Register for 2026 now

Applications open 13 October – close 31 October

Fully-funded Structured Literacy PLD through the Ministry of Education

Auckland | Hamilton | Tauranga | Christchurch | Timaru | Omaru | Dunedin | Central Otago | Invercargill | Online

Secure your place now!

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Cognition Education’s Structured Literacy Programme

Our Structured Literacy Programme is research-informed and designed to equip educators with the tools and strategies to accelerate literacy progress in Years 0–8.

We invite schools to apply and secure Ministry of Education PLD funding for their staff. Once funding is confirmed, we can tailor the delivery model to suit your needs—either as a dedicated programme for your school or as a collaborative opportunity with nearby schools.

The programme is grounded in structured literacy principles such as:

  • Phonemic awareness
  • Systematic phonics
  • Vocabulary
  • Syntax
  • Comprehension
  • Diagnostic assessment

These principles are brought to life through practical application tailored to primary and intermediate school contexts.

Participants engage in:

  • 3 full days of interactive, in-person workshops
  • 8 online Communities of Practice
  • Personalised coaching and feedback
  • Collaborative exploration of best practice

Our evidence-based approach includes culturally responsive practices aligned with Te Tiriti o Waitangi and supports educators to confidently embed Structured Literacy approaches for equitable outcomes.

Structured Literacy Programme: Overview

Day 1: Foundations of Structured Literacy
  • Explore the core principles of Structured Literacy for Years 0–8.
  • Understand the science of learning and how it applies to literacy.
  • Learn to plan and structure Phase One, Phase Two and Phase Three literacy blocks effectively.

 

 

Day 2: Developing Literacy Skills
  • Focus on practical strategies for explicit teaching phonics, phonemic awareness, morphology, syntax, and vocabulary.
  • Gain tools to support diverse learners, including culturally responsive practices and ESOL strategies.
  • Using assessment for learning techniques to monitor progress, recognise student learning gaps and respond effectively to them.
  • Deep dive into the 20 week and 40 week phonics check.
    Day 3: Embedding and Sustaining Structured Literacy
    • Learn to embed Structured Literacy practices into your teaching routines.
    • Dive into differentiation and targeted interventions for accelerated progress.
    • Reflect on implementation strategies and create an actionable plan to support long-term success.

    Workshop Locations – Cohort 7 | Term 1 2026

    Workshops will begin in Term 1 2026 and will be available in the following locations: Auckland | Hamilton | Tauranga | Christchurch | Timaru | Omaru | Dunedin | Central Otago | Invercargill | Online

    Please let us know if you are interested in a tailored programme for your school or would like to join a group of local schools.

    Important Dates

    📅 13 October

    Applications open for Cohort 7 (via the MOE PLD application portal)

    📅 31 October

    Applications close – last day to apply for PLD funding

    📅 19 November
    Enrolment deadline – schools must be enrolled with Cognition Education by this date

    This PLD is fully funded by the Ministry of Education for eligible schools. If you’re not eligible, you can still enrol—we’ll invoice you directly.

    Enrol to our Structured Literacy Programme

    This PLD is funded by the Ministry of Education, but you will need an Application Reference Number. If you aren't eligible for funding, you can still enrol in this course and we will invoice you directly. Complete your details below and one of our team will be in contact with you shortly.

    Name(Required)
    I am a (or my group of teachers is):
    I am interested in attending the following location:
    What year level group are you interested in?
    Delivery Preference
    Payment Options
    *If you are eligible for MOE funding and already have your Application Reference Number please enter it.
    Please tick if you understand and agree to the Terms and Conditions (below)(Required)
    Terms and Conditions 1. If you are eligible for MOE funding you will need an Application Reference Number (ARN), obtained from your funding application in order to register for this programme. 2. We are required to meet minimum attendee numbers, which means we may need to alter locations, dates, postpone or cancel. However, we will try our hardest to accommodate you.

    Meet the team

    Jo Bishop

    Libby Doell

    Anita Knight

    Katesha Allis

    Lauren Latimer

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