Literacy at the Heart of Learning

A Message from the Assistant Head of Junior School - Teaching and Learning | PYP

Reading is the foundation of all learning. It unlocks knowledge, develops critical thinking, fuels imagination, and enables students to participate fully in every area of school life. In the Junior School, we are undertaking an exciting renewal of our literacy curriculum and teaching to ensure that our practices reflect the latest research from what is known as ‘The Science of Reading’.

At the heart of this work are our passionate and highly skilled educators. Our teachers are deeply committed to continuous professional learning and are constantly improving their practice to ensure every student receives the highest quality literacy instruction. Drawing on current research, collaborating with colleagues, and responding to student needs, they are leading the way in evidence-informed teaching, helping every child develop the skills and confidence to become a successful reader.

As part of this work, we have implemented the evidence-based InitiaLit program in Prep and Year 1 this year, with Year 2 joining the program next year. InitiaLit provides a structured and systematic approach to literacy instruction, helping students develop the essential foundations for successful reading and writing.

Research shows that learning to read is not a natural process. While most children learn to speak through exposure to language, reading requires explicit instruction and years of practice. Successful reading depends on both decoding and comprehension. Our revised literacy approach focuses on the key elements identified through literacy research: oral language, phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Through explicit teaching and carefully sequenced learning experiences, students are building strong reading foundations that will support their success throughout their schooling and beyond.

While school plays a vital role in teaching children to read, families remain our most important partners in developing lifelong readers. The conversations, experiences, and reading opportunities that children encounter at home have a profound impact on their literacy development.

One of the most powerful ways families can support our work is through creating a rich language environment. Talk together often. Share stories about your day. Ask questions, encourage curiosity, and introduce new vocabulary through everyday experiences. These conversations build the language and knowledge that support reading comprehension later in life.

Equally important is making time for daily reading. Reading to your child, even after they have learned to read independently, exposes them to rich vocabulary, complex ideas, and engaging stories that they may not yet be able to access on their own. High-quality picture books remain a valuable literacy tool for children of all ages, helping to build understanding, imagination, and a love of literature.

In an increasingly digital world, there is also tremendous value in returning to books, libraries, and shared reading experiences. Regular visits to the library, seeing adults read for pleasure, and having access to books at home help children understand that reading is not simply a school task but a lifelong source of enjoyment and learning.

As we continue to strengthen our literacy program, our goal remains simple: every child becoming a confident, capable, and enthusiastic reader. By combining evidence-informed classroom instruction with strong home-school partnerships, we can provide the best possible foundation for our students' future success.

Together, we can ensure that reading remains at the heart of learning and at the heart of childhood.

Carolyn ThistlethwaiteAssistant Head of Junior School - Teaching and Learning / PYP