Learning and Teaching News
NAPLAN
NAPLAN for Year 3 and 5 students will take place between Wednesday, 12th March 2025 and Monday, 24th March 2025. We will schedule the tests to best suit our school calendar over the time.
This link gives more specific information about NAPLAN for parents and carers of Year 3 and 5 students.
Parent/Carer information brochure
This testing regime provides a photograph of a student's performance on the day and although it has benefits for our knowledge of individual and school successes and challenges, it is but one measure of success.
It doesn’t tell us everything that makes each student who they are, that makes them amazing.
The Naplan tests do not assess all of what makes each person special and unique.
The following extract, first published in the Huffington Post and from a teacher’s perspective, is a great way to put this type of testing into perspective.
..”The people who create these tests and score them do not know each of you like I do, and certainly not the way your families do.
They do not know that some of you speak two languages, or that you love to sing or draw. They have not seen your natural talent for dancing. They do not know that your friends count on you to be there for them, that your laughter can brighten the darkest day, or that your face turns red when you feel shy. They do not know that you participate in sports, wonder about the future, or sometimes you help with your little brother or little sister after school. They do not know that you are kind, trustworthy, and thoughtful… and every day you try your very best.
The scores you will get from these tests will tell you something, but they will not tell you everything. These tests do not define you. There are many ways of being smart. YOU are smart! You are enough! You are the light that brightens my day and the reason I am happy to come to work each day. So, in the midst of all of these tests, remember that there is no way to “test” all of the amazing and awesome things that make you, YOU.
All I ask is that you do your personal best and do not give up. You have been working for this since Kindergarten and are ready! I believe in you!”
Lauren our Mathematics leader and Marlene our Literacy leader have shared some insights on how to prepare your child for Naplan.
It's important to understand that NAPLAN isn't something students need to study for. It assesses what they've already learned in class. The best way to support your child is to reassure them that NAPLAN is a normal part of the school year and encourage them to simply try their best. Explain that the results help schools understand what they're doing well and where they can improve their teaching, especially in reading and math.
Some ways we reassure students when prepare for NAPLAN at school is:
give students an opportunity to see past questions so that they know what to expect
teach students test smarts
allow students to explore a practice platform so they they can see how questions are structured and the tools that are available (such as digital rulers and click+drag functions etc)
explaining that you cannot fail NAPLAN, it is a measure of what you know and where to next
Please contact us if you have any questions about NAPLAN or teaching and learning at SMDP.
At SMDP we believe in providing a range of opportunities that nurture and develop the whole person, not just academically, but socially, spiritually and emotionally.
As a result, we provide choir and band on a Monday or Tuesday. The following students make up our choir or band this year
Elise Coghlan
Deputy Principal | Learning and Teaching Leader