At Noranda Primary School, we understand the English learning area is central to developing students' communication skills, critical thinking, and creativity. We are committed to fostering a love of language and literature while providing students with the essential skills to become confident, capable, and effective communicators.

A key feature of our literacy approach is the daily literacy block, implemented across all year levels. This dedicated time ensures consistent, focused instruction in reading, writing, spelling, and oral language. It allows students to engage deeply with texts, practise key skills, and receive explicit, structured teaching in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Pre-primary to Year 2: InitiaLit

In the early years, we implement InitiaLit, a whole-class literacy program developed by MultiLit (Making Up Lost Time in Literacy). Designed for students in Pre-primary to Year 2, InitiaLit is grounded in the Science of Reading and provides a strong, evidence-based foundation for early literacy development.

Key features of InitiaLit:

• Structured and Explicit Instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
• Tiered Support to identify and assist students requiring targeted intervention through built-in screening and monitoring.
• Rich Literature Component to support oral language, vocabulary, and a love of reading.
• Daily, Systematic Lessons that build reading confidence and reinforce essential literacy skills.

Through InitiaLit, we ensure that every student begins their literacy journey with a strong and supportive foundation.

Years 3 to 6: Spelling Mastery

From Years 3 to 6, students participate in the Spelling Mastery program, a research-based approach developed by McGraw-Hill. This program equips students with reliable spelling strategies that improve their writing fluency and accuracy.

Key features of Spelling Mastery:

• Explicit, Systematic Instruction moving from simple to complex spelling patterns.
• Multisensory Learning using oral, visual, and kinaesthetic activities to reinforce memory.
• Focus on Patterns and Rules over rote memorisation to promote independent spelling skills.
• Short, Daily Lessons for consistent review and consolidation.
• Flexible Grouping to provide differentiated instruction suited to student needs.

Spelling Mastery supports students in becoming confident spellers and fluent writers, contributing to their overall literacy success.

Daily Writing Reviews

At Noranda Primary School, we incorporate daily reviews into our writing instruction to reinforce prior learning and enhance student retention. This evidence-based approach allows students to effectively consolidate their knowledge by transferring information and skills into their long-term memory, reducing cognitive load and increasing achievement. By revisiting previously taught concepts in a structured manner, students build confidence and fluency in writing, strengthening foundational skills and preparing them for new learning.

Whole-School Writing: Oral-to-Text Framework

We take a whole-school approach to genre writing, underpinned by the Oral-to-Text Framework. This model recognises the importance of oral language in the writing process and ensures that students move from spoken to written language with increasing independence and confidence.

Key elements of the Oral-to-Text Framework:

• Consistent Genre Focus across all year levels, teaching structure, language features, and purpose.
• Oral Rehearsal through modelled talk, discussions, role play, and storytelling.
• Modelled and Shared Writing that guides students through the writing process.
• Scaffolding and Gradual Release of responsibility with visual aids, planning tools, and writing frameworks.
• Feedback and Reflection to improve writing through peer and teacher feedback.
• Continuity and Progression from Kindergarten to Year 6, promoting fluency, coherence, and growth.

This framework makes writing accessible and achievable for all learners, laying the foundation for successful written communication across all learning areas.

Reading Intervention: MiniLit and MacqLit

To support students who require additional help with reading, we implement MultiLit’s MiniLit and MacqLit programs. These targeted interventions are aligned with the Science of Reading and provide structured, small-group instruction.

• MiniLit is designed for students in Years 1 and 2 who are struggling with early reading. It provides intensive instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
• MacqLit caters to students in Years 3 and above who are reading below expected levels. It offers a systematic approach to building decoding skills, word recognition, and comprehension.

Both programs play a crucial role in ensuring all students have the support they need to become confident, capable readers.

At Noranda Primary School, we pride ourselves on using evidence-based programs, high-impact teaching strategies, and inclusive practices to support the literacy growth of every student. Our structured literacy block ensures that reading, writing, speaking, and listening are taught explicitly and purposefully every day, giving our students the best possible foundation for lifelong success.