English at Frankston East Primary School

At Frankston East Primary School, we provide a rich and structured English program grounded in the Science of Learning and designed to help every child become a confident reader, writer and communicator. Our approach combines strong foundational skills with engaging opportunities to think, create and communicate.

Our English program includes:

• Structured Literacy Instruction – We explicitly teach reading, spelling and vocabulary using evidence-based approaches. In Foundation–Year 2, we use Decodable Readers Australia (DRA) to support early reading development through carefully sequenced decodable texts, with these resources also used in intervention across the school. In Years 3–6, we use PhOrMeS as our spelling program, supporting students to develop phonics, morphology and orthographic knowledge. For students requiring additional support, we provide targeted intervention using evidence-based programs such as PhOrMeS and Toe by Toe.
• Reading – Students develop decoding, fluency and comprehension through whole-class instruction, small-group teaching, partner reading and rich discussions using high-quality literature and knowledge-building texts.
• Writing – Through explicit modelling and guided practice, students learn to write for a range of purposes, including narrative, informative and persuasive texts, while developing sentence structure, grammar and author craft.
• Explicit Vocabulary Teaching – Students are taught rich vocabulary intentionally and systematically to strengthen oral language, reading comprehension and writing. Vocabulary is revisited through discussion, application and daily review.
• Explicit Teaching through Gradual Release – Our lessons follow the Gradual Release of Responsibility (I Do, We Do, You Do) model, where teachers model new learning, students practise with support, and then apply skills independently.
• Retrieval Practice and Daily Review – We use retrieval practice and regular review to strengthen memory, build automaticity and help students retain and apply what they have learned over time.
• Evidence-Based Assessment – We use high-quality assessment tools, including DIBELS and other evidence-based assessments, to monitor student growth, identify needs early and ensure teaching is responsive to each learner.
• Targeted Support and Extension – We provide intervention and enrichment opportunities to ensure all learners are supported and challenged at their point of need.

At FEPS, we believe strong literacy instruction opens doors. Our English program nurtures skilled readers, capable writers and curious thinkers who are prepared to thrive