Reading and Viewing
Reading is taught daily, and a typical Reading lesson begins with the whole class focus where the teacher unpacks the learning intention and success criteria, so the students know what they are learning and why they are learning it. The teacher will then model the learning before guiding students to Independent Reading. Teachers use small group reading instruction, such as Guided Reading, Close Reading and conferencing to differentiate for the individual learning needs of students. The lesson concludes with a reflection in relation to the learning intention and success criteria.
Writing
Writing is taught daily, and a typical Writing lesson begins with the whole class focus where the teacher unpacks the learning intention and success criteria. The teacher will then use Modelled, Shared or Guided Writing to ensure students are able to complete Independent Writing. During Independent Writing, the teacher will conference with students about their learning. We use the Scaffolded Literacy approach to plan for writing. Mentor texts are also used as exemplars for students to model their own writing on. The lesson concludes with a reflection in relation to the learning from the lesson.
Speaking and Listening
Speaking and Listening is integrated into all parts of our English curriculum. Teachers support students’ to develop oral language, body language, voice, and active listening skills through a variety of formats.
Spelling
At KPS, we use the Smart Words Spelling Program. This is a word study program that teaches students “how” to spell words. It uses a sequential and developmental list of words (with a common pattern) as a tool to study words, develops a spelling consciousness, and an awareness of how to spell correctly. Our teachers’ focus on developing students’ letter, sound, visual and meaning/word structure knowledge, to improve their spelling capabilities.
Continuous Improvement and focus on learning growth
The Victorian Government recently announced steps taken by the department to revise both the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model (VTLM) and the department’s guidance on the teaching of reading in the first 3 years of primary school. All Victorian government primary and specialist schools will be expected to use a systematic synthetic phonics approach to teaching reading from 2025 and focus on the ‘Big 6’ of reading:
We are currently auditing and investigating what is already happening at KPS and how we can build on what is already achieving positive outcomes. We will keep our community updated on what this looks like in 2025 and beyond as more information is provided by the Department of Education.
