English study is mandatory in NSW from Kindergarten to Year 12.
Students learn about the English language through written, spoken and visual texts of increasing complexity as they progress through their schooling.
An understanding of the English language is central to how we communicate and essential for intellectual, social and emotional development.
The study of English should develop a love of literature and learning and be challenging and enjoyable. It develops skills to enable students to experiment with ideas and expression, to become active, independent and lifelong learners, to work with each other and to reflect on their learning.
Early action for success (EAfS)
Marayong Public School is an Early Action For Success school. Early Action for Success is the departments commitment to improving literacy and numeracy performance in the early years of schooling.
With the teaching staff supported by Instructional Leaders, Marayong Public School aims to:
- differentiate teaching practises that focus on the needs of individual students
- use targeted interventions to support students learning in literacy and/or numeracy
- build teacher capacity in the teaching of literacy and numeracy
- regularly monitor student progress in literacy and numeracy
Language, learning and literacy (L3)
L3 is a research-based intervention program for kindergarten and stage 1 students targeting reading, writing, speaking and listening. Students receive explicit instruction within flexible groups aimed at addressing individual student needs that have been informed by data. Students participate in carefully selected independent and group literacy learning tasks which support and build on explicit modelled and guided teaching. Language development is paramount, with classrooms rich in authentic print and quality talk.
Focus on reading (FOR)
To build on the foundation set in the early years, teachers in 3-6 are trained in Focus on Reading which targets reading comprehension. The super six comprehension strategies of prediction, visualising, summarising,, questioning, making connections and monitoring are explicitly taught using modelled, guided and independent teaching strategies.
Writing
Writing is taught across the school using quality literature. Key concepts are explored through rich discussion to access deeper levels of meaning. The mentor text is then used to teach grammar, vocabulary and writing techniques within an authentic and engaging context. Students practise their developing understanding through modelled, guided and independent writing opportunities that focus on the writing process.
National literacy learning progression
As an Early Action for Success (EAfS) school, teachers are currently participating in professional learning to understand the new National literacy learning progression and how it complements the national curriculum.
For more information, please visit national literacy and numeracy learning progressions.
For more information about the study of English in NSW please visit the NSW Education Standard Authority.