Phonics Plus in Victoria: What You Need to Know
Overview of this blog:
The Allan Labor Government is set to revolutionise early literacy in Victoria through the comprehensive Phonics Plus program. This strategic initiative aims to enhance student reading skills by implementing systematic synthetic phonics across primary schools, providing a structured approach to literacy instruction.
With $5 million in funding, daily 25-minute phonics lessons, and a new Year 1 Phonics Check, the program will support teachers and students from Foundation to Year 2, ensuring every young learner receives a strong foundation in reading. Starting in 2025 and fully mandated by 2027, Phonics Plus represents a significant investment in evidence-based literacy education that promises to improve reading outcomes across the state.
As Victoria leads the way, education experts and policymakers in other Australian states are watching closely, with many speculating whether similar evidence-based literacy approaches might be adopted nationwide in the coming years.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll captures the essence of this initiative: "We are proud to set our youngest students up with literacy skills for life and reduce the workload of teachers with the roll out of the Phonics Plus program."
Table of Contents
1. What is Phonics Plus?
Summary: Phonics Plus
2. Understanding Systematic Synthetic Phonics (SSP)
The Learning Process of Systematic Synthetic Phonics
Summary: Systematic Synthetic Phonics
3. Key Changes to Literacy Instruction in Victoria
Funding and Fast-tracking
Resource Availability
Daily Phonics Instruction
New Mandatory Assessment
4. Phonics Plus Implementation Timeline
Phonics Plus in 2025
Phonics Plus in 2026
Phonics Plus in 2027
5. The Phonics Plus Scope and Sequence
Phonics Plus Foundation to Level 2 Scope and Sequence Overview
6. What Literacy Programs are Aligned with Phonics Plus?
ePlatform's Decodable Readers Program (Print and Digital)
7. Frequently Asked Questions about Phonics Plus
Implementation and Transition
Student Learning and Support
Resources and Materials
Long-Term Impact and Effectiveness
Practical Considerations
Additional Information
8. Summary of Phonics Plus in Victoria
1. What is Phonics Plus?
Starting in 2025, Phonics Plus is a program introduced by the Allan Labor Government in Victoria, Australia, designed to enhance student literacy through systematic synthetic phonics. It provides funding to primary schools to support effective phonics instruction in every classroom. The initiative aims to reduce teacher workload by providing schools with financial support to purchase necessary resources such as mini whiteboards, letter tiles, and decodable texts, enabling educators to focus more on student engagement and teaching.
Summary: Phonics Plus
- Phonics Plus is a new literacy program which provides schools with a comprehensive approach to teaching reading using the evidence-based systematic synthetic phonics approach
- The Phonics Plus program is designed to reduce teacher workloads while enhancing the student learning experience
- Key features of the Program include:
- $5 million in funding for primary schools to purchase literacy resources, (e.g. mini whiteboards, letter tiles and decodable texts)
- Minimum 25 minutes of daily explicit phonics instruction
- Comprehensive lesson plans for teachers, spanning Foundation to Year 2
2. Understanding Systematic Synthetic Phonics (SSP)
Systematic synthetic phonics (SSP) is a structured approach to teaching reading that focusses on the relationship between sounds and letters explicitly. It helps students to read words by decoding the sounds associated with letters. This method is particularly effective in building a strong foundation for early reading by ensuring students understand the basics of how sounds blend together to form words. The Phonics Plus program aims to make this approach common practice across Victorian classrooms by providing primary schools with the necessary resources and support.
The Learning Process of Systematic Synthetic Phonics
Systematic synthetic phonics is a structured approach to teaching reading that focuses on the direct relationship between sounds (phonemes) and their corresponding letters (graphemes). The process involves:
Explicit Instruction
Students are taught the sounds of individual letters and combinations of letters directly. This involves explicit teaching of letter sounds and how they blend together to form words.
Sounding Out Words
Students practise blending sounds together to read words. This method helps them decode unfamiliar words by sounding out each phoneme in sequence.
Practice and Repetition
Through exercises and practice sessions using resources like mini whiteboards, letter tiles, and decodable texts, students reinforce their ability to decode and read words fluently.
Engagement
The approach emphasises engaging students in activities that allow them to apply their knowledge in context, making the learning process interactive and hands-on.
