FOR Swan Hill North Primary School, the priority is students Reading to Learn by the time they reach the senior year levels.
“With Foundation to Grade 2 grades it’s really ensuring that all work is evidence-based teaching and that students have the essential skills and a strong foundation that we can build on in Grades 3-6,” Teaching and Learning co-ordinator Bianca Brown said.
“In the senior levels, instead of Learning to Read, they Read to learn, which they can embrace in later grades.”
Ms Brown said evidence-based teaching involved ensuring there was a phonics approach, supported with “rich” literature and vocabulary.
“The phonics supports, the development of learning which is aligned with a whole language approach. They go hand-in-hand, ensuring there are no gaps and no-one is left behind.
Ms Brown said Foundation students in 2022 weren’t necessarily behind, but the pandemic highlighted the importance of reading and literacy skills.
“Most importantly, learning to share, play and communicate with other students we have noticed the need support to develop and grow their emotional and social learning.”
Ms Brown said the small school helped build a strong community.
“All the teachers know all the students, senior children know and look our for our junior students,” she said.
“That’s probably the point of difference from the other schools.
“It’s nice – everyone knows everyone.”
The school has 205 students enrolled this year, with small class sizes.
“Our students aren’t just a number, we all know who they are and teach their point of needs.
“That’s my priority as the Teaching and Learning leader, real discussion with teachers about best practise. Where the students are at, what they need? It’s not just a case of pushing through the curriculum we want to ensure all our students achieve success.”
