English

Evidence-Based Reading Instruction.

Our Reading program is grounded in the body of research known as the 'Science of Reading', which identifies five key components of effective reading instruction:

Phonemic awareness

Phonics

Fluency

Vocabulary

Comprehension

These elements are explicitly and systematically taught each day during our dedicated Literacy Block, which takes place in the morning to maximise student engagement and minimise interruptions. Lessons are carefully sequenced, allowing students to consolidate foundational skills and extend their understanding.

Phonics and Spelling

We implement a whole-school approach to phonics and spelling that reflects current research and best practice:

Kindergarten to Year 2: We use the PLD Structured Synthetic Phonics program, which provides systematic and explicit instruction in phonological awareness, oral language, phonics, and early decoding.

Years 3 to 6: Students build on these foundations using the Sound Waves program, which introduces more complex concepts, including morphology and etymology, while reinforcing phonemic awareness and spelling patterns.

Daily reading, writing, and dictation practice helps students develop fluency, accuracy, and confidence as readers and writers.

Writing

Our writing instruction is based on the Talk for Writing approach, a research-based program that supports the development of writing through a structured, three-phase model:

1. Imitation – students internalise high-quality model texts through oral language and shared reading
2. Innovation – students adapt and apply modelled language with teacher support
3. Independent Application – students independently craft their own texts for a variety of purposes and audiences

This approach ensures students are explicitly taught the structure, language features, vocabulary, and grammar needed to become confident and creative writers. Writing instruction is closely aligned with curriculum outcomes and supported through regular formative and summative assessment.

Our Commitment to Literacy Success

At Bambara Primary School, we take pride in providing an inclusive, consistent, and research-aligned English program that meets the diverse needs of our students. Through evidence-based teaching, high-impact instructional strategies, and purposeful assessment, we ensure that every child is supported to reach their full literacy potential.

We are committed to developing articulate, thoughtful, and engaged learners who can communicate effectively and think critically about the world around them.