Learning and Teaching

It is important for our students to be encouraged to take risks with their learning. One of our many foci at St Louis is to encourage a growth mindset with our students. A growth mindset recognizes that setbacks are a necessary part of the learning process and allows people to 'bounce back' by increasing motivational effort. At home it is also important that we embrace mistakes and help our children to understand where they have gone wrong and how to move forward. These are often called 'A-ha' moments.

This week our Year 3 and Year 5 students commence their NAPLAN journey. This is a chance for us to support our students and simply ask them to do the best they can do. 

NAPLAN assesses the literacy and numeracy skills that students are learning through the school curriculum and allows parents/carers to see how their child is progressing against national standards and over time. NAPLAN is just one aspect of a school’s assessment and reporting process. It doesn’t replace ongoing assessments made by teachers about student performance, but it can provide teachers with additional information about students’ educational progress.

The schedule has been shared with the school community so that we are all aware of what is happening over the week. From a St Louis perspective we ask that everyone just does the best they can do. All students need to be reassured that whatever the outcome it is okay. These assessments are a snapshot in time and help to build an overall picture of your child's learning.

Below is some information from the NAPLAN information site that may help to answer the many questions circulating.

Your child will do the NAPLAN tests online

 Schools have transitioned from paper-based to computer-based assessments. All Year 3 students will continue to complete the writing assessment on paper.

How is my child’s performance reported? 

Individual student performance is shown on a national achievement scale for each assessment. This scale indicates whether the student is meeting expectations for the literacy and numeracy skills needed to participate fully in that year level. A NAPLAN individual student report will be provided by your child’s school later in the year. If you do not receive a report, you should contact your child’s school.

How are NAPLAN results used? 

• Students and parents/carers may use individual results to discuss progress with teachers.
• Teachers use results to help identify students who need greater challenges or extra support.
• Schools use results to identify strengths and areas of need to improve teaching programs, and to set goals in literacy and numeracy. 
• School systems use results to review the effectiveness of programs and support offered to schools

What can I do to support my child? 

Students are not expected to study for NAPLAN. You can support your child by reassuring them that NAPLAN is a part of their school program and reminding them to simply do their best. Some familiarisation and explanation of NAPLAN is useful to help students understand and be comfortable with the format of the tests. Teachers will ensure students are familiar with the types of questions in the tests and will provide appropriate support and guidance. 

ACARA does not recommend excessive preparation for NAPLAN or the use of services by coaching providers. See the types of questions and tools available in the online NAPLAN assessments at nap.edu.au/onlineassessment/public-demonstration-site.

We wish all the Year 3 and Year 5 students the very best next week.