How to Write an Approved Learning Programme for WA Home Education

Most WA parents stall on the learning programme document. They know they need one to register — but the Education Act language ("organised set of learning activities designed to enable the child to develop knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes relevant to the child's individual needs") gives you almost no practical guidance on how to write it.

Here is what the document actually needs to do, what it must include, and how to structure it so your moderator can approve it quickly.

What "Approved" Actually Means

The Department of Education does not publish a template. There is no approved format. What they evaluate is whether your learning programme demonstrates:

1. Coverage of all eight WA Curriculum learning areas
2. That the activities are tailored to your child specifically
3. That there is a logical progression — it is an organised set of activities, not a random list

The moderator is not grading your document against a rubric. They are making a judgement call: does this parent understand what the child needs to learn and have a sensible plan to teach it? Your job is to make that judgement easy.

The Eight Learning Areas You Must Cover

Every learning programme must address these eight areas defined by SCSA (School Curriculum and Standards Authority):

• English — literacy, reading, writing, speaking and listening
• Mathematics — number, algebra, measurement, geometry, statistics
• Science — understanding, inquiry skills, applications
• Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) — history, geography, civics, economics
• Health and Physical Education (HPE) — movement, health literacy, personal development
• The Arts — visual arts, music, drama, dance, media arts
• Technologies — design and technologies, digital technologies
• Languages — compulsory from Year 3 through Year 8

One of the most common reasons programmes are returned for revision is that parents forget one of these areas entirely, usually HASS, Technologies, or The Arts.

A Practical Structure That Works

Your learning programme does not need to be long. A well-organised 3–5 page document is better than a sprawling 20-page one that buries the key information.

Section 1: Child Profile (half a page)

Describe your child's current level, learning style, any special considerations, and what you want to achieve this year. This section makes the programme feel individualised rather than generic.

Example: "Emma, age 9, is working across Year 3–4 levels in most areas. She is a strong visual learner who thrives with hands-on projects. She has a diagnosed reading delay and is receiving specialised phonics instruction. Our focus this year is consolidating foundational literacy while maintaining strong engagement in science and mathematics."

Section 2: Approach and Method (half a page)

Explain your overall teaching philosophy and primary resources. You do not need to justify your approach — you just need to name it clearly.

Example: "We use an eclectic approach, selecting resources by subject. Primary resources include [specific curriculum or books] for literacy and numeracy, and project-based learning for HASS and Technologies. We supplement with documentaries, field trips, and community activities."

Section 3: Learning Area Plans (the core of the document)

For each of the eight learning areas, write a short paragraph or dot-point list covering:

• What concepts or skills you will cover
• What resources or methods you will use
• Roughly how much time per week (ballpark is fine — "2–3 sessions per week" or "daily 30-minute lessons")

You do not need to map these to specific SCSA achievement standard codes — that level of detail is not required for registration. What matters is that a moderator reading the plan can clearly see that English is being taught seriously, that Science is not just a passing mention, and so on.

Section 4: Languages Plan

If your child is in Year 3 through Year 8, Languages must appear as its own section. State which language you are teaching and how. Any language qualifies — LOTE (Language Other Than English), Auslan, or an Aboriginal language. Online programs, apps, in-person classes, and tutors all count.

Section 5: Assessment and Records

Briefly describe how you will track and demonstrate progress. Portfolio, workbook samples, photographs of projects, reading logs — any combination works. This section reassures the moderator that you will have something to show at the annual review.

What You Do Not Need to Include

• Detailed lesson plans or daily schedules
• SCSA achievement standard codes or sub-strand references
• Proof that you have purchased specific curriculum materials
• A guarantee that you will complete specific units by specific dates

The learning programme is a plan, not a contract. It shows intent and organisation. If circumstances change mid-year and you pivot, that is fine — you discuss it at the moderator review.

Common Mistakes That Cause Rejections

Too vague: Writing "We will do Maths each day" with no indication of what maths topics or what approach. Add just enough detail to show you have thought it through.

Missing learning areas: Run through the list of eight before you submit. Check them off one by one.

Generic language: Copying text that sounds like it applies to any child anywhere. Moderators notice when a programme reads like a template. Weave in your child's name, age, and specific circumstances.

Forgetting Languages: If your child is Year 3 or above, this is mandatory. Do not bury it inside the HASS section — give it its own heading.

Overly ambitious scope: Promising 10 subjects, 6 curriculum packages, and 200 learning activities per year raises questions, not confidence. Realistic and honest beats impressive and hollow.

After Submission

Once you submit your learning programme as part of your registration application, the Department assigns you a moderator. They may approve the programme as submitted, request minor clarifications by email, or schedule a brief call to discuss it before approval. Most programmes from prepared families are approved within 2–4 weeks.

Your moderator will then contact you annually for a progress review — this is where they check that you are actually implementing the programme and making reasonable progress.

If you want a clearer picture of how the full registration and review process works — including what documents you need at each stage — the Western Australia Legal Withdrawal Blueprint covers the complete process from first application through annual renewal.

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