NAPLAN

NAPLAN results have been distributed this week. “The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is an annual national assessment for all students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9, and is the only nationwide assessment that all Australian children undertake.

It is a measure to see whether or not young Australians are developing the literacy and numeracy skills that provide the critical foundation for other learning, and for their productive and rewarding participation in the community.” (NAP National Assessment Program)

NAPLAN is only one form of testing and results and the data it generates should always be considered within context. NAPLAN is one type of data used by the College to inform student growth. Its primary function for us is to stimulate questions about learning and engagement and possible areas of focus. The bigger picture is ensuring our teaching staff are trained in a range of strategies and pedagogies such as high impact teaching practices (HITP) to increase student engagement which in turn impacts learning gains.

Year 12 Reports

Year 12 reports are currently being prepared and will be presented to students at their Awards Ceremony following the Graduation Mass. I am sure parents will have mixed feelings reading their child’s final school report. I thank the Year 12 teachers for their efforts in completing these records of achievement.

Year 11 End of Preliminary HSC Examinations

Year 11 students commenced Preliminary HSC Examinations on Tuesday 6 September. These examinations are the final assessment tasks in Year 11 and offer students a chance to reflect on their knowledge acquisition and study patterns over the past three terms. I very much hope that students consider how they have approached their Preliminary year of study and identify things that worked for them and things they wish to improve. Term 4 introduces students to their final year of secondary school. Students are encouraged to ensure they have excellent lines of communication with their teachers and that they make use of all the supports offered by the College in terms of study skills, career advice, counselling, staff mentoring and academic care lessons to name a few. Year 12 students will attest to the fact that this final year, when it begins, goes very quickly!

Erica Drewsen
Assistant Principal, Learning and Innovation