At Southern Cross Primary School an evidence-based approach informs our teaching and learning practices.  We use an informed, explicit and systematic approach to teaching fundamental concepts and skills.  Consistent teaching and learning approaches across the school ensures that we are providing a learning environment that builds upon each student’s learning consecutively across the learning levels.

At SCPS we are committed to teaching fundamental Literacy skills daily.  We provide students with opportunities to develop skills in the English modes of Reading and Viewing, Writing and Speaking and Listening through the strands of Language, Literacy and Literacy, aligned with the Victorian Curriculum.  Our practices are aligned with the Science of Reading reflecting the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0.

The staff at SCPS use a structured and explicit approach to teach Literacy reflected in the Scarboroughs Reading Rope and summarised into the Big 6:

Our structed approach to teaching writing includes:

1. Spelling - blending and segmenting words.  The Students are explicitly taught the syllable types and morphology (prefixes and suffixes) and the spelling rules that govern them.  SCPS uses aspects of the Smart Spelling Program to support student spelling development.
2. Grammar - Grammar is explicitly taught across the school directly linked to rich literature and experiences.  SCPS uses methods based on the Hochman Method (writing revolution) to systematically build sentence structure and enhance vocabulary.
3. Vocabulary - vocabulary, also being 1 of the Big 6 of reading is essential in academic success and achievement.  Exposing students to a wide range of vocabulary and developing a more sophisticated and mature vocabulary is a key ingredient in reading, writing and speaking and listening.   This is done in various ways at SCPS and includes a systematic approach in formal instruction.
4. Genre - SCPS supports genre development through Seven Steps to Writing Success.  Students are immersed in various genres, including narrative, procedural, persuasive, informative throughout the year.  They explore the structure, grammar and vocabulary associated with the genre and build their ability to create their own texts in various ways including multimodal techniques.

In the early years of schooling, children focus on learning the foundational skills of reading and writing. As they grow and progress through their education, these skills evolve. In the later years, students use reading and writing as tools to expand their knowledge, think critically, and express their ideas across different subjects. Our goal is to support their journey from learning to read and write to using these skills confidently for deeper learning and understanding.