1806 - Curriculum

Literacy
“Literacy in English gives students access to the understanding, knowledge, and skills
they need to participate fully in the social, cultural, political and economic life of
New Zealand and the wider world.
To be successful participants, they need to be effective oral, written and visual
communicators who are able to think critically and in depth.” (NZC)
Students will be:
• Confident and fluent readers, who are capable
of achieving at the best of their abilities and
are making continuous progress.
• 21st Century learners who can present ideas/
information in a variety of medium.
• Fluent capable writers who are able to use
written language to record, engage and
inform a variety of audiences and for a variety
of purposes.
• Analytical viewers who understand and think
critically about what they see.
• Respectful listeners who engage with their
environment. Active curious listeners who
respond and engage with topics and people.
• Confident, clear speakers who engage their
audience and who are able to express their
thoughts and opinions. Students who are able
to effectively communicate with a variety of
people in a variety of situations.
Oral language: To be effective communicators students need to practice their oral language
skills. At San Antonio School we do this by participation in daily prayers, news time and class
discussions. We are aware that these skills need to be taught.
Good writing teachers are aware of their students and the stories they are able to tell. The
most important impact writing teachers can have is to build strong relationships with their
students. Teachers at San Antonio do this and provide models so that students can see how
effective readers-writers think and behave in their writing.
Teachers have daily writing teaching sessions, which demonstrate what is required in the
task and allow students to practice the craft of writing.
Reading to students is where a love of reading is created. Reading to students frees them
from working out unknown words and supports them to become captivated in texts. It is a
time where teachers can discuss more complex vocabulary and themes with their students.
Guided reading is where the students learn the skills of working out unfamiliar words,
comprehension of texts and thinking critically about the texts they read. Students are
supported to read these texts individually.
Independent reading (silent reading) has one of the greatest impacts on students reading
achievement. Teachers display a range of texts for students to read at independent reading
times. Students from year 3 and above are encouraged to read independently at home each
evening.