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Mansfield Courier, Wednesday, August 21, 2024

Page 1

2022

Incorporating

Wednesday, August 21, 2024

Phone: (03) 5775 2115

Transmission plan talk Page 3

Council posts rates

$2.00 (inc.GST)

www.mansfieldcourier.com.au

Bombers bite Bulldogs

Page 5

Sport

STUNNING THIS winter has seen many colourful sunrises in the district and this recent one at Drakes Hill Rd is no exception.

PHOTO: David Hostettler

Shire p primaryy and secondaryy schools express p confidence in approaches pp and results

NAPLAN lands, schools positive

STUDENTS across the shire have received their NAPLAN results, with the annual test providing an insight as to how local schools are tracking and informing future direction of classroom practice. NAPLAN, which stands for the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy, is a series of tests focusing on basic skills undertaken by students in years three, five, seven and nine. Last year the annual test was moved to earlier in the year, with testing conducted in term one as opposed to term two. The March time slot provides schools with a clearer picture of where students are at with their learning, creating an opportunity earlier in the year to tailor support and development. Concern has been raised nationwide that school students are not meeting literacy and numeracy benchmarks, with 2024 NAPLAN

SPRING 10 into action

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BY EMMA OLIVER eoliver@ nemedia.com.au

results also showing that one in ten students need additional support, There has been a call to implement classroom reform. However at a local level both primary and secondary schools expressed confidence in the classroom and current measures taken to deliver crucial foundational learning. In February this year, St. Mary’s School, and all 293 Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) schools, made the switch to explicit instruction of reading, writing and mathematics in response to years of national NAPLAN results that showed teaching methods were failing Australian students. Explicit learning allows students

to gain foundational skills and knowledge, with new information building on understood facts and tasks broken down into manageable chunks with clear step-by-step instruction. “NAPLAN is just one of numerous assessment tools we use to inform and drive MACS Vision for Instruction,” said St Mary’s principal, Trish Etcell. “The NAPLAN tests evaluate critical skills necessary for student progression in both academic pursuits and in life, encompassing reading, writing, spelling, grammar, and numeracy. “The test content aligns closely with the Australian Curriculum standards. “Together, this data empowers us to tailor and personalise learning experiences to best meet the unique needs of each student.” ■ Continued page 2


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