Our literacy program targets primary school students whose reading ages are 2 years or more below their chronological age. We work closely with principals and classroom teachers to identify students most in need.

Over a period of one semester the students receive synthetic phonics tuition in addition to 400 sight words being taught in context. The program is highly motivating, indeed it features a fun and fast-paced variation of exercises so students experience swift and frequent success. This boosts their confidence and nurtures self-esteem. We also have weekly rewards for attendance and participation!

Typically, lessons commence with Sound Board drills as well as reinforcement activities which assist with practical application of new skills. However, small learning groups enable instructors to tailor the course to individual needs when required.

We establish student baselines and evaluate outcomes with a series of standardised tests and curriculum-based measures, both pre and post-intake. Prior to intervention, previous participants’ improvements in literacy skills were well behind the trends of their peers, and in many cases, had ceased entirely.

Following just one semester of tuition, standardised testing demonstrates student improvement averaging double the time of intervention. Indeed, that is the benchmark of successful literacy programs.

For additional information about our literacy programs, resourcing and costings, please contact your closest office in Australia or call The Rev. Bill Crews Foundation: