English
The teaching of language, including English, is embedded into the transdisciplinary Programme of Inquiry. This provides students with authentic learning experiences for the acquisition of language. Teachers develop language programmes collaboratively in year levels and align Australian Curriculum requirements with a focus on oral, visual and written language. Teaching and learning programs balance and integrate the three strands of:
- Language: knowing about the English language
- Literature: understanding, appreciating, responding to, analysing and creating literature
- Literacy: expanding the repertoire of English usage
Red Hill School’s approach to teaching English supports the International Baccalaureate’s view that the development of language is fundamental in the need to communicate; it supports and enhances our thinking and understanding.
A variety of strategies, resources and support mechanisms are used to scaffold student success and allow every student to achieve. A love of literature and language is fostered through the use of engaging and rich texts and the six areas of reading needed to successfully program and teach literacy; oral language, phonological awareness, letter-sound knowledge, vocabulary, fluency and comprehension. These six areas are focussed on building skills, knowledge and understandings. The frameworks of Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop and Daily 5 are examples of the routines teachers develop in their classroom for teaching English.