Teaching English at Anglesea Primary School

At Anglesea Primary School, we are committed to helping every student become a confident reader and writer.
Our English program is built on the Science of Reading and Learning — using proven, research-based approaches that help children develop strong skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

We use a consistent English Workshop Model across all classrooms to make sure every student receives high-quality, structured literacy instruction every day.

The English Workshop Model

Our daily 2 hour English sessions include a clear and predictable structure that supports all learners:

1. Daily Edit

Students practise identifying and correcting spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors in sentences.
Teachers model the process first (“I Do”), the class edits together (“We Do”), and students then work independently (“You Do”).
This routine builds attention to detail and writing accuracy.

2. Daily Review

Each session begins with a quick Daily Review to strengthen memory and build fluency.
Students revisit key skills such as spelling patterns, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.
This helps move learning from short-term to long-term memory — an important part of how the brain learns best.

3. Fluency Practice

Fluency means reading smoothly, accurately, and with expression.
Students practise fluency through short, daily activities such as repeated readings, poetry, or partner reading.
Fluency helps students move from decoding words to understanding what they read.

4. Sounds-Write / Phonics

In the early years (Prep to Grade 2), students take part in daily Sounds-Write lessons. They learn how the sounds of English (phonemes) match the letters and letter combinations (graphemes) in a clear, step-by-step sequence — starting with simple words and moving to more complex ones.
Students also read decodable books, which allow them to practise the exact sounds and spelling patterns they’ve been learning in class.

In the middle years (Grade 3), students review and consolidate their phonics knowledge to strengthen their spelling skills.
In Grade 4, they begin exploring how words are built — learning about prefixes, suffixes, and word origins.

In Grades 5 and 6, students continue to build on this foundation, developing strong spelling, reading, and vocabulary skills that support all areas of learning.

5. Handwriting and Spelling

Handwriting is explicitly taught to support clear, fluent writing.
Students learn correct letter formation, posture, and pencil grip.
Spelling lessons connect directly to Sounds-Write and phonics learning, helping students apply their sound knowledge to real words.

6. Learning Intention and Success Criteria

Every lesson begins with a clear Learning Intention and Success Criteria, so students know what they are learning and how to be successful.
For example:

• Learning Intention: “We are learning to write sentences using correct punctuation.”
• Success Criteria: “I can write a sentence with a capital letter, correct spelling, and a full stop.”

This helps students take ownership of their learning and understand the purpose of each lesson.

7. Worktime – “I Do, We Do, You Do”

During Worktime, teachers follow the Gradual Release of Responsibility model:

• I Do: The teacher models the new skill.
• We Do: The class practises together with guidance.
• You Do: Students apply the skill independently or in small groups.

Teachers provide feedback and extra support as needed to make sure every student succeeds.

8. Reflection

Each session finishes with a Reflection.
Students revisit the Learning Intention and Success Criteria, share what they learned, and celebrate success.
This reflection time helps students think about their own learning and set goals for next time.

How It All Fits Together

Our English program brings together the key parts of skilled reading — often called The Big Six:

• Phonemic awareness – hearing and using sounds in words
• Phonics – connecting sounds to letters
• Fluency – reading smoothly and accurately
• Vocabulary – knowing and using new words
• Comprehension – understanding what is read
• Writing – expressing ideas clearly and correctly

By teaching these areas explicitly and systematically, we make sure every student builds strong foundations for lifelong literacy.

Why We Teach This Way

• It gives every student clear structure and predictability in how they learn English.
• It builds strong foundations in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
• It reflects what current research and successful schools are doing — structured, explicit teaching linked to the science of learning.
• It helps our students develop confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of reading and writing.