Details for CRS254 Learning and Teaching English in the Primary Years

This subject prepares Teacher Education Students (TES) to design, teach, and assess effective reading and writing programs for Years 3–6. Building on CRS206 (K–2), it develops deep knowledge of evidence based instruction, functional grammar, genre pedagogy, assessment for learning, and inclusive strategies for diverse learners (including EAL/D and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students). Students interpret the NSW K–10 English Syllabus (2022) and AC v9 to plan coherent learning sequences, evaluate texts (including multimodal/digital), and use assessment data to inform feedback and next steps. A Christian worldview invites ethical text selection, care for student wellbeing, and engagement with families and communities. 

Quick Stats

• Currently offered by Alphacrucis: Yes
• Course code: CRS254
• Credit points: 10

Subject Coordinator

Prerequisite

• EDU103 Foundations in Christian Education 
• EDU116 Introduction to Learning Theory
• CRS253 Early Reading (K-2) 

Unit Content

Outcomes

1. Analyse research based approaches to teaching reading and writing for Years 3–6, including the role of oral language, vocabulary, morphology, and explicit instruction.
2. Interpret and apply NSW K–10 English and AC v9 outcomes to design coherent, sequenced lesson and assessment plans.
3. Select and evaluate texts (including multimodal/digital) for instructional purposes and ethical considerations, integrating visual literacy and critical reading.
4. Differentiate instruction for diverse learners (e.g., EAL/D; students with additional needs; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners) and engage families.
5. Use assessment data (diagnostic, formative, summative) to inform teaching, feedback, and reporting.
6. Reflect professionally on teaching practice through a Christian worldview, considering wellbeing, justice, and partnership with community.

Subject Content

1. Orientation, syllabus alignment & diagnostic assessment
2. Building blocks for fluent reading in Years 3–6
3.  Comprehension: strategies and knowledge
4. Writing development 3–6: genre & functional grammar
5. Spelling, morphology & vocabulary instruction
6. Smallgroup instruction and interventio
7. Multimodal & visual literacies
8. Assessment literacy for reading & writing
9. Planning coherent sequences (UbD) & cross curriculum links
10. Inclusive pedagogies & partnerships
11. Feedback, exemplars & classroom routines
12. Professional reflection & portfolio
     

This course may be offered in the following formats

• Face to face on site (extensive) 
• ​​Face to face on site (intensive) 
• ​​E-learning (online/synchronous) 

Please check the timetable to see when this subject will next be offered at Alphacrucis University College.

Assessment Methods

• Critical Reflective Paper (30%)
• Annotated Teaching Resource (30%)
• Lesson Sequence (Writing) (40%)

Prescribed Text

Derewianka, B., & Jones, P. (2016). Teaching language in context (2nd ed.). PETAA.