Learning & Teaching

3-6 Literacy 

Year 3-6 Literacy and English with Ochre Education 

This year, our Year 3-6 students are engaging in an enriching English program using resources from Ochre Education, designed to build strong foundational skills while fostering a love of reading, writing, and communication. 

What is Ochre Education? 

Ochre Education is a national not-for-profit organisation dedicated to advancing student outcomes and closing the disadvantage gap by supporting teachers with high-quality curriculum resources. Their materials are evidence-based, curriculum-aligned, and created by experienced educators to ensure they meet the diverse needs of Australian students.  

What Does Literacy Look Like in Years 3-6? 

Our students participate in daily English lessons that incorporate a variety of essential literacy components: 

• Reading and Comprehension: Students explore a range of quality texts, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. Ochre's novel study units encourage close reading and critical analysis, helping students develop a deep understanding of texts.  
• Writing: Through modelled, shared and independent writing activities, students learn to structure different types of texts, including narratives, persuasive pieces, and informative reports. Ochre's resources provide explicit instruction in writing techniques, grammar, and punctuation to enhance students' writing skills.  
• Grammar and Spelling: Ochre, and the addition of MultiLit's SpellEx program in Grade 3/4 includes explict teaching of grammar, handwriting and spelling, aligned with the Victorian Curriculum.
• Speaking and Listening: Oral language development is an important part of our English program. Students engage in discussions, presentations, and collaborative activities that enhance their ability to express ideas clearly and confidently. 

How Does This Benefit Students? 

The structured approach provided by Ochre Education ensures that all students receive a consistent and high-quality literacy education. The program: 

• Builds confidence in reading and writing. 
• Provides explicit instruction tailored to different learning needs. 
• Encourages deeper thinking and comprehension. 
• Supports the development of strong communication skills.  

The Novels We Are Studying This Term 

Year 3/4- 'Kensuke's Kingdom' and 'Wongutha Tales' 

Year 5/6- 'A Ghost in my Suitcase' and 'Deadly Science: The Solar System' 

How Can Parents Support Literacy at Home? 

Parents play a crucial role in reinforcing literacy skills. Here are some ways to support your child’s learning: 

• Encourage daily reading at home and discuss what they are reading. 
• Ask questions about the texts they engage with to develop comprehension skills. 
• Provide opportunities for writing, such as keeping a journal, writing letters, or creating stories. 
• Play word games and engage in discussions to expand vocabulary and oral language skills. 

We are excited about the growth and success our students will achieve through this program. If you have any questions or would like more information about how you can support your child’s literacy development, please feel free to contact your child’s teacher. 

Thank you for your continued support in fostering a love of literacy! 

Australian Maths Trust: Kangourou sans Frontieres Competition

This week, 12 students from Years 3–6 proudly represented our school in the Australian Maths Trust Kangourou sans Frontières Competition. It was wonderful to see these students put themselves forward to take on the challenge, demonstrating both courage and a love of mathematics. Participating in such a prestigious international competition is a fantastic achievement in itself, and we are incredibly proud of their enthusiasm, effort, and commitment throughout the experience. We look forward to celebrating their involvement and can’t wait to see how they performed in the competition.