The Read To Learn Program (RTL) supports primary school children from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) and refugee backgrounds, who have also been identified as requiring additional support to develop their reading and literacy skills.
This program targets primary school children, from years two to six and each student is matched with an ACU volunteer for a course of weekly one-on-one tutoring. Using specific diagnostic tools and literacy-based activities, tutors are able to provide specialised and individualised attention to the children to promote success in education.
RTL started as a pilot project in August 2016 and was officially launched in February 2017. Run in partnership between ACU, the City of Yarra, Catholic Education Office and Atherton Gardens, the program is designed to:
- enhance the student’s literacy and reading skills, with a focus on reading for meaning
- support educational and social activities for children located in the Fitzroy area through inspiring and positive learning relationships with their tutors
- improve student’s confidence when reading independently and aloud.
By participating in the tutoring program, ACU students develop confidence working with young people and develop strategies to address individual student’s support needs. Read To Learn further supports ACU students to develop their professional practice skillset while complementing their university studies.
Students from all courses are welcome to participate and those enrolled in community engagement units within early childhood, primary and secondary education courses are particularly encouraged to apply.
ACU staff in Melbourne are also welcome to support this program.
Partners
- City of Yarra
- Catholic Education Office
- Atherton Gardens