English
At Yokine Primary School, we use foundational tools to help every student develop lifelong English skills and become excellent communicators, imaginative thinkers and informed, thoughtful students. Our experienced teachers use a whole-school approach with consistent, explicit instruction. This means lessons are clear and purposeful, with a specific learning goal so that every child can practice independently and succeed in their daily learning.
In our English classrooms, we use proven, research-based programs to build strong Reading, Writing and Speaking habits. Students engage with exciting resources like Pre-Lit, InitiaLit and SpellEx, alongside daily literacy reviews, decodable readers and inspiring novel studies. We provide targeted support through programs like MiniLit and MacqLit to ensure all students' literacy needs are met.
Reading tips for families
Developing reading skills is centred around learning decodable skills to better understand words and sounds, practicing and improving reading fluency, and building strategies for better reading comprehension.
Weekly library borrowing sessions encourage reading for enjoyment, helping to consolidate new literacy learnings into lifelong skills.
Parents and caregivers play a vital role in their children's literacy development. They can nurture a love of reading by continuing to read to and with their children, even after they have learnt to read independently.
Here are five simple strategies families can use when helping children learn to read at home.
1. When listening to children read, sit side by side with them so they can clearly see the words on the page.
2. Look at the front cover of the book and read the title as well as the blurb on the back cover. Briefly discuss what the story may be about, as this helps to activate the child's background knowledge.
3. Have a quick look through the text and preview any 'tricky' words that cannot be sounded out, like 'the' 'my' or 'said'. Explain the meaning of words that might be unfamiliar to the child to build their vocabulary.
4. When the child is reading, if an error is made on a decodable word, demonstrate how to sound out the word, then sound out the word together. For words that cannot be sounded out, simply say the word and ask your child to repeat it.
5. When you've finished reading the book, check for understanding by asking questions about the story.
Source: MultiLit Program
Mathematics
Mathematics skills grow students into capable problem-solvers with the ability to think logically and creatively to make sense of the world. At Yokine Primary School, we equip students with the mathematical skills needed for further education, the workplace and everyday life.
Our experienced educators use an explicit instruction approach when teaching mathematics. Student learning is purposeful and carefully scaffolded, leading to independent practice, confidence and competency. All classes participate in regular, structured mathematics sessions where students receive explicit teaching, daily review and opportunities to practise mental mathematics.
Students develop strong numeracy skills through a balanced mathematics program that focuses on number sense, fluency, reasoning and problem-solving. Through rich mathematical tasks and real-world learning experiences, students are encouraged to apply their knowledge, think critically, explore multiple strategies and communicate their mathematical thinking. Problem-solving is embedded across all year levels, helping students develop perseverance, resilience and confidence when tackling unfamiliar challenges.
Teachers use regular assessment to track student progress and adjust teaching to meet the needs of all learners. Students are supported through differentiated classroom programs, extension opportunities and targeted intervention where required. We use the Bond Blocks intervention program to strengthen students’ understanding of key mathematical concepts and build confidence in number skills. Digital technologies and hands-on materials are also used to make learning engaging, meaningful and accessible for all students.
At Yokine Primary School, we foster a positive mathematical mindset where mistakes are viewed as opportunities for learning and growth. We aim to develop confident, capable learners who can apply their mathematical understanding creatively and effectively in a range of contexts.
Online Mathematics resources and games
