The National Inquiry into the Teaching of Literacy (2005) deemed that upon leaving school
...."students should have attained the skills of numeracy and English literacy; such that every student should be numerate, able to read, write, spell and communicate at an appropriate level.

In order to achieve this Literacy teaching focuses on written language, specifically on the ability to read, understand and use written language and the ability to write appropriately."   (Department of Education and Training National Inquiry into the Teaching of Literacy, December 2005. p. 7.)

At St Joseph's College we aim to increase students' literacy competency by treating it as a key priority across all learning domains.

Mechanisms in place to facilitate these aims include:

• Foundation English offered at years 9 and 10.
  
  
• VCAL Literacy at Year 11 allows for the expansion and development of career pathways for students not suited to academic VCE.
  
  
• Additional VET and VCAL subjects available.
  
  
• Incoming Year 7 students are assessed and regular monitored on progress when necessary.
  
  
• All Year 7 and Year 9 students complete National Numeracy and Literacy tests in May each year, focussing on reading, language conventions and writing.