English at The Patch Primary School

At The Patch Primary School, we believe literacy is the foundation for learning and for life. Through reading, writing, speaking, and listening, children make sense of the world and communicate their ideas with others.

Our English program from Foundation to Year 6 is grounded in the science of learning and informed by evidence-based practices aligned with the Victorian Curriculum 2.0. We are committed to providing high-quality, consistent instruction across all year levels to ensure every student develops the skills and confidence to be an effective communicator, critical thinker, and lifelong learner.

Reading

Reading is at the heart of learning. From the early years, children are explicitly taught the skills and strategies they need to become confident, fluent, and thoughtful readers. Through systematic and evidence-based instruction, students learn to decode words, build vocabulary, and develop deep comprehension of the texts they read.

Across the school, teachers guide students to engage with a wide range of texts — from imaginative stories and factual reports to poetry and rich literature. This diversity helps students see reading as both a source of enjoyment and a powerful way to learn about the world.

In Prep to Year 2, students begin their reading journey through InitiaLit, a research-based program that systematically teaches phonics, vocabulary, spelling, and comprehension. This structured approach ensures every child develops strong foundational reading skills and the confidence to “crack the code” of written language.

In Years 3 and 4, students continue their growth as readers through SpellEx, which strengthens spelling knowledge, reading fluency, and comprehension. They also take part in novel studies that foster deep engagement with language and literature, encouraging critical and creative thinking.

In the senior years (Years 5 and 6), students build on these foundations through a structured reading approach that extends their understanding of word structure, morphology, and vocabulary. Novel studies continue to play a key role, providing opportunities to explore complex themes, analyse author techniques, and engage in thoughtful discussion.

Throughout their schooling, students learn that reading is more than recognising words on a page — it is about understanding, questioning, and connecting ideas. Our goal is for every child to develop the skills, confidence, and curiosity to be a lifelong reader and learner.

Writing

Writing is explicitly taught at every level, with teachers guiding students step by step through the writing process — planning, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing. Students learn that writing is not just about putting words on a page, but about shaping ideas to inform, persuade, and inspire.

Across the school, students engage with a variety of text types — imaginative stories, informative reports, persuasive pieces, and creative poetry. This range helps them see writing as a tool for many different purposes and audiences. Teachers provide structured lessons in grammar, punctuation, and spelling to develop technical accuracy, while also encouraging creativity, voice, and style.

Importantly, students are supported to reflect on their writing. They learn that writing is a craft that improves with practice and feedback, helping them grow as confident and capable authors who take pride in their work.

Speaking & Listening

The spoken word is central to all learning. From their very first days at school, children are encouraged to share ideas, listen to others, and build confidence in expressing themselves. Speaking and listening activities are woven throughout the curriculum, as strong oral language skills underpin success in both reading and writing.

Students participate in a wide range of experiences — from storytelling and performances to class discussions and collaborative tasks — where they practise articulating ideas and respecting different perspectives.

Across all these experiences, listening carefully and responding thoughtfully are valued as highly as speaking. These opportunities help students develop the ability to communicate clearly, think critically, and engage respectfully with others. Just as importantly, they foster empathy and social connection, ensuring students are not only capable speakers but also attentive, compassionate listeners.