LITE R ACY LIVES

‘Structured Literacy’ is a buzz term in the education world and at Dio this is no exception. We have recently implemented this research-based initiative and the results are already starting to show. Structured Literacy is an explicit and systematic way of teaching reading and all aspects of literacy. It focuses on phonemic awareness and alphabet knowledge, giving children the skills they need to read, spell and write successfully.

It is a transformative approach to literacy instruction at Dio, fostering the foundational skills along with explicit instruction and addressing the diverse needs of learners, ensuring that all children learn to read, write and spell with confidence. It links the literacy skills of reading, spelling and handwriting from the beginning of their journey, and was developed from evidence-based research and the science of reading. It is explicit and sequential and does not leave learning to read to chance.

We follow the Little Learners Love Literacy programme, which is based on the science of reading already mentioned. It is firmly grounded in research and evidence and studies consistently show its effectiveness in improving reading outcomes.

In equipping our girls with strong reading foundations, this approach empowers them with the skills they need for future success. We all know that reading is a fundamental lifelong essential skill, and our role is to ensure our girls have the skills they need.

As an International Baccalaureate school, our Primary Years Programme (PYP) is inquiry-based learning where students are encouraged to ask questions, investigate, use critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Having a strong literacy base is essential for the development of these. The PYP is also transdisciplinary by nature, meaning that students explore curriculum areas and the links between them in varied contexts. Being able to read and write effectively through interrelated connections is important and the Structured Literacy approach fosters this.

We are excited to see the progress of our girls continue to develop and flourish.

Whaiwhia te kete ma¯tauranga –fill the basket of knowledge.

Sue Cattell, Head of Junior School