English

The study of English is central to the learning and development of all young Australians. It helps create confident communicators, imaginative thinkers and informed citizens. It is through the study of English that individuals learn to analyse, understand, communicate and build relationships with others and with the world around them. The study of English plays a key role in the development of reading and literacy skills which help young people develop the knowledge and skills needed for education, training and the workplace. It helps them become ethical, thoughtful, informed and active members of society.

Some beliefs about effective writing instruction at Northfield:

• Involves students writing for authentic audiences and purposes across a range of genres
• Involves student in focussed and scaffolded writing experiences
• Develops a grammatical metalanguage through discussion of examples and patterns of language choices in texts through teaching practice such as modelling or deconstruction, guided practice or joint construction, and writing conferences

Some beliefs about effective reading instruction at Northfield:

• Includes many opportunities for a love of reading to be developed
• Encompasses a range of teaching practices that provide varying levels of support at different points of need-these practices include modelled reading (including thinking aloud), shared reading, guided reading and independent reading
• Uses these teaching practices to provide explicit instruction in comprehension

Some beliefs about oral language at Northfield:

• Assumes that oral language is the foundation of reading and writing instruction
• Is about both speaking (expressive language) and listening (receptive language)
• Shouldn’t be left to chance, it should be intentional and planned
• Recognises that oral language is central to forming relationships and acts as a cognitive toll for learning