Reading
In the early years, from Prep to Year 2, we focus on building strong foundational skills using a systematic synthetic phonics approach. Students are explicitly taught the relationships between letters and sounds to develop decoding skills and reading fluency.
Across all year levels, students learn skills and strategies to become confident and independent readers. Our reading program targets six key components: oral language, phonological awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. By engaging students with rich literature, purposeful questioning, and focused instruction we actively support their growth into capable and curious readers.
Writing
All students are part of a dynamic writing community where teachers foster skill development and inspire a passion for effective writing. Explicit teaching helps students develop the ability to use language purposefully across a range of contexts.
Through consistent feedback and targeted instruction students are empowered to express ideas, issues, arguments, events, experiences, and information with confidence and clarity.
Our school also uses the SMART Spelling program, a research-based approach designed to help students understand patterns and rules behind English spelling. This program focuses on explicit teaching of phonics, morphology, and etymology to strengthen spelling skills.
Speaking and Listening
Our approach to speaking and listening emphasises developing communication skills through interactive activities, collaborative discussions, and purposeful presentations.
We encourage clear expression, active listening, and respectful dialogue to build students’ confidence and competence in diverse speaking situations. Through regular practice and targeted feedback students learn to articulate ideas effectively and engage meaningfully with others.