Summary: Systematic Synthetic Phonics
When students learn through systematic synthetic phonics, they develop two critical skills:
Decoding: Learning to 'blend' sounds to read words
- Example: Reading 'dog' by combining sounds /d/ /o/ /g/
- Teaches students to synthesise individual sounds into complete words
Encoding: Learning to 'segment' words into sounds
- Example: Spelling 'dog' by identifying and representing sounds /d/ /o/ /g/
- Helps students understand the structural components of language
3. Key Changes to Literacy Instruction in Victoria
The rollout of Phonics Plus across Victoria will be carefully staged to ensure a smooth transition and comprehensive support:
Funding and Fast-tracking
A $5 million fund has been allocated to enable primary schools to fast-track the transition to the mandated Victorian reading approach by one year, from three to two years. This funding will be used for purchasing essential resources.
Resource Availability
Phonics Plus lesson plans for Prep classes are now available, with plans for Grade 1 and 2 students coming in the first half of 2025. These plans aim to reduce the preparation workload for teachers, allowing them to spend more time with students.
Daily Phonics Instruction
Starting from 2025, a minimum of 25 minutes of daily explicit phonics teaching and phonemic awareness will be mandatory in Victorian primary schools. This structured approach will become mandatory in 2027.
New Mandatory Assessment
A new Year 1 Phonics Check will replace the existing English Online Interview from 2026. This shorter, 10-minute assessment will provide more detailed information about students’ phonics knowledge, allowing for timely interventions when necessary.
4. Phonics Plus Implementation Timeline
Phonics Plus in 2025
- Term 1, 2025: All Victorian government schools will be required to implement the Phonics Plus program. Schools will begin providing a minimum of 25 minutes of daily explicit phonics instruction for students from Prep to Grade 2.
- Resource Availability: Lesson plans for Grade 1 and Grade 2 will be released during the first half of 2025, providing teachers with comprehensive materials to support their instruction.
Phonics Plus in 2026
- Introduction of Year 1 Phonics Check: Starting in 2026, a new mandatory assessment will replace the existing English Online Interview. This shorter, 10-minute assessment will provide insights into students' phonics knowledge and help identify those needing additional support. The Year 1 Phonics Check takes 10 minutes, compared to the current 40 minutes, further reducing teachers’ workload.
Phonics Plus in 2027 and beyond
- Full Mandate: By the beginning of the 2027 school year, Phonics Plus will be fully mandatory across all Victorian government schools. This includes adherence to daily phonics instruction and the use of the Year 1 Phonics Check as part of regular assessment practices.
- Ongoing Support: Following full implementation, the Victorian Department of Education will continue to provide professional development opportunities for teachers. Schools will have ongoing access to resources and funding for purchasing necessary materials to support effective phonics instruction.
5. The Phonics Plus Scope and Sequence
Phonics Plus Foundation to Level 2 Scope and Sequence Overview
The Phonics Plus program provides a detailed scope and sequence for teaching systematic synthetic phonics from Prep to Grade 2. Key features of the Phonics Plus scope and sequence include:
- 36 sets of code progression
- Comprehensive coverage including:
- Grapheme-phoneme correspondences (GPC's) for reading and spelling
- Spelling patterns
- Phonemic awareness
- Letter knowledge
- High-frequency word recognition
- Morphological understanding
- Phonological understanding
- Reading fluency development
- Handwriting skills
Click here to view the Phonics Plus Scope and Sequence Overview and F-2 Tables, provided by the Victorian Department of Education. Here you will find the Foundation, Level 1 and Level 2 tables.
6. What Literacy Programs are Aligned with Phonics Plus?
ePlatform's Decodable Readers (Print and Digital)
The ePlatform Decodable Readers Program, with print versions known as SuperLit Readers, is a literacy resource aligned with the Phonics Plus initiative. These decodable readers are specifically designed for beginning readers, helping them practise and develop decoding skills using a systematic synthetic phonics system. The program offers 10 levels of both fiction and non-fiction titles, meticulously crafted with vibrant imagery, engaging characters, and clear phonetic structures to support early reading development.
Key features of the ePlatform Decodable Readers Program include:
- Curriculum alignment: The readers are designed to meet specific educational standards, covering all necessary phonics skills and knowledge areas required at each stage of a child's literacy development
- Interactive digital versions: In the digital format, each word can be clicked to be sounded out phonetically, reinforcing the connection between sounds and their written forms. There is also the ability to hear the text read aloud with a guided read-along feature
- Resources Printable worksheets: The program provides engaging resources and printable worksheets that match each Decodable Reader, offering a convenient tool to reinforce learning. Other key resources include the pre- and post-reading pages, packed with teachings tips, activities, comprehension questions, high-frequency words and more!
