THE BIG 6
We are committed to helping every student become a confident, capable reader. That’s why we use a structured and evidence-based approach to teaching literacy, built around what’s known as the Big Six.
The Big Six are the essential foundations of literacy. They work together to support students as they move from learning to read, to reading to learn—and beyond. These six areas are taught explicitly and in a clear, sequenced way to ensure all students, no matter their starting point, can grow and succeed.
What are the Big Six?
1. Oral Language – The ability to speak, listen, and understand the sounds we use when we talk.
2. Phonological Awareness – Recognising the sounds in our speech.
3. Phonics – Understanding how letters and sounds work together.
4. Vocabulary – Knowing and using a wide range of words.
5. Fluency – understanding the meaning of words and sentences as they are being read.
6. Comprehension – using the other five skills to understand what is being read.
The Big Six are not just skills for early readers or young students. They continue to be important throughout your child’s education.
How can families support literacy at home?
You play an important role in your child’s literacy development. Talking with your child, reading together, playing word games, and asking questions about stories are all powerful ways to support what your child is learning at school.
If you’d like to know more about how the Big Six are taught in our classrooms or how to support your child’s literacy at home, please contact your child’s teacher.
Together, we can help every student thrive as a reader, writer, and thinker.