Literacy
Literacy
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Our Literacy program at St Thomas Primary Drysdale follows the Victorian Curriculum guidelines. It includes the following language modes: Reading and Viewing, Writing, Speaking and Listening. It includes the following strands: Language, Literature and Literacy.
We see Literacy learning as fundamental to each child’s progress. Therefore, St Thomas Primary has devoted many resources to literacy programs. We aim to improve literacy learning and student achievement across all years of schooling.
St Thomas Primary School monitors student literacy achievement and uses results to plan for student’s distinct learning needs. Where necessary, our school provides access to specially designed intervention programs to consolidate basic understandings in literacy.
All this learning is done in a supportive and nurturing environment that promotes and values the development of each student’s sense of achievement and enthusiasm for learning.
InitiaLit Whole Class Instruction - Structured Literacy
The Initial Lit program has been introduced to the Junior School, starting with Year 1/2 classes Semester 2, 2024 and then Prep classes in early 2025. This evidence-based literacy program uses a synthetic phonics approach, teaching letter-sound relationships and essential literacy skills like grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension through structured, explicit instruction. The program aims to enhance reading, writing, and spelling outcomes while aligning with the MACS Flourishing Learners, Vision for Instruction.
https://multilit.com/programs/initialit/
Year 3-6 Structured Literacy
This year our Structured Literacy (SL) approach includes clear, explicit, and systematic instruction in all essential components of literacy. This includes skills like decoding and spelling, along with advanced skills such as reading comprehension and written expression. By providing step-by-step, targeted teaching, we ensure that students build a strong literacy foundation and develop the critical skills needed for reading and writing success.
UFLI - Tier 2 Intervention
UFLI Foundations is a comprehensive phonics program developed by the University of Florida Literacy Institute. It is based on decades of reading research and is designed to meet the everyday needs of teachers and students. The program includes explicit instructions for each step, making it easy for teachers to implement and for students to follow.
Students at St Thomas Primary Drysdale are encouraged to read with regular visits to the Library as a component of their timetable in addition to lunchtime sessions for students who wish to read quietly. Building on a positive correlation for love of reading.
Apps like Epic are also utilised to support independent reading and developing literacy skills.
Student attend the Library on a weekly basis, which is situated on the grounds of St Ignatius College. During the sessions students borrow books of their choice and have the opportunity engage in quiet reading.
On a Thursday lunchtime Library Lovers is open to students during the second half of lunch to attend for reading.
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