English at Sacred Heart

Proficiency in the English language is essential for success in education and in everyday life. It is the foundation for effective communication, critical thinking, and meaningful participation in society.

At Sacred Heart, the English curriculum supports students to become confident, thoughtful, and capable users of language. Through the study of English, students learn to:

  • Listen, read, view, speak, write, create, and reflect on increasingly complex and sophisticated spoken, written, and multimodal texts (which may combine visual, digital, and oral elements)

  • Appreciate, enjoy, and confidently use the English language in a range of personal, social, and academic contexts

  • Understand the structure and function of Standard Australian English in both its spoken and written forms

  • Develop curiosity and inquiry into the richness, beauty, and power of language and texts

The English program fosters more than just literacy—it cultivates a lifelong appreciation for language as a powerful tool for learning, self-expression, and human connection.

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At Sacred Heart School, student learning is assessed through a combination of formal and informal methods throughout the year. These assessments are designed to inform teaching, monitor progress, and support the development of personalised learning pathways for every student.

The school utilises the following assessment tools:

  • Benchmark Assessment System (BAS) – Developed by Fountas & Pinnell, this system enables teachers to accurately assess students’ reading behaviours and comprehension levels to guide effective instruction.

  • Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT) – A suite of standardised, norm-referenced assessments that provide objective data on students' skills and understandings across key learning areas. These results assist teachers in tracking progress and identifying areas for growth.

  • Essential Assessment – An online platform aligned with the Victorian Curriculum, designed to evaluate student achievement and support the development of targeted, differentiated learning plans.

In addition to these tools, all teachers work collaboratively with colleagues within their learning areas to develop and implement learning progressions. These progressions ensure a consistent and comprehensive approach to monitoring student growth and achievement across all levels.