The IB Middle Years Programme

Progress with ACER’s PAT Tests at Oakleigh Grammar

Dear Parents and Guardians,

At Oakleigh Grammar, we are committed to providing a data-driven and individualised approach to education, ensuring every student achieves their full potential. One of the tools that has been pivotal in helping us achieve this is the ACER Progressive Achievement (PAT) testing suite. I’m excited to share updates about our progress and future plans.

Building Success with PAT Testing

Since its introduction in 2021, PAT Maths Adaptive and PAT Reading Adaptive tests have been a cornerstone for Years 6-9. These assessments have allowed us to identify individual student strengths and areas for improvement in mathematics and reading, track their progress over time, and refine our curriculum to better meet their needs. We are proud to report that our Middle School students have consistently performed well above the Australian norm in these areas—a testament to their hard work and the dedication of our educators.

Expanding Assessment Tools

In Term 3 of this year, we introduced the PAT Grammar and Punctuation test. This addition is designed to further enhance our understanding of students' literacy skills, complementing the work already being done in reading.

Looking ahead to 2025, we are excited to broaden the scope of PAT testing:

Continued Use: PAT Maths Adaptive, PAT Reading Adaptive, and PAT Grammar and Punctuation.

New Addition: PAT Science test.

What’s more exciting is that all the tests will be available for Years 3-9 students. This expansion takes full advantage of the benefits of our Grammar School framework, allowing us to closely track students’ progress through their formative years. These tools will provide us with deeper insights into student learning and enable even more targeted support.

Strengthening Communication

Although PAT tests have been integral behind the scenes, we recognise the importance of keeping you informed. In 2025, we will enhance communication regarding assessments and results. This will ensure parents are better equipped to understand their child’s achievements and areas for growth, fostering even stronger partnerships between home and school.

Why PAT Matters

PAT tests are low-stakes assessments designed to support teaching and learning. They provide scaled scores that indicate where a student is in their learning journey, along with achievement bands to illustrate the skills demonstrated. Teachers analyse these results alongside other assessment data to create a comprehensive picture of each student’s development. With this knowledge, we can tailor instruction to meet every child’s unique needs.

As always, our goal is to ensure that every student at Oakleigh Grammar receives the highest standard of education in an environment that supports their growth. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about PAT testing, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Warm regards,

Guang Wu

MYP Coordinator