The Junior School (Years 3–6) teaching team recognises and takes pride in providing rich and engaging learning experiences that support every student to achieve success. Through the use of evidence-based, high-impact instructional practices, teachers create inclusive learning environments that foster academic growth, curiosity, and confidence.
Literacy
Aligned with the Science of Reading, our whole-school literacy approach provides students with a strong foundation in reading, spelling, writing, and oral language development. Literacy programs are carefully sequenced from the Early Childhood years through to the Junior School to ensure consistency and continuity of learning.
Our literacy programs include:
- Cracking the Code in Kindergarten
- UFLI Foundations in Pre-Primary and Year 1
- Spelling Mastery from Year 2 to Year 6
These programs explicitly teach phonological awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and spelling skills, supporting all students to become confident and capable readers and writers.
Talk for Writing
Talk for Writing provides all students with the opportunity to succeed in and enjoy writing through explicit teaching, rich oral language experiences, visible feedback, and scaffolded support. The approach focuses on three key stages:
Imitation – Students learn and internalise a model text through oral storytelling, drama, discussion, shared reading, and writing toolkits.
Innovation – Students adapt and modify the model text with teacher guidance, scaffolding, and feedback.
Invention (Independent Application) – Students apply the skills and knowledge they have developed to create their own original texts independently.
Intervention Programs
Some students require additional support to develop reading accuracy, fluency, and confidence. Intervention programs such as MultiLit and the use of decodable readers provide targeted support by allowing students to practise reading texts that closely match the phonics patterns and letter-sound relationships they have been taught. As students’ skills develop, the complexity of texts increases to support continued growth and success.
Literacy Pro
Literacy Pro is an individualised blended literacy program that encourages students to read texts matched to their reading ability and interests. The program provides valuable reading practice, supports comprehension development, and motivates students to engage with a wide range of literature. Literacy Pro is accessible both at school and at home.
Assessment and Progress Monitoring
Student progress is regularly monitored through a range of school-based and standardised assessments. We utilise Elastik assessments throughout the year to track student growth and achievement, providing valuable data that informs teaching and supports consistent teacher judgement across year levels.
Transition to Secondary School
The Year 6 Coordinator works closely with local secondary schools to support students and families throughout the transition to high school. This collaboration helps ensure students feel confident and prepared for the next stage of their educational journey.
Each year, Year 6 students attend an Adventure Camp designed to foster independence, resilience, teamwork, and leadership. The camp experience supports students’ transition to secondary schooling while complementing the Health and Physical Education curriculum through the development of physical, social, and personal skills.