English
Rosanna Primary School recognises that literacy is essential for learning. Our programs provide a range of learning experiences that are meaningful and engaging and centre on the individual student and his/her needs and abilities. Our literacy curriculum is in line with AusVELS. ‘The study of English is central to the learning and development of all young Australians. It helps create confident communicators, imaginative thinkers and informed citizens.’ – AusVELS
AusVELS English consists of three strands: Reading and Viewing, Writing and Speaking and Listening. |
Reading and Viewing
‘Reading gives us a place to go when we have to stay where we are.’ – Mason Cooley
Reading and Viewing at Rosanna Primary School takes on many different forms. We are committed to developing our students’ decoding and comprehension skills whilst also promoting a love of reading. The main components of our reading program at RPS are:
|
- The Daily 5
The Daily 5 literacy structure allows students to develop their skills in reading, writing, and working independently. In each session, students participate in five rotations: Read to Self, Read to Someone, Work on Writing, Word Work and Listen to Reading, while the teacher provides support to small groups or individuals. A ‘mini-lesson’ takes place in between each rotation and provides explicit literacy instruction to the whole class.
- CAFÉ
CAFÉ stands for Comprehension, Accuracy, Fluency and Expand Vocabulary, and is a program designed to develop students’ reading skills according to their individual needs. Goals are set for each student, and with teacher support, they learn and practise particular strategies to improve their reading. Teachers monitor the progress of each student and as students reach their targets, new goals are set.
Writing
‘You can make anything by writing.’ – C.S. Lewis
At Rosanna Primary School, students participate in lessons focusing on the structure and type of language used in different text types, including narrative, recount, persuasive and procedural texts. They also have opportunities to engage in free choice writing focusing on developing their creativity.
Spelling, punctuation and grammar are important aspects of writing. Students are provided with opportunities and support to develop their understanding of these conventions and strategies they can use when writing. Handwriting is an important life skill and at Rosanna Primary School, students are taught to correctly form letters according to Victorian Modern Cursive script. |
Speaking and Listening
‘Reading and writing float on a sea of talk.’ – David Hornsby
Effective communication skills are essential in the development of our students. Throughout their time at Rosanna Primary School, students participate in a number of different speaking and listening tasks, including ‘Show and Tell,’ project presentations and role-plays. Through these experiences and the explicit teaching of communication skills, such as making eye contact and speaking clearly, students learn to communicate effectively and appropriately in a range of settings.
Beyond the Classroom
Reading Recovery
Reading Recovery is a short-term intervention program designed to support grade 1 students who need extra support with reading and writing. Students work in a one-on-one setting with Mrs Lynda Whitechurch.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Students who have English as an Additional Language benefit from small group sessions led by a range of support teachers and assistants across the school. These sessions provide students with the opportunity to strengthen their understanding of the structure of written and oral language in a highly engaging and practical setting. EAL support is available at Rosanna Primary School for students from grades prep to 6.
Reading Recovery is a short-term intervention program designed to support grade 1 students who need extra support with reading and writing. Students work in a one-on-one setting with Mrs Lynda Whitechurch.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Students who have English as an Additional Language benefit from small group sessions led by a range of support teachers and assistants across the school. These sessions provide students with the opportunity to strengthen their understanding of the structure of written and oral language in a highly engaging and practical setting. EAL support is available at Rosanna Primary School for students from grades prep to 6.
Whole School Events
Book of the Year
Book of the Year is held in term 3 (odd years), and involves each student producing their very own picture story book. The whole writing process is included, from planning and drafting the story to publishing and illustrating, and it is fantastic to see the level of enthusiasm and effort that goes into each and every book. Within each grade level, the books are judged and shortlisted, and winners are announced. This is a highly engaging event not only for the students, but for the whole school community.
Book of the Year is held in term 3 (odd years), and involves each student producing their very own picture story book. The whole writing process is included, from planning and drafting the story to publishing and illustrating, and it is fantastic to see the level of enthusiasm and effort that goes into each and every book. Within each grade level, the books are judged and shortlisted, and winners are announced. This is a highly engaging event not only for the students, but for the whole school community.