CURRICULUM

NAPLAN and Senior Block Exams 

March marks a significant assessment period at the College, with NAPLAN for Years 7 and 9 and the Senior Term 1 Examination Block for Years 11 and 12 occurring concurrently. These assessments provide important insight into student progress and, for our senior students, form part of their QCAA units of work. We thank families for your continued partnership in supporting your sons during this time. 

NAPLAN – Years 7 & 9 

Test Dates 

• Wednesday 11 March – Writing 
• Friday 13 March – Reading 
• Monday 16 March – Language Conventions 

• Tuesday 17 March – Numeracy 

   

All tests are completed online during homeroom and administered by homeroom teachers. 

Students must bring the following: 

• Their fully charged college laptop 

• Wired earphones (Bluetooth earphones are not permitted under national testing regulations) 

   

NAPLAN-approved wired earphones are available from the Saints Shop for $2.50. Catch-up sessions will be conducted within the official testing window for students who are absent. 

NAPLAN provides one measure of literacy and numeracy development and complements the broader assessment program undertaken across the year. 

Senior Exam Block – 13–17 March 

Students in Years 11 and 12 will complete assessment aligned to their Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) units of work. These examinations form part of each subject’s approved course of study and contribute to students’ overall academic progress within the senior phase of learning. 

During this period: 

• Students attend only when they have a scheduled exam. 
• They may leave once their session ends. 
• Some sessions will finish earlier than the normal school day. 
• Supervised study is available in the Gildas for students unable to leave campus.  
• Formal uniform is required and all normal college expectations apply. 

Supporting your son during assessment 

• Senior assessment requires growing independence and organisation. Students perform best when preparation and wellbeing are managed deliberately. 

Families can help by encouraging: 

• Short, focused study sessions across the week (rather than cramming). 
• 8–9 hours of sleep, especially before an exam. 
• A calm, structured morning routine. 
• Simple reassurance such as, “Trust the preparation you’ve done.” 
• Some nerves are normal, and often helpful. When students see nerves as a sign they’re ready, not under threat, they approach exams with greater confidence and composure. 

As a college, our aim is not only strong academic outcomes but the formation of calm, capable and resilient young men. With structured preparation, healthy routines and supportive encouragement, our students are well positioned to approach this assessment period with confidence and purpose.