The English program at Colac Primary School develops confident readers, writers and communicators through a structured and supportive approach. Teaching is explicit and carefully sequenced so students are shown what to do, practise together and then apply their learning independently. Lessons are designed using Cognitive Load Theory, meaning new learning is introduced in small steps, reviewed daily and practised frequently so knowledge moves into long term memory.

Our Literacy Block separates skill instruction from text application so students can first learn the mechanics of reading and writing, then use them in meaningful contexts.

Literacy Skills
In Prep to Year 2, students participate in a daily one hour Literacy Skills session. This includes phonics, spelling patterns, morphology, handwriting, dictation and reading fluency. Short daily review helps students retain previously taught knowledge and build automaticity.

In Years 3 to 6, students continue with a structured skills session focusing on spelling, word knowledge, fluency and written conventions. As students progress, typing replaces some handwriting and morphology becomes a stronger focus to support vocabulary and comprehension.

Reading and Writing (text based learning)
Students then apply these skills during a Reading and Writing session using high quality mentor texts. Teaching focuses on comprehension, vocabulary, grammar and sentence construction before students move into paragraph and full text writing. Teachers model thinking, guide practice and gradually release responsibility so students can write independently.

Across all year levels, lessons follow a clear routine: review, explicit instruction, guided practice and independent application. This consistent structure supports all learners, reduces cognitive overload and allows students to focus on understanding rather than guessing.

The aim of the program is accuracy, confidence and deep understanding so every student develops the knowledge and habits needed to become a capable lifelong reader and writer.

Resources and programs for parents and carers to help support their child’s learning.

How to build your child’s literacy skills from birth to Grade 2

How to build your child’s literacy skills from Grades 3 to 6