English

English at Chatham involves a vital and exciting program. The English program is dedicated to the study of language through a variety of texts and contexts in which language is spoken, read, viewed and written. Our aim is to give students skills and an appreciation of the richness of language whilst developing confidence, enjoyment and a sense of purpose.

The English program involves the three dimensions of:
•  Reading
•  Writing
•  Speaking and Listening
Learning in these areas is interrelated and interdependent. Study in each dimension contributes to the development of, and reflection on, the other dimensions.

A wide variety of English language activities take place throughout the school to encourage the students’ engagement and to allow development of their full potential in learning.
These include:
• Students creating and responding to a diversity of texts in print and electronic form, including a variety of fiction and non-fiction.
• Developing and responding to open-ended questions and undertaking tasks that stimulate higher level thinking.
• Incorporating Thinking Curriculum activities such as graphic organisers which help students to demonstrate the depth of their thinking and understanding.
• Whole school English/ Literacy/Book/Author focus days.
• Whole school developmental approach to spelling.

Early Years P - 4

• A dedicated two-hour literacy block for P-4 students enables the establishment of skills in Reading, Writing and Speaking and Listening.

• Children participate in individual language and reading level placement interviews with the class teacher. This allows the teacher to identify the child’s level of skills and needs in areas of literacy.

• Small group teaching and 'learning centres' are a focus of literacy sessions.

• Sessions focus on skills and strategies for reading and writing, effective use of spoken language, expanding vocabularies, fostering critical perspectives on texts and introducing students to literature.

• Parents support in daily classroom Literacy group activities is encouraged.

• A Reading Recovery teacher supports individual students in Year 1.

Middle Years

Students in the Middle Years, Grades 5 & 6, consolidate and build on basic knowledge and skills. They become independent readers and writers who undertake structured activities with some autonomy.
They demonstrate:
• Ability to speak, listen, read, view and write with enjoyment, purpose and confidence in a wide range of contexts.
• Knowledge of and the ability to apply variations in language, depending on context, purpose and audience.
• Understanding of the linguistic patterns and features used to construct different texts.
• Use of simple figurative language and a range of vocabulary, punctuation, grammar and visual images.
• The capacity to relate texts to aspects of contemporary society and personal experience.
• The ability to discuss and analyse texts and to differentiate between fact and opinion.
• Ability to plan, rehearse and make presentations for different purposes.
• Capacity to develop reasoned arguments
• Finesse by Year 6 students, in preparing material for, and conducting, the weekly School Assembly.
                 
Students are monitored and assessed against the expectations of the Victorian Essential Learning Standards and the Statewide Minimum Standards