knowledge across biological, chemical, physical, and Earth and space sciences.
What Science skills do students develop?
Students develop skills in questioning, planning, conducting investigations, analysing data and communicating findings.
What Science topics are covered in Primary School?
Primary Science progresses through living things, materials, forces, movement, light, sound, weather, Earth and space, ecosystems, energy, electricity,sustainabilityand scientific investigation skills.
What Science topics are covered in Years 7–10?
Secondary Science includes classification, cells, ecosystems, chemical change, acids and bases, forces, motion, energy, genetics, evolution, atomic structure, chemical bonding, waves, electricity, magnetism, Earth systems, climate,astronomyand sustainability.
Does the curriculum prepare students for senior Science?
Yes. Preparation for senior science, including Biology, Chemistry and Physics, includes strengthening mathematical skills, scientific literacy and practical investigation experience.
Assessment & Progress
How is student progress assessed?
Assessment can include diagnostic checks, formative assessment, summative tasks, feedback and reporting against relevant achievement standards.
What is diagnostic assessment?
Diagnostic assessment is used to identify a student's year-level understanding and conceptgapsso learning can be appropriately supported.
How is progress tracked?
Progress can be tracked through topics covered, skills demonstrated and assessment results aligned to relevant strands and achievement standards.
Can students have individual learning goals?
Yes. The framework can be used to create individualised learning goals based on a student's year level, learning needs and areas for development.
Can progress information be shared with schools?
Where appropriate and with consent, progress reports can be shared using language consistent with the Australian Curriculum to support alignment with school reporting.
Ready to Support Your Child's Learning?
Every student learns differently. With a structured curriculum framework and personalised learning support, Dimaxe Academy can help students develop their knowledge, skills and confidence across their learning journey.