​​Our English Program
The English curriculum is organised into three interrelated strands: Language, Literature and Literacy. These strands work together to support students to understand how language works, engage with texts, and apply their skills in meaningful ways.
 

• Language: The Language strand focuses on understanding how the English language works, including grammar, sentence   structure, spelling and vocabulary.

       In the early years (Foundation–Year 2), students participate in our Phonics Plus program, providing systematic synthetic                 phonics instruction. This is supported through daily use of decodable readers, allowing students to practise and apply their           skills.

       Students engage in daily literacy blocks where reading, writing and word knowledge are taught in a structured and                         consistent way. As students progress, they build knowledge of spelling patterns, morphology and increasingly complex                 language structures.

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• Oral Language: At Lilydale Primary School, we recognise that strong speaking and listening skills are the foundation of literacy success. Students engage in rich discussions, collaborative learning opportunities and purposeful conversations that build vocabulary, comprehension and confidence.

      Through classroom discussions, presentations, partner work and group tasks, students learn to communicate effectively,              listen actively and express their ideas clearly. Oral language development is embedded across all learning areas and                    supports students to become confident communicators.

 

• Literature: The Literature strand focuses on engaging with and responding to a wide range of texts. Students explore novels, picture books, poetry and digital texts.
  Through shared reading, teacher modelling and Literature Circles, students analyse characters, themes and author purpose while making connections to their own experiences.
  This strand supports comprehension, critical thinking and a lifelong love of reading. Students are encouraged to explore diverse perspectives, develop empathy and appreciate the power of storytelling.

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• Literacy: The Literacy strand focuses on applying reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in meaningful contexts.
  Our reading instruction is guided by the Big 6 of Reading:

  • Oral Language

  • Phonological Awareness

  • Phonics

  • Vocabulary

  • Fluency

  • Comprehension

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       Students apply these skills daily through literacy blocks, including reading, writing, discussion and collaboration.

       Teaching follows the gradual release model (I Do, We Do, You Do), ensuring all students are supported and challenged as             they develop independence and confidence.

 

• Reading: Students engage with a variety of quality texts and participate in explicit

      reading instruction that develops decoding, fluency and comprehension skills.
      Teachers carefully select texts and learning experiences that support students to                                                                              become thoughtful, confident and independent readers. Students learn a range of                                                                            comprehension strategies that enable them to analyse, interpret and respond to                                                                                increasingly complex texts.
 

• Writing: Students develop their writing skills through explicit instruction, teacher

      modelling and regular opportunities to write for authentic purposes.

      They learn to plan, draft, revise, edit and publish a range of text types, including                                                                                narratives, persuasive texts, information reports, poetry and multimodal texts.

      Writing instruction focuses on developing ideas, organisation, vocabulary, sentence                                                                          structure, grammar and author voice. Students are encouraged to write creatively,                                                                              thoughtfully and purposefully for a variety of audiences and purposes.
 

• Digital Literacy: Students use digital technologies to access, create and communicate                                                            information in meaningful ways.
  They learn to critically evaluate information, engage with multimodal texts and                                                                    communicate effectively across a range of digital platforms. Digital literacy skills                                                                          are integrated across the curriculum to prepare students for future learning and                                                                  participation in a digital world.

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• Assessment and Differentiation: Student learning is continuously assessed using                                                                   a range of formal and informal assessment tools. This information is used to guide                                                        teaching, monitor progress and identify next steps for learning.
  Teachers use assessment data to differentiate instruction and ensure all students are                                                        supported and challenged at their point of need. Learning experiences are carefully                                                      planned to provide appropriate levels of challenge and success for every learner.

 

• Extension and Enrichment: At Lilydale Primary School, we recognise the importance                                                                of extending students who demonstrate high ability or a strong interest in English.
  Students are provided with a range of enrichment opportunities, including:

  • Participation in the Victorian High-Ability Program (VHAP)

  • Opportunities to participate in competitions such as ICAS English and writing                                                              competitions

  • Extension tasks within the classroom that promote deeper thinking and creativity

  • Opportunities to publish and share writing with authentic audiences

  • Leadership opportunities through presenting, discussion and collaborative learning

     These opportunities ensure that high-ability learners are challenged and engaged through targeted and meaningful learning         experiences.

 

• Our Goal: At Lilydale Primary School, we strive to develop confident communicators, capable readers, thoughtful writers and critical thinkers. Through explicit teaching, high expectations and a love of learning, we equip students with the literacy skills they need to thrive at school and beyond.