ABSTRACT
Perfect for Years 7–10 Italian teachers, this session showcases how TCL (Teaching for Comprehension and Language) and EPI (Extensive Processing Instruction) can transform engagement and accelerate language acquisition.
Through practical strategies- language mats, sentence builders and high-frequency practice- we demonstrate how explicit modelling and meaningful repetition build confidence and fluency.
Our Year 7 pilot cohort (2025) is already outperforming students two year levels above taught under previous approaches!
BIO
Francesca Lo Presti is one half of the dynamic duo leading languages at Catholic Regional College North Keilor. She started as a Language Assistant at Penola Catholic College and Loyola Catholic College. She recently introduced TLC and EPI strategies in her year 7 classes to complete her VIT registration, noticing the benefits on students’ engagement and knowledge retention. She is actively improving and applying these strategies to enhance students’ confidence in speaking Italian.
Lisa Grech is the other half of the dynamic duo leading languages at Catholic Regional College North Keilor. With almost 20 years of experience in teaching Italian, she is passionate about curriculum design and integrating the science of learning in classroom practices. Lisa is currently undertaking a Master of Education, specialising in the science of learning.
Bianca Turrisi is the Assistant Principal of Learning and Teaching at Catholic Regional College North Keilor. She leads whole-school pedagogical improvement by driving high-impact, while remaining actively in the classroom, implementing these approaches with her Year 7 Italian class.