Literacy
Yarra Hills Secondary College believes literacy skills – that is, reading and writing skills – are a crucial skill for life, and as such we have implemented special literacy strategies to help ensure that all students are able to develop their skills in this area.
We recognise that literacy is across all key learning areas and requires a college wide approach. We have a dedicated Literacy Leader, a Literacy Plan and we provide ongoing training to all staff. The current professional learning continues to focus on, but not limited to:
- Writing to Learn
- Mentor texts
- Substantive Talk
- Independent Reading
Write-a-thon
Yarra Hills Secondary holds a Write-a-thon for years 7 through to 9. Students write creatively for 24 hours, working in shifts to meet this challenge, being woken up at all hours of the night to recommence their writing.
Despite lack of sleep, the night is a huge success. The students have a fantastic time, and produced some truly excellent creative writing pieces.
The challenges of writing in the middle of the night can be best described through a poem, written by Gaia:
Sleepiness
Heavy, like a blanket of wool
It nags at your consciousness
And smothers all senses
Dulling movement, morphing lively, quick steps
Into heavy, cumbersome things
Dulling movement, morphing lively, quick steps
Into heavy, cumbersome things
Numeracy
Numeracy at Yarra Hills Secondary College is based on the key concepts of Understanding, Fluency, Reasoning and Problem Solving.
Students are taught Mathematics in the context of real world application tasks and are able to develop number sense and the necessary skills to become numerate adults. We encourage a growth mindset and believe that every student has the potential to excel in Mathematics as a subject and in using their numeracy skills across the curriculum.
Further information:
- Nicole Schoch – Numeracy Coordinator