English

‘Literacy is the ability to read and use written information and to write appropriately in a range of contexts. It is used to develop knowledge and understanding, to achieve personal growth and to function effectively in our society. Literacy involves the integration of speaking, listening and critical thinking with reading and writing.'

Source: Department of Employment, Education and Training, Australia's Language and Literacy Policy, companion volume to policy paper, AGPS, Canberra 1991:9.)

At St Monica's we believe that the study of English is central to the learning and development of all students. It helps create confident communicators, imaginative thinkers and informed citizens. It is through the study of English that our students learn to analyse, understand, communicate and build relationships with others and with the world around them.

St Monica’s uses the Australian Curriculum for teaching English. The English Curriculum is organised into three interrelated strands that support students' growing understanding and use of Standard Australian English. Together the three strands focus on developing students’ knowledge, understanding and skills in listening, reading, viewing, speaking and writing. The three strands are:

  • Language: knowing about the English language
  • Literature: understanding, appreciating, responding to, analysing and creating literature
  • Literacy: expanding the repertoire of English usage.

We endeavour to deliver contemporary quality learning opportunities in English and provide a rich language environment where children are encouraged to listen, talk, read and write every day. St Monica’s has adopted the Archdiocesan Literacy priorities which includes the following:

  • Minimum 90 minutes a day literacy block
  • Minimum 20 minutes a day independent reading
  • Minimum 20 minutes a day independent writing
  • Student access to quality literature
  • Teachers conference with each child on weekly basis around reading and writing

A partnership between parents and school has proven successful in supporting students’ literacy learning. Research has shown that when parents reinforce the efforts of schools, children’s literacy competence, attitudes and confidence improves. St Monica’s provides many opportunities for parents to attend literacy workshops and engage in the learning and teaching process in classrooms.
The “NSW Foundation” handwriting is the preferred handwriting style of our school.