English
We match our teaching of English to the Victorian Curriculum. There are three aspects to the teaching of English which include:
• reading and viewing,
• writing
• speaking and listening.
Reading and Viewing
Our teachers work to create an environment where there is a love of reading through the exposure of high quality literature. Each teacher chooses books that will engage their students in their learning and model a love of reading themselves. The students experience a variety of text types through our focused reading sessions where reading and comprehension strategies are explicitly taught. Students are encouraged to take home books from their classroom collection and the library. Books are matched to student ability and interest.
Spelling
We also implement a whole school phonetic reading and spelling program called Sound Waves. This is a systematic phonics and word study program proven to effectively teach spelling and reading skills.
We match our teaching of English to the Victorian Curriculum. There are three aspects to the teaching of English which include:
• reading and viewing,
• writing
• speaking and listening.
Reading and Viewing
Our teachers work to create an environment where there is a love of reading through the exposure of high quality literature. Each teacher chooses books that will engage their students in their learning and model a love of reading themselves. The students experience a variety of text types through our focused reading sessions where reading and comprehension strategies are explicitly taught. Students are encouraged to take home books from their classroom collection and the library. Books are matched to student ability and interest.
Spelling
We also implement a whole school phonetic reading and spelling program called Sound Waves. This is a systematic phonics and word study program proven to effectively teach spelling and reading skills.
Writing
Overport integrates elements of the VCOP writing program with an unique sustained writing program known as the WOW (Wondrous Overport Write).
What is the purpose of the WOW (Wondrous Overport Write)?
Purpose of the WOW...
For students
● Provides students opportunities to apply their writing skills with relative independence.
● Provides students opportunities to develop ideas and thinking in a more personal and original way.
● Provides students with opportunities to practise independent ideation and text development.
● Prepares students for standardised testing and common practice methods in later schooling.
● Allows students to monitor and self assess their own writing.
● Allows students to practise new skills or improve existing skills.
● Allows students to practise sustained writing for extended periods of time.
● Allows students to set goals based on reflection, analysis and teacher feedback.
For teachers
● Determine the writing abilities of individual students.
● Reinforce and practice VCOP writing strategies.
● Observe the writing habits of individual students.
● Obtain independent writing pieces for assessment.
● Provide timely and personalised feedback to students.
● Allow for genuine and informed students goal setting.
Overport integrates elements of the VCOP writing program with an unique sustained writing program known as the WOW (Wondrous Overport Write).
What is the purpose of the WOW (Wondrous Overport Write)?
Purpose of the WOW...
For students
● Provides students opportunities to apply their writing skills with relative independence.
● Provides students opportunities to develop ideas and thinking in a more personal and original way.
● Provides students with opportunities to practise independent ideation and text development.
● Prepares students for standardised testing and common practice methods in later schooling.
● Allows students to monitor and self assess their own writing.
● Allows students to practise new skills or improve existing skills.
● Allows students to practise sustained writing for extended periods of time.
● Allows students to set goals based on reflection, analysis and teacher feedback.
For teachers
● Determine the writing abilities of individual students.
● Reinforce and practice VCOP writing strategies.
● Observe the writing habits of individual students.
● Obtain independent writing pieces for assessment.
● Provide timely and personalised feedback to students.
● Allow for genuine and informed students goal setting.