Teaching and Learning
NAPLAN
Initial NAPLAN results were made available to schools this week with student reports for parents due to arrive in the next couple of weeks. We will work with staff to unpack this data throughout next week at both a school and individual student level.
As you may be aware, there have been significant changes made to the way in which NAPLAN results will be reported from this year. These are changes being introduced nationally by the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA).
The numerical NAPLAN bands and the national minimum standard have been replaced by the following 4 levels of achievement. NAPLAN will continue to measure student achievement in numeracy, reading, writing, spelling, and grammar and punctuation but the results will now be presented in 4 proficiency levels:
• Exceeding
• Strong
• Developing
• Needs additional support.
The descriptors for each category will make it clear to parents what their child’s literacy and numeracy skills are at the time of NAPLAN testing.
This change will give schools, parents and carers clearer information that details student achievement against new proficiency levels.
Students’ NAPLAN reports will continue to show how they are tracking against their peers and provide an indication of their skill levels against national averages and where we would expect them to be in order to get the most out of schooling. This provides valuable information to teachers about how we can continue to support your child.
Each set of NAPLAN results is an important milestone but it’s also important that students know that one result does not define them – these results are about making sure every student gets the support they need so they can continue to get the best from their learning.
When we provide you with your results, you will also receive information about what the new proficiency levels mean. As ever, you’re welcome to speak with your child’s teacher or Nicole with any questions about these changes.
Ballarat Young Authors’ Program
Last Thursday was the first workshop day for our 21 year 4 /5 students involved in the Young Authors’ Program. The workshop took place at the Sebastopol Library and Community Hub, Sebastopol Historical Society and RSL Hall.
The theme for the day was ‘Past, Present and Future’. Students engaged with authors and screenwriters and had opportunities to interact with their peers from the other participating schools. It was a hugely engaging day and our students embraced each of the opportunities throughout the day with much enthusiasm.
The next workshop day in August will be hosted by our school at various locations in Buninyong. The theme of the day is Storytelling with a focus on indigenous culture and Buninyong history.
Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge
Keep up the great work with your participation in the Premiers’ Reading Challenge everyone and don’t forget to write a book review to share with others as well.
Every student who completes the challenge will receive a certificate at the end of the Challenge. The Challenge ends on September 8th, which is 45 days away, so keep up the reading!
Buninyong/Mt Helen Lions Club Junior Public Speaking Contest 2023
The Lions Club will once again hold their annual Junior Public Speaking Competition in Term 4. The event has been a great success for the past 5 years (covid pending) and we hope to have strong interest from our BPS students once again this year.
Schools are invited to nominate two students to participate- one in the year 3/4 section and one in the 5/6 section. Last year, BPS students were the overall winners in both sections, which we are very proud of.
Further details and expressions of interest will be provided to students and families in the coming weeks but in the meantime, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact Nicole Phillips.
