Tuesday, 26 August 2025

Education system

Sheena WATT (Northern Metropolitan) (00:28): (1862) My adjournment matter tonight is for the Minister for Education in the other place. Victoria really does have a proud record when it comes to education. Our students continue to achieve incredible results, with the latest NAPLAN data showing our state’s strongest performance ever. It is a testament to the dedication of teachers, school leaders, students and families, and it shows why Victoria is leading as the Education State. Part of that success is phonics, which we introduced into the curriculum earlier this year. When I recently visited Brunswick North Primary School and Kensington Primary I saw firsthand phonics being put into action. Walking around, I could see the students engaged, confident and enjoying the process of learning to read. They were practising sounds, blending letters and applying these skills in their writing. It was a reminder of how much difference evidence-based programs can make when they are brought to life in the classroom. I could also see the teachers supporting students patiently, encouraging them to take risks and to celebrate small successes, which makes such a difference to the students’ confidence. Phonics is about giving children the tools to read, write and understand the world around them. It builds their confidence, supports learning across all subjects and lays the foundation for long-term success in their education. Seeing it in practice reinforced just how important it is to continue backing teachers and schools with the right resources, training and support. Strong literacy skills from an early age are critical not just for academic success but for students’ engagement in learning more broadly. On behalf of the parents of the Northern Metropolitan Region, the action I seek is for the minister to provide an update on how the Allan Labor government is supporting phonics in classrooms across my region.