TESTING TIME FOR PUPILS
NAPLAN DIVIDE GROWS:
THE controversial NAPLAN test is back after a COVID-induced hiatus in 2020 and students across the region have been busily preparing for the formal assessment.
Authorities say it is essential standardised testing, while opponents say it causes students anxiety.
Students in years 3, 5, 7 and 9 at 1700 Queensland schools will sit the tests in the next two days, with Trinity Anglican School’s (TAS) White Rock campus among those going online for the first time.
TAS White Rock primary campus head Peter Gazzola said keeping things in perspective was vital and there was no need to stress about the test.
“The main thing for students is to do their best,” he said.
“Parents should not over emphasise the test and reassure their children that all they need to do is have a go.
“The best way to find out about the progress of your child is to talk to the classroom teacher. Our teachers know their students very well,” he said.
Asked if NAPLAN results were significant for individual students, Mr Gazzola said it was one tool “but as a one-off test it has its limitations”.
Year 5 student Rebecca Leroy, 10, was positive about NAPLAN testing, saying it was a useful strategy to prepare for exams.
“I think NAPLAN is like a chance to practise some of your skills and feel confident in yourself, even though it doesn’t go towards your grade it will strengthen the school, and it helps you to prepare for exams,” she said.
“I think we get a little bit nervous but there isn’t anything to really worry about.
“We have been practising a while, quite a lot in writing, I think I am well prepared.”
State Education Minister Grace Grace urged calm.
“This is just one of the ways we can monitor students’ progress and work out how to channel resources and provide more targeted support,” she said.
“We know from parents and teachers there are shortcomings with how it currently operates and we will continue to advocate for improvements.
“Some form of standardised national testing is required, and for now that is NAPLAN.” NAPLAN testing includes reading, writing, language conventions and numeracy.
The Queensland Teachers Union has strongly opposed NAPLAN, saying a report showed almost 90 per cent of students felt stressed before the tests and suffered anxiety and fatigue. It argues after 10 years of NAPLAN there has been no significant improvement in numeracy or literacy at a systemic level, and valuable teaching time is wasted.
Subject areas that can be measured by multiple choice tests are prioritised over arts and creative expression, it says.