At Whau Valley School, tamariki are taught literacy through the implementation of Structured Literacy programmes which are explicit and systematic.

Better Start Literacy Approach (BSLA) was introduced in the junior syndicate in 2022. BSLA includes the systematic teaching of critical phonics, phonological awareness, morphology and orthographic pattern knowledge through fun, interactive games, explicit spelling and writing instruction.

iDeal Learning Approach was introduced in the senior syndicate in 2023. iDeal is an online learning and resource platform that supports intervention specialists, schools implementing a Structured Literacy approach.