4 minute read
Upcoming NAPLAN
from Issue 1 2023
Over the next few weeks, students in Years 5, 7 and 9 will undertake a practice test and then a series of real NAPLAN tests. The tests examine student skills and knowledge in the areas of reading, conventions of language, numeracy, and writing. In the last few years the National Assessment Program (the NAP in NAPLAN) tests have become much, much better at individualising the questions that each student is asked based on their previous responses. This means that the old, one-size-doesn’t-fit-all, test that came under such criticism is no longer the NAPLAN reality. Instead, questions branch, and rise or fall in complexity and difficulty based on each student’s responses. This means that the results that are returned give your child’s teachers a much clearer picture of the areas that they need to work on. Given that, ultimately, that is the point of any assessment, this can only be a good thing.
I share the concerns of many educators and parents who see in a small number of schools students being drilled towards NAPLAN tests so that the school’s scores are inflated. This is potentially harmful and not really the purpose of NAPLAN tests. Conversely I am also concerned though when I hear some say that NAPLAN tests should be thrown out altogether, as potentially damaging to students. Both of these positions are extreme ones, and like most extreme views are not particularly useful. As an individualised, point-in-time snapshot of student knowledge and skill which is used to direct future teaching and learning, NAPLAN can be a highly useful tool.
Framed in this way, our students are resilient enough to sit a small number of low-key tests across a week or so, and I encourage parents of these year levels to reinforce this message at home if students are concerned or dismissive of the program. I welcome contact from any parents or students who would like to discuss the tests further, and wish all of our Year 5, 7 and 9 students well across the testing time ahead.
Further details regarding the logistics of our delivery of NAPLAN are available in our Dean of Learning and Teaching article.
Mr Michael Horne Associate Principal
The Middle School sprung back to life at the start of the year and continues to flourish through the first 5 weeks of term. There have already been so many highlights across each year level that have set in motion a year of positive experiences for our young people. Our Year 5 students enjoyed an Exeat Day at Hanging Rock, engaging in a range of activities and further strengthening connections with their peers. In Year 6, students explored the geology of Organ Pipes National Park and Hanging Rock, drawing connections from their learning in Investigate. The Year 7 cohort spent a week in Anglesea on their Exeat Program where they enjoyed time in the water bodyboarding and surfing, visited the lighthouse and learnt about the ecosystem of the waterways. Braemar House had a makeover for Spookfest on Friday evening where Year 8 students shared spooky stories, toured the historic facilities and ended the evening with a spooky disco.
Being able to connect with families at the Welcome Evenings in the first week of term offered an opportunity for members of the community to come together, celebrate the start of the year and build connections between parents and staff. I know that this was a useful undertaking that was not possible in 2022 and something that will continue in years to come. I also look forward to engaging with families in other ways throughout 2023.
Finally, I would like acknowledge the efforts of our staff who have been focused on students reconnecting through engaging activities in the classroom and beyond. Their efforts continue to bring to life a thriving learning community that students enjoy embracing on a daily basis. After such a positive “coming together” at the beginning of the year, I am looking forward to seeing all of the opportunities for us to “work together” in the months to come.
Mr Rob Jenkins Head of Middle School
A warm welcome to 2023. The year has quickly begun, with many events and activities already occurring, setting the pace for a busy year ahead. Thus far, we have acknowledged our 2023 student leaders, subject and sports captains and academic awards, and I would like to recognise and celebrate the many achievements of our students. The 2023 College Captains Julia Smith and Matthew Barake have also shared their focus on demonstrating the college values of being kind to others and ourselves within assemblies.
I also welcome our Year 9 students, parents, and guardians to the Senior School. I acknowledge that transition and change will be at the forefront with these students and many will approach this differently. In meeting the Year 9 students, many have described how they are excited to undertake their new elective subjects. I look forward to seeing their progress and continuing to see them settle into the Senior school.
I have had the pleasure of welcoming parents onsite to the Senior School information evening, where I discussed the various programs within the Senior school, the VCE program, homework expectations, and support parents and guardians can provide from home. This information is available to view via the parent portal. In summary, research and experience after Covid-19 have focused on assisting students to continually develop their skills through establishing routines and embedding healthy habits, positive sleeping patterns, time socialising with friends and, importantly, time away from technology.
To assist students in successfully managing and approaching the Semester, I encourage students to develop a calendar of their tasks and assessments via SEQTA early to help with broader planning and preparation in a positive manner for the Semester ahead. Additionally, seeking assistance early from their teachers if needed is critical and parents assistance in both these matters will be needed.
Parents and guardians would have received communications from their child’s relevant Year level leader welcoming their students to 2023 and outlining their focus for the term. Tutors have also sent communications home, and these are the staff who meet with and support your child daily and your first point of contact should you have questions.
Please ensure you regularly review the College calendar, emails and Operoo, as information will be provided prior to parents and guardians for each event. I look forward to the term ahead, working with and supporting the students in celebrating their growth, achievements and progression more broadly in 2023.
Ms Lisa Fritz Head of Senior School
