Literacy

At Furlong Park School for Deaf Children, literacy teaching is consistent across the whole school, with every student supported to develop strong skills in reading, writing and communication. Guided by the Victorian Curriculum 2.0, our literacy program uses explicit, structured and evidence‑based teaching approaches that are responsive to the language and communication needs of deaf learners.

All students participate in daily literacy sessions that build decoding, comprehension, vocabulary and writing skills. We use the Department of Education’s Phonics Plus resources to provide systematic synthetic phonics and phonological awareness instruction, ensuring every student has a strong foundation for reading success.

In addition to this, some students take part in the Fingerspelling Your Way to Reading program. This program supports visual recognition of English spelling patterns and strengthens the connection between fingerspelling, print and meaning, particularly for students who benefit from a visually focused approach to literacy.

Across the school, students engage with rich texts, learn strategies for understanding and interpreting written language, and practise writing for a range of purposes. They are supported to plan, draft, revise and publish their work, building confidence and independence as writers.

Through carefully designed instruction, high‑quality resources and a strong focus on communication, we ensure every student has the opportunity to grow as a successful reader and writer, equipped with essential skills for learning and life.