How one of Australia’s top schools is achieving spelling mastery for every student

Proven Spelling Success at Ballarat Clarendon College

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Spelling Mastery

The Direct Instruction Tier 1 Spelling Program based on decades of research

When it comes to effective, research-driven teaching, Ballarat Clarendon College is known for its commitment to evidence-based practice.

Under the leadership of Deputy Principal Greg Ashman — influential educator and author of Filling the Pail — the school has implemented Direct Instruction (DI) programs to ensure every student develops strong foundational literacy skills.

In this video, Greg and his team share why they chose Spelling Mastery and how the program has become a cornerstone of their explicit teaching approach.

You’ll hear from multiple teachers about how systematic instruction and clear routines have helped students build spelling confidence and accuracy — and how the program aligns seamlessly with the Science of Reading principles.

Here’s why it works so well:

Research-backed Direct Instruction program with decades of evidence.

Teachers can focus on teaching, not prepping, with confidence in a method that delivers results.

Delivers explicit, systematic instruction that helps students master spelling patterns and rules, building automaticity and confidence step by step.

Students experience success right from the start — immediately boosting their confidence as they learn.

Works at scale — can be delivered effectively across the whole school.

It saves teachers’ time while reaching more students effectively.

Reduces teacher workload with lessons that are ready to teach.

Scripted lessons take away teacher planning time and trusted content that is proven to work.

The Impact

What teachers say about Corrective Reading


The success at Athena Learning Trust shows how Corrective Reading changes both outcomes and outlook. It helps students who had almost given up on reading to thrive again — and supports teachers with a scalable method that consistently delivers results.

Now, in this 4-minute case study video, you’ll hear directly from leaders, teachers, and students about the difference Corrective Reading has made.

Here’s a flavour of what they had to say:

  • Use real-time analytics to personalize instruction for every student
"One of the best things about being in the classroom is the success that I see from students and the joy that they have when they achieve these milestones."
— Georgia Bergman, Teacher, Launceston College
"I came to England one year ago and at that time I started learning English, and now I can read very well."
— EAL Student, Athena Learning Trust
"Before I started it I didn’t want to read. I didn’t want to pick up a book because my dyslexia mixed everything up. It’s helped me want to pick up a book.”
— Student, Athena Learning Trust
“I was really excited by the potential of the impact it can have and the scale of it.”
—Matthew Thompson, Principal Launceston College
"It’s completely transformed my teaching."

The Results

More Confident Learners, Less Teacher Workload

The Open Learning Platform helped OWIS achieve real, measurable impact:

80.8%

Average mastery achieved in Math

9,400+

 Digital lessons and activities accessed by students

100%

Digital classrooms (Pre-K to Grade 5)

27

Teachers implementing digital learning daily

100%

Digital classrooms (Pre-K to Grade 5)

On-demand teacher training included

"I can assign different reading levels to different students — it's easy."
— OWIS Teacher

Today, OWIS classrooms are dynamic, student-centered environments where technology enhances — rather than complicates — teaching and learning.

Watch the 4 minute video case study now to see how it works:

Want to see how Spelling Mastery could work at your school?


Talk to one of our dedicated DI Consultants.

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