St Mary’s reading results improve

By Georgia Rossiter

Mar 29, 2022

Enjoying reading: Louise Reed (left) and Kylie Baines with St Mary’s students Torrey Murphy, Savanna Smith and Isabel Gordon.

St Mary’s College students have experienced significant growth in reading and literacy levels, according to the latest NAPLAN results.

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Principal Wayne Smith said the college believed reading was the gateway to life and it was determined to lift reading results.

“Our learning diversity leader Claire Kelly had researched the MultiLit program and recommended this collection of highly effective evidenced-based and data-driven programs,” he said.

“Our strategic plan was built around reading improvement for students.

“We certainly have had a marked improvement.”

Mr Smith said the new program was already providing results, with 48 per cent of Year 3 students and 39 per cent of Year 5 students in the top two bands for reading.

“Year 10 students who were mentioned in the Herald Sun on Wednesday, March 16, were the cohort who demonstrated the fourth most improved results from Year 7 to 9 in NAPLAN writing in the state,” he said.

“They were supported by an English department driven by high expectations, explicit teaching, targeted feedback and the importance of drafting and perseverance in all aspects of the writing process.

“St Mary’s College is very proud of the work these students and teachers completed, particularly considering remote learning times.

“What is really pleasing is the number of students who have had individual growth.

“There’s no doubt the MultiLit programs are having a positive effect on reading outcomes. Literacy leader Kerrie Pearce is overseeing the implementation of the programs and extending the principles of The Science of Reading to the teaching of reading throughout the college.”

Developed at Macquarie University in Sydney, the MultiLit program InitiaLit is an evidence-based whole-class literacy program for students in the first three years of school that provides all children with the essential core knowledge and strong foundations to become successful readers and writers.

For students who require more support, the MultiLit programs MiniLit and MacqLit are used for students up to Year 10. These two programs are delivered more intensively in a small group setting five days a week.

“St Mary’s believes in MultiLit,” Mr Smith said.

“The college executive made the decision to invest in the programs and employed Louise Reed, an experienced primary literacy teacher who works with small groups using MultiLit.”

Ms Reed and learning support officer Kylie Baines completed Macquarie University’s intensive online training to deliver the MiniLit and MacqLit programs.

“At St Mary’s, we are preparing our students for life and reading is a big part of that,” Mr Smith said.