English at Overport
At Overport, we believe that every child can become a confident and capable reader, writer, speaker and listener. Our English program is built on structured literacy, ensuring that all students develop strong foundational skills in reading, spelling, writing and language comprehension.
Structured Literacy Approach
We use a systematic and explicit approach to teaching literacy. This means that skills are taught in a carefully planned sequence, building from simple to more complex concepts. Instruction is clear, direct and supported with plenty of practice and review.
Systematic Synthetic Phonics
Our phonics program follows a systematic synthetic phonics model. Students learn how letters and combinations of letters represent sounds, and how to blend those sounds to read and spell words. This evidence-based approach helps children develop accurate word recognition, spelling, and reading fluency. Phonics lessons are reinforced through decodable texts that match the sounds and patterns students have learned.
Novel Study Units
As students become confident readers, we extend their learning through novel study units. These units encourage deep thinking, discussion and creativity. Through shared and guided reading of quality literature, students explore themes, characters, vocabulary and author techniques. They also make connections to their own experiences and the wider world, developing comprehension and critical thinking skills.
Speaking and Listening
Speaking and Listening are essential parts of our English program and are interwoven across all areas of learning. Students are encouraged to express their ideas, share opinions, ask questions, and listen respectfully to others. Through class discussions, presentations, group work, learning partner discussions and storytelling, students develop confidence, vocabulary and oral language skills. These experiences build the foundation for reading comprehension and writing success, while also supporting social and emotional growth.
Aligned with the Victorian Curriculum 2.0
Our English program is closely aligned with the Victorian Curriculum 2.0, ensuring students develop skills in:
· Reading and Viewing – decoding, fluency, and comprehension
· Writing – planning, drafting, revising and publishing
· Speaking and Listening – communicating ideas clearly, building vocabulary, and engaging thoughtfully with others
By combining a strong foundation in phonics with rich, meaningful reading and communication experiences, we nurture a lifelong love of language and learning.
At Overport, we believe that every child can become a confident and capable reader, writer, speaker and listener. Our English program is built on structured literacy, ensuring that all students develop strong foundational skills in reading, spelling, writing and language comprehension.
Structured Literacy Approach
We use a systematic and explicit approach to teaching literacy. This means that skills are taught in a carefully planned sequence, building from simple to more complex concepts. Instruction is clear, direct and supported with plenty of practice and review.
Systematic Synthetic Phonics
Our phonics program follows a systematic synthetic phonics model. Students learn how letters and combinations of letters represent sounds, and how to blend those sounds to read and spell words. This evidence-based approach helps children develop accurate word recognition, spelling, and reading fluency. Phonics lessons are reinforced through decodable texts that match the sounds and patterns students have learned.
Novel Study Units
As students become confident readers, we extend their learning through novel study units. These units encourage deep thinking, discussion and creativity. Through shared and guided reading of quality literature, students explore themes, characters, vocabulary and author techniques. They also make connections to their own experiences and the wider world, developing comprehension and critical thinking skills.
Speaking and Listening
Speaking and Listening are essential parts of our English program and are interwoven across all areas of learning. Students are encouraged to express their ideas, share opinions, ask questions, and listen respectfully to others. Through class discussions, presentations, group work, learning partner discussions and storytelling, students develop confidence, vocabulary and oral language skills. These experiences build the foundation for reading comprehension and writing success, while also supporting social and emotional growth.
Aligned with the Victorian Curriculum 2.0
Our English program is closely aligned with the Victorian Curriculum 2.0, ensuring students develop skills in:
· Reading and Viewing – decoding, fluency, and comprehension
· Writing – planning, drafting, revising and publishing
· Speaking and Listening – communicating ideas clearly, building vocabulary, and engaging thoughtfully with others
By combining a strong foundation in phonics with rich, meaningful reading and communication experiences, we nurture a lifelong love of language and learning.
