Time for koality: building powerful language learning opportunities in primary education

In short

This project empowers primary schools to create language-rich education focusing on reading, spelling, motivation and comprehension. Effective language support programmes are developed to assist pupils in need of additional language support.

Need and relevance

Language-rich education benefits all pupils, especially those requiring significant language support. By analysing results from the KOALA language screening in kindergarten and combining these with other data, schools gain a clear understanding of pupils’ language skills and needs. This insight forms the basis for sustainable support strategies.

From approach to impact

Over two years, schools form KOALA teams that grow into core teams of teachers, care staff and leadership. Together, they develop evidence-informed language support programmes within a three-tiered support model.

The process is guided by key questions:

• How do you interpret the results of the KOALA language screening?
• What additional data does your school have to map pupils’ language skills?
• How can you gain a clear picture of pupils’ language support needs?
• What are the essential building blocks for effective language programmes?
• And how do these align with a strong language-rich environment and a cohesive care and language policy?

Through professional development, experimentation and collaboration, schools build robust language learning environments and embed strong language and care policies. This ensures targeted support for all pupils.