English study is mandatory in NSW from Kindergarten to Year 12.
Students learn about the English language through written, spoken and visual texts of increasing complexity as they progress through their schooling.
An understanding of the English language is central to how we communicate and essential for intellectual, social and emotional development.
The study of English should develop a love of literature and learning and be challenging and enjoyable. It develops skills to enable students to experiment with ideas and expression, to become active, independent and lifelong learners, to work with each other and to reflect on their learning.
Teaching and learning in English is guided by the new NSW syllabus
In support of NSW Department of Education's purpose, a key departmental goal is to ensure all young people have a strong foundation in literacy and numeracy. The five new literacy and numeracy priorities have been developed and describe the critical work of all schools to improve literacy and numeracy.
The five priorities are:
- There is a whole school approach to literacy and numeracy achievement from preschool to year 12.
- School leadership is focussed on improving student literacy and numeracy.
- All teachers use effective practices to improve student literacy and numeracy outcomes through curriculum.
- Schools make effective use of data to inform literacy and numeracy improvement.
- Families are supported as partners in their children's literacy and numeracy development.
At Gundaroo Public School we are committed to ensuring our students have a strong foundation in literacy. This begins in Kindergarten with an explicit focus on phonological awareness and phonics, together with oral language to ensure our students have the foundational skills they need to build on as they move through primary school.
We have a whole school approach to all aspects of literacy, and our staff engage in ongoing professional learning to continue to enhance their knowledge and skills in the teaching and learning of literacy.
The ongoing improvement in literacy is a strong focus in our strategic improvement plan. We have been excited to see the results of this commitment over the past two years.
Our strong focus on data collection, analysis and use allow us to use student data to drive all initiatives within our school as we work toward continuing to further improve our students growth and achievement in literacy.
Strong practices are in place to ensure early identification of students requiring support and we work with families and external partners to embed this support.
In 2023, we have a renewed commitment to engaging our families as partners in their child's literacy development aligned to the new syllabus. We will be providing multiple opportunities to engage and work together throughout the year.
