A recent Grattan Institute report has shared that one-third of Australian students are failing to learn to read proficiently, referring to the situation as a ‘preventable tragedy’. In addition, the report identifies evidence-based approaches utilising structured literacy programs with phonics and explicit instruction as the most effective methods of teaching literacy.
At Toowoomba Grammar School, we implement a structured synthetic phonics approach to teaching spelling and reading that focuses on developing children's phonological awareness and decoding skills from Prep through to Year 6, which aligns to the recommendations of the Grattan Reports. The program we promote from Prep through to Year 6 is called Promoting Literacy Development (PLD). This program is underpinned by the Science of Reading and supported by the SPELD Foundation.
The Science of Reading advocates that reading is a learned skill that must be explicitly taught. Developing reading proficiency is a complex process involving phonological awareness (the ability to recognise and manipulate the sounds in spoken language), decoding (the ability to sound out words based on their letter-sound relationships), fluency (the ability to read with speed and accuracy), vocabulary knowledge, and comprehension (the ability to understand what is being read).
Our PLD program is delivered through explicit teaching methods. Explicit teaching is a group of research-supported instructional behaviours that provide the necessary support for successful learning through clarity of language and purpose and the reduction of cognitive load. It promotes active student engagement by requiring frequent and varied responses followed by appropriate affirmative and corrective feedback. Moreover, it assists in long-term retention through using purposeful practice strategies (Hughes, Morris, Therrien and Benson, 2017). This approach contrasts with more exploratory or inquiry-based methods, focusing instead on providing students with foundational knowledge and skills in a methodical manner.
In the context of literacy and numeracy, explicit teaching entails deliberate teacher modelling and meticulously explanation of the rules, patterns and strategies underlying language and numbers. It goes beyond assuming that students will naturally grasp these fundamentals through exposure alone. Instead, it recognises the need for structured guidance to ensure mastery.
For students at Toowoomba Grammar School, explicit teaching offers distinct advantages. Research shows that students benefit from clear and ordered instruction, particularly in the early stages of literacy and numeracy. Explicit teaching can also lead to higher levels of engagement and achievement due to preventing cognitive overload. A review conducted by the Australian Education Research Organisation in 2023 found that explicit teaching positively impacts student achievement in mathematics, reading, spelling, problem-solving and science. The studies also found that it works for both primary and secondary students and benefits students with and without additional learning needs.
Through a systematic and structured phonics program (PLD), our students have been mastering the essential skills needed to decode words and understand their meaning. PLD’s Structured Synthetic Phonics (SSP) approach is based on international research and the resources are upgraded as new research becomes available. In addition, our programs are independently assessed by third-party researchers. This research has shown that when PLD programs are used, in conjunction with ongoing professional development and school-wide consistent screening and tracking, measurable differences occur.
In addition to phonics, we've placed a strong emphasis on building word knowledge. This includes expanding vocabulary, learning about word families and patterns, and exploring the origins of words. By understanding the building blocks of language, our students are better equipped to tackle even the most challenging words.
If you’d like further information about Toowoomba Grammar School’s approach to literacy in the Junior School, please contact the School at communications@twgs.qld.edu.au.
- by Chantelle Bauer, TGS Junior School Deputy Head (Teaching and Learning)
Latest Blog
Life After School
As children grow and develop, they participate in a range of new experiences, with the “journey” from birth to adulthood being shaped by several awaited and expected transitions. These transitions occur across a range of context and help us to evolve in new environments. It is important to note that transition is associated with a change, which is something that happens for all of us. The concept of transition involves how we process, manage, and respond to the change. As adults, we work hard…
TGS Artist in Residence - Ben Tupas
I’ve been following Toowoomba Grammar School’s exciting Artist-in-residence program for several years. After seeing fellow Toowoomba artists such as Catherine Parker, Alice Weinthal and Vincent Parisi taking up the opportunity and engaging in the program, I decided to apply in 2022 to continue the momentum of my own artist practice. With the four-week residency wrapping up at the end of October, and some time to reflect on the experience I can write that the experience was a valuable…
The Transition to Secondary School
Research shows us that the move from a primary school to a secondary school is one of the most significant life changes that our young men will face. You can help make the transition to Senior School smoother by ensuring that the boys attend the orientation days, practice packing their bags and getting their sports, music, and activities equipment ready. When asked about tips for the boys coming into Year 7, current Year 7 dayboy, Ollie Wells suggests boys should “Be organised. Pack the night…
Nothing is Impossible
Toowoomba Grammar School's Year 7C English has been studying 'Cool Runnings' to learn about how stories or movies based on real life aren't always completely true. Extremely fascinated by the topic, young student Harry Ryan took it upon himself to message (via LinkedIn) the bobsled driver, Mr Dudley Stokes - he responded! After a little communication between the two, Harry asked Mr Stokes if he could FaceTime him during an English lesson, to 'meet' his teacher Mr Paul Irwin and classmates…
Simple Acts of Kindness
Giving back to the community is an important value that Toowoomba Grammar School endeavours to instill in our boys. Year 12 student, Tumoana Strugnell is a shining example of how it costs nothing but our time to help others, especially as we move into the Festive season and the challenges of life seem heightened. I first became involved in community service when I was in Year 6, through my local primary school’s involvement on ANZAC Day and my parent’s involvement in local community events. I’m…
A Holistic Approach to our Boarders' Activities Program
A true education is about much more than just lessons in a classroom. It’s about providing experiences that challenge a child, physically and mentally. It’s about providing opportunities that build independence, resilience and that help develop their good character. Toowoomba Grammar School is proud to offer a broad and liberal education that stretches way beyond the walls of a classroom and equips our boys with the skills to flourish as an individual. We offer a diverse and engaging…
A Beginner's Guide to Manga
If your son has brought home a book with big eyed characters, and he seems to be reading backwards, chances are, he's discovered Manga. The Dent library has a Manga collection that would be the envy of many schools, with over 100 unique titles. It Is easily the most visited section in the library, over half of the top 100 titles borrowed this year are Manga! But what is Manga? Manga is an umbrella term for a variety of print comics and graphic novels originating from Japan. Unlike western…
A Safe, Welcoming and Joyous Community
Tell us about yourself My background, at least that associated with boarding and teaching, is long and varied with a number of different aspects leading to this chosen career path. For the most part, I was schooled in Canberra but had extended periods in Lesotho, Norfolk Island, and Samoa as a result of my father’s work in foreign aid. My schooling was quite disruptive, and I wasn’t a model student! I was always passionate about English; often distracting myself (amongst other things) immersed…
Facilitating Respect
Recently the 2022 TGS Prefect group spoke at the Headmaster’s Assembly about respecting individuality. But what does this mean? The foundations for a successful relationship with peers, family, co-workers, and others is framed and supported by a two-way street of respect. However, for this two-way street to be functional it is important to know that respect cannot be demanded, it can only be earned. Toowoomba Grammar School is no different and respect is nurtured in various forms such as in the…
