Early Years
Early Years Literacy at our school is grounded in the principles of the Science of Reading, with a strong focus on evidence-based instruction. At the heart of our approach is the phonological and phonemic awareness program, delivered through systematic and explicit phonics instruction. This structured and explicit program ensures all students build strong foundational skills in decoding, fluency and understanding text.
We recognise the Early Years as a critical time for fostering a love of learning and developing confident, capable learners. Our teaching is a balance of explicit instruction, small group work, and independent practice, ensuring that every child receives the support they need. Purposeful play-based learning is also integrated, helping to reinforce key concepts across all areas of the curriculum in an engaging and developmentally appropriate way.
Reading
Reading at NSS - Prep to Y2 Brochure_Final.pdf
Reading at NSS - Y3-Y6 Brochure.pdf
Learning Goals, Assessment and Reporting
Early in the school year teachers will communicate expectations, goals and assessment procedures to parents/caregivers.
Throughout the year informal reporting will occur with parents/caregivers as the need or opportunity arises at mutually convenient times. This is to provide incidental feedback, strengthen school/community ties and to ensure parents/caregivers are well informed about their child's progress. Formal parent/caregiver interviews are scheduled early in term 2 and later in term 3.
Twice-yearly a formal report is provided to parents/caregivers about their child's performance using a five-point scale.
In Prep – Year 2 achievement is recorded as applying, connecting, working with, exploring and beginning.
In Prep English, Mathematics, Health and Physical Education is provided and reported on each semester. All other subjects will be experienced in Prep and there will be no formal assessment, instead ongoing monitoring will occur. This will ensure continuity of learning in age-appropriate ways and that the necessary learning for success in Year 1 is undertaken.
In Years 3 to 6, achievement is reported using A to E standards.
Comments appear under each subject heading with a description of the learning outcomes for the reporting period.
An effort and behaviour comment based on the student grade will also appear.