‘Stay calm’ for NAPLAN

STUDENTS across the Burdekin were reminded to stay calm as the first week of NAPLAN exams took place across the state.

Director of Learning and Teaching at the Townsville Catholic Education Office Peter Stower said preparations for NAPLAN exams began with high quality learning and teaching of the Australian Curriculum in a student centred, responsive manner.

“Preparation is undertaken with students in NAPLAN year levels to ensure students are familiar with the types of questions contained in the tests,” Mr Stower said.

“To do this, all schools participate in NAPLAN practice tests and use the Public Demonstration site to engage with sample tests. These sample tests contain questions that show the types of technologyenhanced features of the online tests, including interactive navigation, audio features, and drag and drop style responses.

“During these practice tests, teachers have the opportunity to provide students with appropriate support and guidance,” he said.

Education Minister Grace Grace urged students to remain calm ahead of the exams.

“Relax and do your best is the best advice – from me and from parents and carers,” Ms Grace said.

“Everyone needs to remember that this is just one of the ways we can monitor students’ progress and work out how to channel resources and provide more targeted support.

“We know from parents and teachers there are shortcomings with how it currently operates and we will continue to advocate for improvements, noting that any future changes need to be agreed by all education ministers across the country.

“Some form of standardised national testing is required, and for now that is NAPLAN.”

A Department of Education spokesman said NAPLAN was one of the tools used for monitoring students’ progress and assessing their areas of strength and development. “It is a point-in-time check, and is only one of many assessments students undertake to monitor and track their progress,” the spokesman said.

In Queensland, 1151 schools, including 749 state schools, transitioned to NAPLAN online this year.

The results for schools above the national minimum standard in Year 9 in 2019 were:

Ayr State High School; Reading: 84%, writing: 63%, spelling: 85%, Grammar/

Punctuation: 72%, Numeracy: 98%

Burdekin Catholic High School; Reading: 93%, writing: 88%, spelling: 94%, grammar/ punctuation: 94%, numeracy: 100%

Burdekin Christian College; Reading: 100%, writing: 17%, spelling: 83%, grammar/ punctuation: 50%, numeracy: 100%

Home Hill State High School: Reading: 87%, writing: 84%, spelling: 92%, grammar/ punctuation: 92%, numeracy: 97%