English

At Solway Primary School, we are committed to delivering high-quality literacy instruction that is grounded in evidence and designed to ensure every student can succeed. Our approach is informed by the Science of Learning and the Science of Reading, drawing on well-established research about how children learn to read, write and spell.

We believe that all students have the right to clear, explicit instruction and structured opportunities to practise, apply and consolidate their learning. Across all classrooms, teachers use consistent engagement norms and regular checks for understanding to ensure learning is purposeful, inclusive and responsive.

Reading

Strong reading skills are the foundation for success across all learning areas. At Solway, reading instruction is explicitly taught, carefully sequenced and systematically revisited to ensure students develop automaticity, accuracy and deep understanding.

Quality reading instruction at Solway is underpinned by six key components:

• Oral Language

• Phonemic Awareness (hearing and manipulating individual sounds in words)

• Phonics (understanding the relationship between letters and sounds)

• Fluency

• Vocabulary

• Comprehension

These elements are taught through explicit modelling, guided practice and independent application, with teachers continually checking for understanding and adjusting instruction to meet student needs.

Our Approach to Reading Instruction

Across Prep to Grade 6, students engage in a structured and consistent reading approach that includes:

• explicit and systematic teaching of phonemic awareness and phonics

• daily opportunities to practise and apply skills

• explicit instruction in irregular and high-frequency words

• fluency development through repeated and supported reading

• intentional vocabulary instruction to support comprehension and writing

• explicit teaching of comprehension strategies and questioning techniques

• engagement in a knowledge-rich curriculum to build background knowledge and understanding

Teachers use clear learning intentions, success criteria and active engagement strategies to ensure students know what they are learning, why it matters and how to be successful.

Writing

At Solway Primary School, we recognise that writing is a complex skill that must be explicitly taught and carefully scaffolded. Writing instruction builds progressively from the early years through to the senior grades, ensuring students develop confidence and control as writers.

Students receive explicit instruction in:

• handwriting and letter formation

• spelling and word structure

• grammar and sentence construction

• paragraphing and text cohesion

• writing across a range of genres and purposes

Writing lessons include modelled, shared and independent writing experiences, with teachers providing clear explanations, examples and feedback. Regular checks for understanding ensure misconceptions are addressed early and students are supported to improve.

Spelling, Morphology and Vocabulary

Spelling instruction at Solway focuses on helping students understand how words work. Students are explicitly taught:

• phoneme–grapheme relationships

• syllable types and spelling rules

• morphology (base words, prefixes and suffixes)

• word meanings and connections

This approach supports students to spell more accurately, expand their vocabulary and strengthen their reading comprehension and writing.

Teaching and Learning at Solway

Across all literacy lessons, teachers use:

• explicit instruction and clear explanations

• consistent engagement norms to maximise learning time

• frequent checks for understanding, including questioning, observation and student responses

• timely feedback to support improvement

• high expectations for all learners

By combining evidence-based practice with strong relationships and consistent routines, we ensure students are supported to become confident, capable readers and writers.