At Lumen Christi Catholic Primary School, we believe English is at the heart of all learning.
Through reading, writing, speaking, and listening, our students build the skills they will need to communicate confidently, think critically, and express themselves clearly. Our Literacy programs are underpinned by explicit instruction, modelling, guided practice, independent practice, and review. The structured literacy sessions include specific skill development in phonological awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, oral language and comprehension. During spelling and writing lessons students are explicitly taught the various text structures, syntax, punctuation and morphology.
We follow the Victorian Curriculum and apply teaching practices based on how students learn best – using evidence-informed, structured, and engaging approaches.
Phonics and Early Reading Instruction
At Lumen Christi we recognise that strong literacy foundations are essential for every child’s success as a learner. Our approach to phonics instruction is informed by evidence-based practices and supports students to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence required to become successful readers and writers.
Through explicit and systematic phonics teaching, students are supported to understand the relationship between sounds and letters, develop decoding skills, build reading fluency and apply their knowledge when reading and writing.
Our phonics instruction includes:
- Explicit teaching of phonological awareness and phonics skills
- Clear modelling and guided practice by teachers
- Opportunities for students to apply their learning through reading and writing experiences
- Regular assessment and monitoring to identify student progress and provide targeted support
- Differentiated instruction to ensure all students are supported and extended
Teachers use assessment data to understand student reading behaviours, monitor growth and inform responsive teaching.
We believe that every child can become a confident reader when provided with consistent, structured and purposeful instruction. Through strong literacy practices, we support students to be Called to Learn, developing the skills and confidence to let their light shine.
Building Confident Readers, Writers and Communicators
In Years Prep – 2, we use Decodable Readers Australia resources to support our explicit and systematic approach to early reading instruction. These decodable texts are carefully designed to align with the phonics skills students are learning, providing meaningful opportunities for students to practise applying their knowledge of sounds and letters when reading.
Decodable Readers Australia supports students to develop:
- Strong phonics knowledge and decoding skills
- Accuracy and fluency when reading
- Confidence and independence as emerging readers
- The ability to apply taught spelling patterns and sound knowledge
- A positive mindset and enjoyment of reading
Students engage with decodable texts through teacher modelling, guided reading, partner reading and independent practice. These experiences allow students to build automaticity, strengthen comprehension and develop a growing love of reading.
Our teachers use assessment information to identify student needs and provide targeted instruction, ensuring students are supported and extended as they progress through their reading journey.
In Years 3–6, our English program is supported by the Ochre Education English curriculum, an evidence-informed approach designed to build strong foundations in reading, writing, speaking and listening.
Ochre Education provides a carefully sequenced learning approach that supports students to develop deep knowledge of language, vocabulary, comprehension and written expression. Through explicit teaching, rich texts and purposeful learning experiences, students are supported to become thoughtful readers, effective writers and confident communicators.
A key component of our English learning in Years 3–6 is the use of Ochre Education Novel Study Units. These units provide students with opportunities to engage deeply with high-quality literature, exploring themes, characters, author choices, vocabulary and the broader ideas presented within each text.
Through novel studies, students develop:
- A deeper understanding and appreciation of literature
- Strong comprehension skills through rich discussion and analysis
- Vocabulary knowledge and language development
- Critical and creative thinking skills
- The ability to make connections between texts, personal experiences and the world around them
- Skills to respond to literature through thoughtful speaking and writing tasks
Our English learning includes:
- Explicit teaching of reading comprehension strategies and vocabulary
- Exposure to high-quality texts that develop knowledge, imagination and critical thinking
- Structured writing instruction that supports students to craft clear, purposeful and engaging texts
- Grammar, punctuation and spelling instruction embedded within meaningful contexts
- Opportunities for discussion, collaboration and sharing ideas
- Regular opportunities to apply skills independently and creatively
Teachers use the Ochre Education resources alongside professional judgement, student data and the Victorian Curriculum to ensure learning is responsive to the needs of students.
At Lumen Christi, we understand that strong literacy skills empower students to engage with the world around them. Through our English program, students are encouraged to think deeply, express themselves confidently and use their voice with purpose.