College Head of Learning
NAPLAN Tests 2019
Parents of students in Years 3, 5, 7 & 9 will have received an email from me earlier this week which provided details about the upcoming NAPLAN tests, but for anyone who would like to know more, here are some frequently asked questions.
Q. When are NAPLAN tests happening?
A. Term 2, Weeks 4 & 5 (May 14-24)
Q. What tests do the children sit?
A. 4 tests: Language Conventions, Writing, Reading, Numeracy. Tests range from 40 minutes to 65 minutes, depending on the test type and year level. All tests except the Writing tests will be completed online on an iPad using the NAP Locked-down browser. Year 3 students will complete the Writing test with paper and pencil. Year 5, 7 & 9 students will each have the choice between an iPad and a desktop computer with a standard computer keyboard for the Writing test.
Q. What can I do to help my child to do their best in the tests?
A. Your assistance would be appreciated in ensuring that your child has charged their iPad at home and has a pair of working headphones during the testing period. Please also reassure your child that:
- they should simply try their best on the test days, just as they should in all of their classes;
- the NAPLAN tests are not something to worry about;
- their worth as a person is not dependent on their score;
- NAPLAN scores do not contribute to their school results;
- NAPLAN test results are used help teachers to know what we need to teach in class.
ACARA (Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority) does NOT recommend that children use products such as practice test booklets or coaching services to prepare for the tests. None of the products available commercially are endorsed by ACARA.
Q. When do we get the results?
A. Usually late in Term 3. They are released by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority and mailed to you by the school.
Q. What does the school do to prepare the children for the tests?
A. Each student has completed a practice test session in class, answering sample questions from each test type. Students have been shown how to record their answers on the online test platform. We do NOT run full ‘rehearsal’ tests as schools are strongly advised not to do so.
Q. Can I see the tests?
A. No, the actual tests are strictly secured and will not be released to the public. However, there are examples of test question types published at https://www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment/public-demonstration-site.
Q. Does my child have to sit the tests?
A. Parents or carers may withdraw their child from the tests to address issues such as religious beliefs and philosophical objections to testing. It is recommended that withdrawal be considered in consultation with your child's school. If you would like to withdraw your child from testing, written notification must be received by the school prior to testing. The College will then provide a form authorizing the withdrawal of the student from NAPLAN tests this year, which must be signed and returned to Ms Pauline Malkoun, NAPLAN Co-ordinator, by 10 May.
Parent Information Evening - Monday 6 May at 7.00pm
The Primary School leadership team has scheduled a parent information evening focusing on How to support school learning at home. The session is scheduled for Monday 6 May at 7.00pm in the CPA and will conclude by 8:30pm. While parents of children in Prep to Year 3 will find the session of most benefit, the session is open to all Aitken primary school parents.
The information evening will provide an opportunity for parents to understand integral aspects of their child’s schooling and strategies which can be used at home to consolidate what is being learnt in the classroom.
The session will include information on:
- NAPLAN testing
- Current approaches to learning Mathematics, and use of Mathletics at home
- Literacy programs including THRASS (Teaching Handwriting, Reading and Spelling Skills), and spelling, writing and general reading comprehension skills
- Supporting children with research and inquiry projects.
For those who attended last year, there will be some new content and some repeated content. This information evening is a parent only session; please do not bring your children.
Ms Kerri Batch
College Head of Learning