The annual NAPLAN Assessments will be held for Years 3 and 5 between Wednesday 13th and Tuesday 19th March. As usual, students in these year levels have been preparing for the Numeracy, Reading, Grammar and Punctuation and Writing tasks. Typically, at our location, there has been absolutely none of the hype and anxiety that can unfortunately surround these. The NAPLAN assessments, have now been in place for long enough for them to have been accepted, and for a level of understanding to develop around the vital information that results from the assessments.
NAPLAN results, of course, have no influence on the curriculum related achievement levels which appear on Report Cards. Students, however, should be encouraged to give the assessments their best effort. This ensures that the resulting information is of a high quality and accurately reflects what each individual and unitedly, what we can do as a school.
The value of the information gained is significant at both the student level and at the school level. At an individual level, the resulting information may be used to identify curriculum areas in which a student may need increased support – although class teachers would be aware of this already. Similarly, unique aptitudes and strengths can be pinpointed. For the school, the cohort data can help inform many aspects of school life, such as where professional development may be needed, and as a tool to help evaluate the success of new strategies. Although data on all of this may be obtained through other means, the quality assurance around the NAPLAN assessments is high, and analytical tools have been developed specifically for the purpose of getting the most out of the resulting information.
Due to the value of this information, attendance on NAPLAN days is highly desirable, unless for reason of illness or holidays, which make it impractical to be present at school. Special provisions are made for students requiring these, to enable their best effort. Parents may request that their child be withdrawn from the assessments using the request form, available from Administration. This form must be completed prior to the NAPLAN assessments.
All students sitting the assessments require the basic materials – 2 sharpened 2B or HB pencils, a good quality eraser and tested and working headphones. Despite the fact that these are all every day school items, the amount of stress that can be caused as students attempt to locate items on the morning of the assessments could be avoided with a bit of planning.
Our students have been well prepared and supported and ready to go. Go Oxley!