Learning and Teaching

As we approach the middle of the term, many students are undertaking assessment tasks such as unit tests, practical assessments and VCE School Assessed Coursework (SACs). NAPLAN is also just around the corner for our Year 3, 5, 7 and Year 9 students.  These assessment tasks can be a daunting and stressful experience for many students, who may exhibit signs of test anxiety such as irritability, tension, stomach or headaches, being more upset or angry than usual, refusing to participate in activities they enjoy or even refusing to attend school. 

Our staff work with students to prepare them in a range of ways, including:

• Preparing revision materials and resources
• Practicing different question types in class
• Providing practice assessments to familiarise students with test conditions.
• Providing regular feedback on areas to focus on 

There are also many ways that parents and carers can support their child/ren at this time:

• Provide encouragement, acknowledging how they are feeling. 
• Remind them that being anxious about a test is a normal experience – they are not alone!
• Ensure they get plenty of rest, stick to regular routines, and have a healthy breakfast on test days to maximise brain power.
• Help them plan out revision or homework time to include breaks. Support them to choose enjoyable activities such as listening to music or doing some exercise during these breaks. Limit screen time if possible.
• Practice calming strategies for them to use during a test, if this is something that helps them.
• Come up with a plan together about what they can do when they don’t know how to answer a question. 

For further information the following links provide other resources that may be helpful in supporting your child during these testing times!

• How to Help Kids with Test Anxiety | Big Life Journal 
• Test Anxiety (for Teens) 

For parents of Year 3, Year 5, Year 7, and Year 9 students, further information will be communicated to you shortly about arrangements for your child to sit NAPLAN. If you have any questions or queries about NAPLAN or any of the information you receive, please contact me, Mr Stephen Nelson (Year 3 and Year 5 parents) or Mr Ben Hawthorne (Year 7 and Year 9 parents). 

The following link contains helpful information for parents about NAPLAN. 

NAP - For parents and carers

Anna Robertson

Director of Learning & Teaching