English

To be literate means to find meaning, to understand, to comprehend, to make sense of, to symbolically represent, to articulate, to represent, to speak, to enjoy conversation and communicate.

English is recognised as a means of communicating through the elements of Speaking and Listening, Reading and Writing. Students need to be confident and competent in English to meet demands of school, employment and further education in order to be effective and informed citizens.

The formal study of English helps students to understand how language works by looking at patterns, structures and the origins of language. Knowledge about how a language functions assists students to achieve a better understanding of themselves, their culture and the contemporary world.

St Bernadette’s English programme will:

  • Develop in students the ability to listen, speak, read, view and write effectively with confidence, purpose and  enjoyment.
  • Provide a language rich environment that promotes a culture of reading and writing.
  • Expose children to a variety of language styles to develop an understanding and appreciation of  audience, purpose and structure.
  • Develop in students the ability to understand, discuss and begin to critically analyse texts.
  • Teach a range of strategies to support the areas of Speaking and Listening, Reading and Writing according to the Victorian Curriculum Standards.
  • Provide an inclusive program catering for the diversity of our students.

The English programme at St Bernadette’s is supported by:

  • 2 hour uninterrupted literacy blocks.
  • Literacy leader.
  • Reading Recovery.
  • Professional learning teams for all levels
  • Contemporary learning tools
  • Speech Pathology – (Catholic Education Office)

Reading Recovery

Reading Recovery is an intervention program for students who require additional support in reading. Children who begin Year 1 below the expected level in reading have the opportunity for one-on-one intensive reading assistance through the Reading Recovery programme.  Their classroom literacy is supplemented with daily one to one teaching (30mins.) The program runs for 100 sessions. Parents are encouraged to take an active role by watching lessons and helping with homework to reinforce the skills children learn in the sessions.