Curriculum News
Naomi Glasby Conchita Thomas
(Literacy Leader) (Mathematics & Assessment Leader)
Welcome to Term 1: A Big Year of Learning Ahead!
Welcome back to all our families! It has been wonderful to see the classrooms buzzing with energy again. We have an action-packed term ahead, particularly in English and Mathematics, where we are continuing to implement some exciting, research-driven updates to our teaching.
Library & Home Reading
Library borrowing starts next week for all children. To foster a love for books and support home reading, every child will bring home 2 - 3 library books each week. Whether these are books for you to read to your child or for them to explore independently, they are a fantastic way to build vocabulary and engagement.
Important Changes to Home Reading
This year, our approach to formal home reading in the Junior School is changing to better align with the latest evidence on how children learn to read. In addition to the library books, students in Prep - Year 2 will also bring home two decodable passages each Monday to read over the week.
Decodable passages will be sent home from Week 4 for Year 1 and 2 students and Week 8 for Prep students. Home reading will look very different this year compared to the past. We are moving toward a model that focuses on mastery and decoding rather than just "levelled" books.
Supporting Maths at Home
This year, we are increasing our focus on developing Maths fluency in our students. We are implementing a school-wide initiative to drive basic fact automaticity and fluency around key mathematical strategies. Students will be encouraged to frequently practise at home key facts or strategies that they have been working on at school.
Save the Date: Parent Information Session
To explain these changes and show you how to support your child with both Reading and Maths practice, we are hosting a Prep, Year 1 and Year 2 Parent Information Session:
- When: Monday 16th February
- Time: 4:00pm – 5:00pm
- Where: The Open Space (Entry via the Front Office)
We would love to see as many Prep, Year 1 and Year 2 parents there as possible! It’s a great chance to ask questions and see the new routines and approaches in action. Keep an eye on Compass for further details.
We look forward to a fantastic year of partnership with you as we work together to support your child on their learning journey.
Best wishes,
Naomi Glasby and Conchita Thomas