We want our children to be writers and authors. Some basic prerequisites for a strong English program is to create contexts that are purposeful and connected to our children’s prior experiences.

Literacy is the ability to read and to use written information 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 also includes the recognition of numbers and basic mathematical signs and symbols within text.

Literacy involves the integration of speaking, listening and critical thinking with reading and writing. Effective literacy is intrinsically purposeful, flexible and dynamic and continues to develop throughout an individual’s lifetime. Literacy connects us with the world, allows for critical thinking and deepens our understandings within a global context.

Reading at Footscray Primary School is taught within the structure of a Reader’s Workshop. This structure allows for whole-class, small group and individual instruction using both explicit instruction and inquiry approaches.

At Footscray Primary School we know our children are effective when they:

• Have knowledge and understandings about the sources of information (semantic, grammatical, phonological, graphological).
• Have strategies (skills) for accessing and integrating information from the four sources.
• Have knowledge of texts and how they are structured within different contexts.
• Have strategies (skills) for taking on the four roles of a reader.

Writing at Footscray Primary School is taught within the Writer’s Workshop structure. This structure allows for whole-class, small group and individual instruction using both explicit instruction and inquiry approaches.

At Footscray Primary School we know our children are effected when they:

• Have the skills, knowledge and understandings of how writing is structured and organised including writing leads, endings and transitions.
• Have the skills, knowledge and understandings of how to elaborate detail and include elements of craft.
• Have the skills, knowledge and understandings of how meaning is conveyed through spelling and punctuation.
• Have the skills, knowledge and understandings of how to generate ideas, plan for writing, revise, edit and publish their work for an intended audience.

Spelling, speaking, listening and handwriting are taught both within the context of Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop as well as through targeted stand-alone lessons. The delivery of spelling and handwriting is both explicit and systematic throughout the school.