The Learning Zone

Over the next two weeks, students in years 1-6 will complete the Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT). We use the adaptive test platform for Mathematics and Reading. These tests are designed to assess students with a range of text types and skill areas to ensure that students’ reading comprehension and mathematical abilities are being captured.  

The data collected from the assessment results allow teachers to identify points for learning and target their teaching to suit the individual learning needs of students. When we complete these tests later in the year we also monitor learning growth and compare it to the year before results. 

Next week we will also complete the ‘Cold Write’ for term 2, we do one of these terms. A ‘Cold Write’ is used as an assessment piece of writing to show what students have learned about a particular genre (narrative or persuasive) and what needs to be taught next to improve their writing skills. In Kindergarten these are called ‘Warm Writes’. This means that teachers can work with students while they complete their writing to encourage and direct them to complete their responses. 

MaST

Last week Mrs Phillips and Mrs Wilson attended a MaST (Mathematics Specialist Teacher) / LoP (Leader of Pedagogy) workshop at St Joseph’s West Tamworth. This was a wonderful opportunity to network with other schools in the diocese as we implement the MaST project across our school K-6. 

We went on learning walks and talks throughout the school and were able to ask students the 5 learning questions and observe the use of the third teacher within the classrooms. We learned about ways to coach and support staff to ensure we are teaching Mathematics effectively across the school. We also learned how to use a math resource that is now in both infant classrooms this resource will support students' understanding of number concepts.