Victorian College for the Deaf’s top priority is for our students to be numerate and literate. The earlier that students learn to read, the earlier they can begin reading to learn. 

Our small class sizes enable an intimate learning environment and mean that our curriculum can be individually tailored to meet the learning needs of our students. We also limit the number of teachers in the primary area, in order to provide consistency for our younger students.

Literacy Program

At Victorian College for the Deaf we use Explicit Direction Instruction and Direct Instruction resources to teach reading, writing and spelling. This approach closes the educational gap for our students.

We explicitly teach Auslan and English so children can participate effectively in their learning. Children choose if they wish to use Auslan or speech in class.

Teaching focuses during literacy lessons include:

  • how speech sounds and lip shapes match letters and spelling patterns. Children use these skills to read and spell words. Students are explicitly taught vocabulary, grammar, punctuation and handwriting. These skills help them to become successful readers and writers.
  • learning about different types of writing: information reports, stories (narratives), writing an argument, and retells. This helps students to understand and value written text.
  • communication skills for listening/watching; organising thoughts, paying attention, and asking questions with confidence.

Students are placed in groups that match their learning needs.  They are taught in Auslan and / or spoken English to match their language and communication style.

F-10 students have two literacy lessons daily that may include:

  • Phonemic awareness
  • Phonology
  • Vocabulary
  • Reading Fluency & Comprehension
  • Handwriting
  • Morphology
  • Grammar
  • Punctuation

For a more in-depth look at Explicit Direct Instruction at Victorian College for the Deaf, you can view this document, or talk to our Literacy team at the college.

Primary School Subjects

  • English (Literacy)
  • Maths (Numeracy)
  • Physical Education/Sport
  • Auslan
  • Art
  • Integrated Studies
  • Health
  • Science/Technology
  • Respectful Relationships

Additional Information