English

English learning is an important part of our school program and supports students to build skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening across the primary years. Our approach to English is structured and evidence informed. Teaching is planned carefully from the early years through to the later years of primary school, supporting steady progress and helping students feel confident as learners.

The English Curriculum

The english curriculum at Rosanna Primary School draws on evidence informed teaching practices and well established research. This includes guidance from models such as Scarborough’s Reading Rope, which highlights the many skills that work together as students learn to read, write and communicate effectively. English learning includes developing oral language, understanding how sounds and letters work, and building knowledge of language structures and vocabulary over time.

At Rosanna Primary School, when studying English, students develop knowledge, understanding and skills across the 3 interrelated strands of Language, Literature and Literacy. Each strand contributes its own distinctive goals, body of knowledge, history of ideas and interests, and each focuses on developing students’ knowledge, understanding and skills in the language modes of listening, speaking, reading, viewing and writing.

At Rosanna Primary School we aim to:

• learn to purposefully and proficiently listen to, speak about, read, view, write, create and reflect on a range of texts, through their historical, cultural and social contexts and across an increasing level of complexity
• understand how to use Standard Australian English appropriately, and in combination with non-linguistic forms of communication, to create meaning
• develop interest and skills in examining and analysing texts, and develop an informed appreciation of the aesthetic aspects of literature
• appreciate, enjoy, analyse, evaluate, adapt and use the richness and power of the English language in all its variations to evoke feelings, form and convey ideas, and facilitate interaction with others.

English Learning in the Classroom

English is central to the lives, learning and development of all people living in Australia. Through the study of the subject of English, individuals extend their engagement with the English language and learn to understand, empathise, communicate and build relationships with others and the world around them. The study of subject English helps create confident communicators, imaginative and critical thinkers, and informed citizens.

At Rosanna Primary School, lesson planning is underpinned by research using evidence-based learning models. Tasks are deliberately chunked into concise skills and supported with daily retrieval of previous learning.

A daily English session includes explicit teaching, guided practice and opportunities to apply learning through discussions, worked examples and independant practice. English is priortised in the morning when students learn best with each session focusing on building phonic practices, reading skill and writing skills.

Reading instruction focuses on word recognition and language comprehension, taught together to support students as they learn to read with understanding. Students are supported to develop skills in phonological awareness, decoding, vocabulary and understanding language structures. Oral language and listening are supported from the early years through reading, discussion and shared texts.

Writing instruction builds on reading and oral language learning. Students develop skills in handwriting, spelling, sentence structure and organising ideas for different purposes and audiences.

Teachers are Rosanna Primary School place a strong focus on Speaking and Listening. Students are supported to build confidence in speaking and listening through discussion, shared reading and opportunities to talk about their learning.

Students take part in daily English sessions that include explicit teaching, guided practice and independent learning. Teachers use regular checks for understanding and feedback to support different learning needs and adjust teaching as required.

Support in English

Universal adaptations are key to learning across all curriculum areas at Rosanna Primary School. Student have access to listening decives, book approapriate for their level and display to help support their knoweldge of spelling. As teachers check for understanding across the lesson, students are supported to ensure their understanding of a concept turns into replication and mastery of the skill. 

Student who may need additional supports work 1-1 or in small group settings with our educational support staff within the classroom. Alongside this, when significant learning gaps are discovered through our ongoing assessments, students are withdrawn for intensive support to build learning skills. 

Families seeking enrolment information for a primary school in Rosanna are welcome to contact Rosanna Primary School to learn more about English learning from Prep to Year 6.

Frequently asked questions about English

What does a English lesson usually include?

English lessons may include a review of previous learning, phonics or spelling instruction, reading or writing activities, vocabulary development and opportunities for guided and independent practice.

How is phonics taught at Rosanna Primary School?

The school uses a structured, synthetic phonics approach to support reading and spelling development. Phonics learning builds from early sound awareness through to spelling patterns and word knowledge in the upper years.

Do students practise handwriting and spelling?

Yes. Handwriting and spelling are explicitly taught as part of the writing program, with practice suited to each year level.

How do teachers check if students understand the learning?

Teachers regularly check understanding during lessons through discussion, observation and short learning tasks. This helps guide feedback and next learning steps.

How does English learning differ across year levels?

Learning is planned to suit each stage of development. While lesson structures are similar, the content, texts and level of support change as students progress through the school.

How is English taught in Prep?

In Prep, English learning focuses on oral language, early phonics, listening and speaking. Activities are structured, supportive and designed to help children feel confident as they begin school.

Does my child need to be reading before starting Prep?

No. Children are not expected to read before starting school. English learning begins at school and builds gradually based on each child’s experience.

How are different learning needs supported in English lessons?

Teachers adjust learning by providing additional guidance, small group support or extra practice where needed, and by extending learning when students are ready.

How can families support English learning at home?

Families can support English by reading together, talking about books, encouraging writing for real purposes and staying in touch with classroom teachers.