We recognise the fundamental role Literacy plays in a child’s learning. In the junior years, our Literacy program aims to develop the foundations of Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking, ensuring that students are supported to develop basic skills on which to build upon in later years.
At SMM, our Literacy Practices are in line with Science of Learning research and practices. “The science of learning” refers to two related concepts: the study of how the brain learns, and evidenced informed methods for teaching literacy.
In Foundation, Years 1 + 2, the five specific reading sub-skills of phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension are taught explicitly and systematically so that our children become capable readers. Years 3-6 continue to build on these strong foundations of literacy. At SMM students are taught to their point of need through the use of timely student data to inform their learning plan. Classroom and learning enhancement intervention teachers meet weekly with our literacy leaders and Literacy Learning specialist to analyse student work samples to ascertain, “Where is each student now in the English progression of learning? Where to next? How can we optimise each child’s learning outcomes?”
In 2023 we launched the implementation of Spelling Mastery across our Year 1 -6 classes. Spelling Mastery provides explicit lessons to help efficiently and effectively teach the spelling skills students need to become proficient readers and writers.
At St Margaret Mary’s, our approach to literacy is guided by the expertise and dedication of our Literacy Leader, Lucy McCarthy. With recent hands-on classroom experience, Lucy brings valuable insight into the evolving needs of students and teachers.
Her strong background in change leadership, coaching, and mentoring enables her to drive both student literacy growth and ongoing staff development. Passionate about fostering a love of reading and writing, Lucy works closely with Classroom and Learning Enhancement Intervention teachers to ensure every child has access to high-quality, evidence-based literacy instruction.
Through collaboration in classrooms, strategic planning, and professional learning, Lucy empowers teachers to refine their practice and create engaging literacy experiences that support all learners to thrive.
