Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning in Years 1 and 2. They are supported to set learning goals and reflect on their achievements. Students develop their capacity to follow directions, identify needs and find solutions. They improve their learning by offering assistance to, and by seeking assistance from peers. They become aware of their own contribution to a positive learning environment.
Phonics
Building upon the strong foundational phonics skills from their first year at school, our Year 1 and 2 students continue to develop their phonological awareness through teachings of the Letters and Sounds program. Furthering their prior knowledge from the Letters and Sounds program, students are systematically taught and apply their phonetic knowledge to spelling, writing and reading. By using the same Phonics program throughout the Junior School, our students move along the learning continuum with consistent knowledge and routines to ensure success.
Reading
Just like in Foundation, Reading lessons in Year 1 and Year 2 are specifically designed, in line with the Daily 5 and CAFE program, to develop independence, stamina and accountability. After an explicit teaching focus on one of the reading strategies Comprehension (C), Accuracy (A), Fluency (F) or Expand Vocabulary (E), all students autonomously chose a learning activity to practice their newly learnt skill.
Writing
With an ever-expanding bank of writing skills and knowledge, our Year 1 and 2 students engage in meaningful, purposeful and highly informed writing lessons to further develop their writing. Having had exposure to the VCOP writing program in Foundation, the students expand thier knowledge of text types, vocabulary (V), connectives (C), openers (O) and punctuation (P) with an already familiar writing language and repertoire. The writing sessions are structured yet exciting and engaging, using non-verbal representations, games and activities to make the abstract concepts of writing understandable to all learners.
Mathematics
Year 1 and Year 2 students wonder, question, communicate and investigate and graduate to Years 3 and 4 with a sound understanding of mathematical concepts, how to apply knowledge to solve mathematical problems and utilize their curiosity to learn more about the mathematical world they live in. While every child and their mathematical needs are assessed and addressed continuously to optimize growth in their learning outcomes, their interest and engagement are also sparked with the use of engaging, hands-on activities, open-ended tasks and ICT.
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