Our schools are cracking the reading code

Do you remember how you learned to read? For a vital skill that is linked to all other learning, it’s surprisingly difficult to explain how to go about learning it. In fact, how reading is taught is one of the most frequently discussed areas of education.

We’ve all heard the buzz words and the “teacher speak” around early literacy - phonics, explicit instruction, back to basics... Cutting through all the confusion, Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) is taking the guesswork out of teaching reading, with all of its 58 primary schools now using a systematic, synthetic phonics approach to the teaching of reading. This approach is in line with the new English curriculum and supported by the latest research into the science of reading and how children learn best.

What is an SSP program and how does it help children learn to read?
When thinking about learning to read and write, it’s important to keep in mind that the English language is complex - with 26 letters but 44 unique sounds! An SSP program is a phonics-based approach to teaching reading. Breaking it down to basics, phonics focuses on students learning the relationship between letters (graphemes) and their corresponding sounds (phonemes) in order to decode (read words) and encode (spell words).

When using an SSP program in an early-years classroom, teachers explicitly teach their students how to segment sounds and blend them together. Instead of just guessing words from pictures or context, an SSP program provides early learners with the tools to crack the reading code.

Parents may have come across this technique through online or app-based home learning programs for preschoolers. Think of learning to read the word ‘cat’ - you start with reading the letters ‘c-a-t’, and then merge the sounds together to pronounce the word ‘cat’.

Is SSP explicit teaching and what does that mean?
Using an SSP program is a form of explicit teaching - a structured, step-by-step instructional method where teachers clearly explain concepts, model skills and guide students through practice before getting them to work independently. It is highly effective because it breaks information into manageable chunks to prevent overwhelming a student's working memory.

Explicit teaching is now recognised as the most effective form of instruction for all students and forms the basis for all teaching across all CSPD schools in all age groups and subject areas.

InitiaLit - an SSP program in action
Seeking a proven, consistent approach to early literacy, the majority of CSPD’s primary schools have adopted one particular SSP program - InitiaLit, developed by MultiLit - a leading provider of effective literacy instruction in Australia. This is a three-year program covering the first three years of school (K-2). A whole-class approach to teaching reading and spelling, the program provides ready-to-go resources for teachers and daily routines to follow to set up good habits. CSPD Head of Primary Learning, Lisa Crampton says using a program like InitiaLit delivers equitable access to quality learning and teaching for all students.

"Reading is the foundation for success, not only at school, but in life. Using a systematic synthetic phonics program like InitiaLit makes sure that every child has the best chance to read with confidence and joy," says Lisa.

Across the diocese, CSPD primary schools are experiencing student success with InitiaLit. Tanya Kwiatkowski, a teacher at St Joseph's Primary Kingswood says her students love the program and find it highly engaging, partly because of the active nature of the lessons.

“They are moving throughout the whole lesson, they’re on their little whiteboards, they’re moving their bodies…they’re just highly engaged throughout the whole time,” said Tanya.

Teachers have also commented on the effectiveness of InitiaLit’s ongoing built-in assessments that help to track each student’s growth. This is done through the use of mini whiteboards during the lesson, and also in regular progress monitoring - assessments every two weeks. Gaining this insight at regular intervals through the program helps teachers identify areas for revision and reinforcement.

Principal of St Andrew’s Primary Marayong, Annemarie Bond, is impressed with the story the data is telling about her students and the impact of the InitiaLit program.

“When we look at the data that we have, we can confidently say that our students are learning. And when we talk about excellence, I can confidently say that that's certainly the direction that we're heading in,” Annemarie said.

Teaching the teachers
Crucial to CSPD’s success in rolling out a system-wide approach to early literacy is a commitment to high quality professional learning. Investing in the development of their teachers is an investment in the future of students. To ensure that teachers are confident using InitiaLit in their classrooms, CSPD has provided professional learning for teachers and leaders, designed by MultiLit.

In addition, every school also has the support of an instructional coach to support teachers in understanding the requirements of the NSW English syllabus and how to teach it. Instructional Coach at St Joseph’s Primary Kingswood, Angela Furfaro has been working with teachers to unpack the data collected during InitiaLit lessons.

“As instructional coaches, our role is to use data to inform our teaching and support teachers in understanding that data. InitiaLit has that built into their programs…we’re always looking at that data together with teachers to inform our next steps in our teaching and how we can support students,” Angela said.

Part of the bigger picture - Uplift
Teaching approaches backed by data are a key component of CSPD’s new Effective Learning and Teaching Model (ELTM). Launched in 2025, the ELTM is part of Uplift, CSPD’s system-wide focus on driving excellence in student learning outcomes. The ELTM is a practical, well-rounded approach to education that combines faith with the latest understanding of how people learn best - from cognitive science and education research.

"Evidence-informed teaching changes lives. CSPD is committed to bringing the best evidence-informed practices into our classrooms to ensure every child flourishes," said Lisa Crampton, Head of Primary Learning.