The Key Learning Area of English encompasses Reading, Writing (including Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation) and Talking and Listening. Literacy is a key feature of our school and many programs have been put into place to support the development of literacy skills. In addition to extensive classroom and support programs, opportunities are provided for students to participate in a variety of extension activities.
Best Start
The Best Start Kindergarten Assessment helps teachers identify the literacy knowledge and skills that each child brings to school as they enter Kindergarten, to inform the development of quality teaching and learning programs.
M100W
M100W is a sight word program used in K-2 classes which focuses on high frequency words.
Reading Eggs
Reading Eggs is an online phonics program used in computer lessons, whole class lessons and at home.
Jolly Phonics / Jolly Grammar
Jolly Phonics is the phonics program used in all Kindergarten classes. It is a sound, action and song program that develops phonic knowledge and word blending. Jolly Grammar is a grammar program that builds on the phonetic skills learnt in Kindergarten.
Literacy Groups
All K-6 classes incorporate Literacy Groups that cater for the diverse learning needs of students within each class. They have a weekly focus and a flexible group structure. Learning experiences incorporate all aspects of the English syllabus.
Reading Recovery
Reading Recovery identifies students experiencing reading and writing difficulties after their first year of school and provides intensive one to one teaching for 30 minutes each day. It is supplementary to the ongoing literacy activities in the classroom.
ESL (English as a Second Language)
Students from a Non-English Speaking background are supported by our ESL program.
Reciprocal Reading / Reading in Depth
Reciprocal Reading is an oral in-depth Reading Comprehension program that involves Predicting, Clarifying, Questioning and Summarizing. Reading in Depth encompasses the six strategies that develops student's comprehension skills.
Parent Helpers and Volunteers
Parents and volunteers play an active and supportive role in our Literacy Programs throughout the school including one to one reading with individual students and working with small groups.
Public Speaking and Debating
Public Speaking begins in the early years where all students develop the skills of public speaking through Topic Talks and other class presentations. In Year 5 students prepare and present formal speeches throughout the year. Semi-finals and finals are contested during Term 4. An independent guest teacher adjudicates the finals. The winner is awarded the Public Speaking Trophy on Presentation Day. Year 6 students participate in an Intra-School Debating Competition. Teams debate in a round robin format throughout the year with semis and finals being contested during Term 4. An independent guest teacher adjudicates the finals.
The winning team is awarded Debating Medals and the runner up team is awarded certificates on Presentation Day.
Competitions
Students are given the opportunity to participate in the University of New South Wales English, Writing and Spelling Competitions. These are held before school throughout the year.
Home Reading
All students are expected to complete Home Reading on a nightly basis. This develops a partnership between the School Reading Program and home.
Spelling / Spelling Bee
Students are involved in a PEG Spelling Program throughout the school. PEG Spelling is a flexible, sequential and individualised spelling program. The program is made up of graded spelling lists and related worksheet activities. Students work at their own level.
NAPLAN
All students in Year 3 and 5 are assessed on the same day using national tests in Reading, Writing and Language Conventions (Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation). This test is usually held in Term 2.