Using the NSW Literacy continuum K-10

The course describes how to understand and use the NSW Literacy continuum K-10 as part of regular teaching practice in all subjects, to incorporate literacy to meet the needs of students. In particular, the course examines:

  • literacy as part of the broad continuum of learning

  • the structure and features of the NSW Literacy continuum K-10

  • ways that literacy considerations can be incorporated into effective teaching in each subject.

Summary of course requirements
Tab/Mini-tab Indicative time Description Activities and deliverable

Overview

10 minutes

Orientate yourself to the course and the resources.

Read through each section in the Overview. Download required documents.

Literacy

Defining literacy

40 minutes

Situate literacy in the Australian educational context.

Activity 1a Purposes for literacy

Activity 1b Modes of communication

Literacy

Literacy in the syllabuses

40 minutes

Situate literacy in the NSW syllabuses.

Activity 2 Literacy in the syllabuses

Literacy as a continuum

A continuum of learning

60 minutes

Establish connections between student development, academic progress and literacy.

Activity 3 The NSW Literacy continuum K-10 in the progress of learning

Activity 4 The Overview

Literacy as a continuum

NSW Literacy continuum K-10

30 minutes

Focus on one sample student’s areas of strengths and weaknesses to inform planning.

Activity 5 Building literacy strength, a close study

Optional activity Three teachers talk about the teaching of literacy

Literacy continuum in practice

Teacher applications

20 minutes

90 minutes writing and review

Become familiar with the range of programs and packages informed by the NSW Literacy continuum K-10.

Activity 6 Continuum close-up (Reading)

Course deliverable Trial of a teaching idea activity

Wrap up

10 minutes

Apply new learning to school context.

Consolidate course requirements.

Reflections Complete a series of reflective questions

Checklist Ensure you have completed all requirements

Follow-up optional activity The literacy matrix

Using the NSW Literacy continuum K-10 (MyPL@EDU course code RG00304) is registered professional development under the terms of BOSTES NSW Continuing Professional Development policy.

This course will contribute 5 hours of QTC Registered PD addressing 1.5.2, 2.5.2, 3.2.2, and 6.3.2 from the Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining Proficient Teacher Accreditation in NSW.

The following table details how the course Using the NSW Literacy continuum K-10 addresses
Standard/Descriptor Description of course content and how it addresses the Standard/Descriptor

Standard 1: Know students and how they learn

Descriptor 1.5.2 Develop teaching activities that incorporate differentiated strategies to meet the specific learning needs of students across the full range of abilities.

Participants will apply knowledge of how students learn, their own students’ needs and the NSW Literacy continuum K-10 to develop and trial a teaching idea, as a strategy, lesson, a series of lessons or a unit of learning.

Standard 2: Know the content and how to teach it

Descriptor 2.5.2 Apply knowledge and understanding of effective teaching strategies to support students’ literacy and numeracy achievement.

Participants will apply knowledge of the purpose, structure and content of the NSW Literacy continuum K-10 to syllabus content and text-based activities.

Standard 3: Plan and implement effective teaching and learning

Descriptor 3.2.2 Plan and implement well-structured learning and teaching programs or lesson sequences that engage students and promote learning.

Participants will plan, use and review a learning and teaching program which utilises teacher literacy and syllabus knowledge and understandings, and contextualises literacy learning.

Standard 6: Engage in professional learning

Descriptor 6.3.2 Contribute to collegial discussions and apply constructive feedback from colleagues to improve professional knowledge and practice.

Participants will:

  • engage in discussion, activities, reflection and key questions designed to strengthen understanding of how the NSW Literacy continuum K-10 can be used to guide teaching and learning based on the needs of students

  • complete the course deliverable, applying up to date knowledge and practice to improve student learning.

The Department of Education is a BOSTES endorsed provider of professional development for the maintenance of accreditation at Proficient.

In order for teachers accredited at Proficient to have these hours added to their professional learning log at BOSTES, the following steps must be taken.

Schedule this course as an event for your school

  • Advise your principal/supervisor of your intention to enrol and discuss the course requirements.

  • The principal/supervisor will schedule this course as an event for teachers at your school through MyPL@EDU.

Enrol as a participant in the event

  • Complete the enrolment procedures in MyPL@EDU.

  • Enrolment status is confirmed by the Deliverer.

  • Notification is sent to you, your principal and the school email.

Completion of the course

  • Discuss/explain/demonstrate your participation and meeting assessment requirements with your supervisor/principal.

  • Complete all course and assessment activities as described in the CTP course.

  • The school Deliverer changes your status to 'completed' under the course participation tab in MyPL@EDU. This information automatically generates your record of completion to the BOSTES.

  • You are encouraged to complete the evaluation form in the CTP course.

Login to your BOSTES account

  • Allow at least 10 working days for your details to be forwarded to the BOSTES. You can then login to your account on the BOSTES website to register your participation and complete the BOSTES evaluation of this course within 3 months of completion.

For help using MyPL@EDU, see the following:

For further information, please contact:

  • Literacy Advisor K-6 (02) 9244 5736

  • Literacy Advisor 7-12 (02) 9266 8406

This course links directly with the principles of learning design and differentiation used in NSW syllabuses for the Australian Curriculum.

  1. Create a new folder for this course on your computer.

  2. Download and save the Activity booklet from the Course materials.

  3. Remember to back up regularly.

You’ll need to work your way across the tab headings above, left to right. Complete all activities before attempting the course deliverable.

  • Review advice and resources on the NSW syllabuses for the Australian Curriculum page which is accessible through the DoE Portal. For subjects that may not yet have a NSW Syllabus for the Australian Curriculum, refer to the Syllabuses page on the website.

  • Download the complete Activity booklet with all the activities as a PDF or Word document. Save this file and add to it as you work through the course.

  • Back up regularly so you don’t lose your work.  

These icons indicate the various types of activity in this course

Support materials

You’ll need a copy of the NSW Literacy continuum K-6 and NSW Literacy continuum 7-10 posters.

All other resources (including course materials for printing) can be found in the Literacy and Numeracy continuums support

Course materials for printing:

You will also need to access: