Reading Program

Burgmann Anglican School has a strong reading program and expectations in this area are high. It is imperative that all children read fluently or future educational access will be greatly inhibited. Therefore there is strong focus on literacy in the early years.

The reading program centres on the belief that each child, being a unique individual, has a preferred learning style. With this in mind the teaching of reading incorporates several approaches: phonics, whole-language, guided reading and mastery. By incorporating several theories of literacy it is hoped that every child will experience success.

The school also has a home reading scheme that complements the classroom program. As a general rule, children from Kindergarten take home two books each week to read with their parents. Year 1 and Year 2 borrow a book each day until such time as they are reading chapter books. At that point in time it is expected that all students would read a novel each week and are prepared to share that novel at the end of the week with a small group of fellow students. Every child is on an individual reading program for this part of the curriculum. Their reading is tested three times a year using a standardised test until they reach a reading age of 12 years.

Should a child require additional support then they are referred to the Enrichment Teacher. The Enrichment Teacher will devise an individual program that can be supported by the parents at home.