Thangool State School implements the Australian Curriculum. English is fundamental to the development of all students. Through the implementation of the three interrelated strands of Language, Literature and Literacy, students at Thangool will learn to understand and communicate effectively with others to become capable communicators, creative and critical thinkers and informed citizens. At Thangool State School we focus on the development of reading, writing, speaking and listening skills through evidence-based research programs to implement a ‘Structured Literacy Block’.
Speaking and listening (oral language) involves expressive and receptive skills. Expressive language (speaking) focusses words and actions used to convey meaning, while receptive language (listening) is the understanding of language expressed by others. Oral language skills are the foundation skills required to read and write with students engaging in activities to increase their vocabulary, the complexity of language structures and ability to communicate effectively.
In reading we use the ‘Simple View of Reading’ research (Phonological awareness, Phonics, Vocabulary, Fluency, Comprehension and Oral Language). In the early years, we develop student’s phonemic awareness by explicitly teaching the 44 phonemes (sounds) of the English language. We use a systematic and synthetic approach (Decodable Reader’s Australia) to teach phonics, phoneme (sound) and grapheme (letter) correspondence and orthographic mapping to teach high frequency word (sightwords). Following consolidation of phonemic awareness, older students continue the development of their reading and spelling skills through using the research/programs of Jocelyn Seamer.
To improve writing skills and build subject area knowledge, we implement the John Collins Writing Program. The program is organized around ‘Five Types of Writing’. The opportunity to write happens frequently and includes short, writing assignments that: engage student’s in lessons; check their understanding of concepts and promotes deeper thinking about content.
To view the year level achievement standards and specific content, the Australian Curriculum (v9) can be accessed here https://v9.australiancurriculum.edu.au/