- Availability: The Decodable Readers Program is available as a standalone product, or, is also included for free in ePlatform's cost-effective eBook and Audiobook shared collection plans for schools.
For more information about ePlatform's Decodable Readers, browse our collection of SuperLit Readers or get in touch for more specific enquires (Contact Us).
Click here to Shop ePlatform's SuperLit Readers (Print Decodable Readers)
7. Frequently Asked Questions about Phonics Plus
Implementation and Transition
Question: When will the Phonics Plus program become mandatory?
Answer: The Phonics Plus program will be fully mandatory from the beginning of the 2027 school year. However, schools are expected to start implementing the program in 2025, allowing time for preparation and integration into existing curricula.
Question: Can schools already using synthetic phonics continue their current method?
Answer: Absolutely. Schools that have established synthetic phonics programs can use Phonics Plus as a framework to enhance their existing practices while ensuring alignment with the new statewide standards.
Question: What changes can schools expect during the transition to Phonics Plus?
Answer: Schools will receive support through funding for resources, professional development for teachers, and a structured timeline for implementation. This approach is designed to facilitate a smooth transition while maintaining high-quality literacy instruction.
Student Learning and Support
Is this approach suitable for all students?
Answer: Yes, the Phonics Plus program is designed to be flexible, allowing teachers to adapt instruction to meet the diverse learning needs of their students. This structured approach ensures that all students, regardless of their starting point, can develop essential reading skills.
How will student progress be assessed under the new program?
Answer: A new mandatory Grade 1 literacy assessment, known as the Year 1 Phonics Check, will be introduced in 2026. This 10-minute assessment will provide detailed insights into students' phonics knowledge and help identify those who may need additional support.
How can parents support their children's learning with this new approach?
Answer: Parents can play a crucial role by practising letter sounds and blending exercises at home using decodable texts. Open communication with teachers about their child's progress and strategies for reinforcement at home is also essential for success.
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Resources and Materials
What resources will be available to support the implementation of Phonics Plus?
Answer: Schools will receive funding to purchase essential resources such as mini whiteboards, letter tiles, and decodable texts. Comprehensive lesson plans and instructional videos will also be provided to ensure teachers have the tools they need for effective instruction.
How will the Phonics Plus program affect teacher workload?
Answer: The program aims to significantly reduce teacher workload by providing ready-made, high-quality classroom resources. With comprehensive lesson plans available, teachers can focus more on student engagement rather than extensive preparation.
Long-Term Impact and Effectiveness
How does Phonics Plus align with the Victorian Curriculum?
Answer: The Phonics Plus program is aligned with the Victorian Curriculum 2.0 and integrates seamlessly with the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0. This alignment ensures that literacy instruction meets broader educational goals while maintaining a focus on systematic phonics.
What are the expected outcomes of implementing Phonics Plus?
Answer: The program is anticipated to improve literacy outcomes across all student demographics, particularly benefiting those from disadvantaged backgrounds. By providing a strong foundation in phonics, it aims to close achievement gaps in reading skills statewide.
Practical Considerations
What training will teachers receive to implement the Phonics Plus program?
Answer: The Department of Education will offer various professional development opportunities, including webinars and instructional videos tailored to support teachers in implementing Phonics Plus effectively. These resources are designed to equip educators with the knowledge and skills needed for successful implementation.
Will the Phonics Plus program replace other aspects of literacy instruction?
Answer: No, Phonics Plus will complement existing literacy instruction by focusing on systematic synthetic phonics while also incorporating other essential components such as vocabulary development and comprehension strategies. This holistic approach ensures that students receive a well-rounded literacy education.
Additional Information
For more details on specific resources like lesson plans and the scope and sequence related to Phonics Plus, you can visit Victoria's approach to teaching reading F–2 or check out the Phonics Plus Scope and Sequence F-2 tables provided by the Victorian Department of Education.
8. Summary of Phonics Plus in Victoria
Phonics Plus represents more than an educational program—it's a commitment to giving every Victorian student the strongest possible foundation in literacy. By providing a systematic, evidence-based approach to reading, the Victorian Government is investing in the future of its youngest learners.
— Happy Reading!
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