Millner Primary School is improving literacy outcomes for all students through a dedicated literacy program delivered in the early years.
Since early 2022, Millner Primary early years students have been learning to read and write through the nationally accredited Read Write Inc program. So far, every student involved in the program has shown growth in literacy.
The program focuses on sequential teaching of phonics and provides a systematic and consistent approach to teaching of reading and writing. There is also a strong focus on professional development for staff.
Alongside the continued support from the Northern Territory Government, Millner Primary School principal, Noella Goveas, was awarded a grant through Australian Schools Plus to deliver the program and is thrilled with the feedback from teachers, students and parents so far.
"Thanks to the NT Government and an additional $30,000 from Australian Schools Plus, we expanded the Read Write Inc program to our Year 2 and Year 3 classes, through the allocation of dedicated resources, additional relief staff and professional development opportunities," she said.
"Our school is passionate about improving literacy outcomes and it was identified in early 2022, that we needed to focus on early intervention to ensure our youngest learners have the best start in literacy learning."
The school has trained 10 dedicated educators to deliver the program under the guidance of Reading Leader, Sarah Mullucks.
Sarah says maintaining the rigour and accountability in all lessons is key to the success of this program.
"Staff are supported and coached to maintain the integrity of the program through modelling lessons, peer observation and allocating time for preparation of resources," she said.
Schools can access the Read Write Inc Program through the Department of Education links under E-Learn and network team leaders who provide free training courses for all educators.
