These videos support Australian schools by showcasing professional development, instructional model changes, curriculum connections, and literacy resourcing. They also align with the SA Department's four areas of impact: equity and excellence, learner agency, effective learners, and wellbeing.
Celebrating literacy growth across a whole school
In 2020, Mt Barker South Primary School embarked on a transformative literacy journey inspired by the Department for Education's "Be Brave and Lead" initiative. With Cue Learning's support, the school shifted from a scripted, intervention-focused model to an inclusive, engagement-driven approach prioritising student agency, teacher collaboration, and a love of learning.
Key strategies included leveraging the full curriculum, rich literature, and the gradual release of responsibility instructional model. Consistent routines and rituals across classrooms fostered coherence. Initial small wins, such as establishing classroom libraries, ignited teacher buy-in and set the foundation for change.
A "literacy action team" with representatives from each year level spearheaded the professional learning efforts. Teachers engaged in peer observations, coaching, and personalised learning sessions tailored to their needs. Year-level teams collaboratively developed five-week units of work using shared tools and resources, such as mentor text collections, class modelling books, and reorganised intranet folders.
The school cultivated a strengths-based mindset, valuing each student as a reader and writer. Teacher observations of students' day-to-day learning now guide practice, fostering greater equity, learner agency, and wellbeing for all.
This approach has led to profound changes in teaching excellence and student outcomes, showcasing the power of collaboration and authentic literacy practices beyond traditional metrics.
Celebrating literacy growth in a year 3 classroom
In this video, Sarah Taylor, a Year 3 teacher at Mt Barker South Primary School, highlights the growth and transformation in her literacy teaching practices. She shares how her teaching has become more integrated and cohesive, with seamless connections between reading, writing, and word work.
This holistic approach, guided by strategic cross-curricular links, has enhanced both her confidence and her students' engagement. Sarah describes how thematic units, such as a focus on Thai culture, allow her to create meaningful literacy experiences. Students explore rich texts, practise descriptive writing, and connect their learning to creative projects like artist statements, pottery, and dance.
Through these activities, they engage with vocabulary, language features, and storytelling techniques, which they later apply in their own writing. Her classroom emphasises noticing and modelling, with students regularly sharing ideas, receiving feedback, and iterating on their work. Sarah reflects on how her students have become more confident writers, benefiting from daily practice and integrated instruction. She values the shift from fragmented literacy lessons to a unified approach, fostering student enthusiasm and creativity.
The journey concludes with celebrations, such as a class gallery showcasing student work, reinforcing pride and accomplishment. Sarah's approach exemplifies the power of thoughtful planning and meaningful connections in literacy education.
Celebrating literacy growth in a years 3-6 Special Options classroom
Five years ago, Jess Kneebone began teaching at Mount Barker South Primary School, joining an early career teacher program where she connected with literacy consultant Sharon Callen. Their collaboration evolved from workshop sessions to personalised in-class support, fostering Jess's growth as an educator.
Jess teaches a diverse Year 3-6 special options class, adapting lessons to suit students with disabilities. She emphasises differentiation, using strategies like independent writing and storytelling to engage her students. One highlight includes a fairy tale unit where students created stories through various mediums, showcasing creativity and fostering connections.
Her classroom thrives on structured routines and the power of literature. Daily read-alouds, mentor texts, and engaging series like The Bad Guys have reignited her students' love for reading. Conversations and oral responses further build their language skills, while bookmaking projects boost confidence and pride.
Guided by Sharon's supportive mentorship, Jess has embraced reflective practice, celebrating milestones and tailoring lessons to her students' needs. Their partnership exemplifies the impact of collaborative professional learning, inspiring responsive and engaging literacy practices that prioritise growth and connection.
