LITERACY

Celebrating Sounds-Write at Mickleham Secondary College  

As we come to the end of our inaugural year implementing the Sounds-Write intervention program, we are proud to reflect on the remarkable growth, confidence, and achievement demonstrated by a select group of our year 7 students. Sounds-Write, an evidence-based approach to early literacy, has strengthened students’ foundational skills in phonemic awareness, decoding, fluent reading, and accurate spelling. Most importantly, it has helped students believe in their own ability to learn, persist, and succeed. 

Throughout the year, we have seen students’ confidence flourish. Many have moved from feeling unsure about reading and spelling to approaching literacy tasks with increasing independence and optimism. Their willingness to take risks, apply new strategies, and demonstrate their skills has been inspiring. This shift in mindset is one of the most powerful outcomes of effective literacy intervention, and it has had a positive impact across all subject areas. 

The success of the program has been strengthened by the support of our broader teaching staff, who recognised the importance of strong foundational literacy skills in enabling students to access learning across all subject areas. Their encouragement, understanding of the program’s value, and commitment to reinforcing high expectations for literacy across the curriculum contributed to a positive environment in which students could confidently apply their developing skills. Families also played a vital role, supporting their children at home and recognising the long-term value of building strong literacy foundations. 

The collective effort of our school community reflects Mickleham Secondary College’s

 VISION: 

“To co-create an inclusive, supportive learning community where people strive to achieve their best.” 

Through Sounds-Write, our students have experienced what it means to be encouraged, challenged, and supported within such a community. This initiative also aligns closely with the school’s MISSION: 

“To make a difference to each individual and provide them with the best opportunities for their future.” 

By equipping students with essential literacy skills, we are giving them tools that will serve them not only in secondary school, but far beyond—in further study, employment, and life. The program has demonstrated its value not only through improved achievement data but through positive daily interactions, growing confidence, and newfound pride in learning that students have shared. 

Listed below are the 12 students who received a certificate, based upon their demonstrated exceptional growth, resulting in their ranking as one of the strongest performers in the cohort. 

We would also like to acknowledge the outstanding work of Sherrin Campbell and Symone Wade, whose expertise, dedication, and professionalism have been central to the success of the program. With extensive backgrounds in literacy intervention, both practitioners brought deep knowledge of structured teaching approaches and a strong capacity to connect authentically with students. They created resources, planned lessons, adapted learning sequences, and supported individual learners with skill and compassion. Their enthusiasm, patience, and high expectations ensured that every student felt seen.  

The Sounds-Write Team