Literacy at Winterfold Primary School
At Winterfold Primary School, we implement a whole-school approach to literacy that aligns with the Western Australian Curriculum: English and supports consistent, high-quality teaching from Kindergarten to Year 6. Our program is designed to develop confident, capable communicators who can effectively use language for learning, thinking and engaging with the world.
Explicit instruction is central to our literacy approach. Teachers systematically teach the knowledge and skills outlined in the curriculum across the three strands of Oral Language, Reading and Viewing, and Writing. Learning intentions are made clear, success criteria are shared, and teachers model strategies and processes before students are guided and supported to apply their learning independently.
Oral language is prioritised through the use of Talk for Writing practices, which support students to rehearse ideas, build vocabulary, and develop control over language structures. This approach strengthens students’ ability to plan, structure and refine their writing, while also supporting comprehension and spoken communication.
Spelling is taught using the PLD (Promoting Literacy Development) structured spelling program, ensuring a consistent, evidence-based approach aligned with curriculum expectations for phonological awareness, phonics, morphemic knowledge and orthographic patterns. This supports students to understand how words work and to apply spelling strategies across all areas of literacy.
Literacy is delivered through structured Literacy Blocks, providing a balance of explicit teaching, guided practice, and independent application. These blocks ensure students have regular and purposeful opportunities to read, write, speak and listen, with instruction responsive to student needs and curriculum progression.
Teachers plan, review and refine literacy instruction through Professional Learning Community (PLC) sessions, where student achievement data is analysed, curriculum expectations are unpacked, and teaching strategies are collaboratively planned. Moderation of student work supports consistent judgement against WA Curriculum achievement standards and ensures continuity of practice across year levels.
Through this cohesive, deliberate and curriculum-aligned approach, Winterfold Primary School supports all students to develop strong literacy foundations and the skills necessary for lifelong learning.