Director Learning and Teaching
Anna Robertson
As we approach the middle of the term, many students are undertaking assessment tasks such as unit tests, practical assessments and VCE School Assessed Coursework (SACs). NAPLAN is also just around the corner for our Year 3, 5, 7 and 9 students. These assessment tasks can be a daunting and stressful experience for many students, who may exhibit signs of test anxiety such as irritability, tension, stomach aches, headaches, being more upset or angry than usual, refusing to participate in activities they enjoy, or even refusing to attend school. Our staff work with students to prepare them in a range of ways, including:
- Preparing revision materials and resources
- Practicing different question types in class
- Providing practice assessments to familiarise students with test conditions.
- Providing regular feedback on areas to focus on
There are also many ways that parents and carers can support their child/ren at this time:
- Encourage, while acknowledging how they are feeling.
- Remind them that anxiety about a test is an everyday experience – they are not alone!
- To maximise brain power, ensure they get plenty of rest, stick to regular routines, and have a healthy breakfast on test days.
- Help them plan out revisions or homework time, including breaks. Please help them choose enjoyable activities such as music or exercise during these breaks. Limit screen time if possible.
- Practice calming strategies for them to use during a test, if this is something that helps them.
- They should come up with a plan together for what to do when they don’t know how to answer a question.
The following links provide other resources that may be helpful in supporting your child during these testing times.
How to Help Kids with Test Anxiety
Big Life Journal Test Anxiety (for Teens)
For parents of Year 3, 5, 7 and 9 students, you will have received information about NAPLN arrangements for your child/ren. If you have any questions or queries about NAPLAN or any of the information you receive, don't hesitate to contact me, Stephen Nelson (Year 3 and 5 parents) or Ben Hawthorne (Year 7 and 9 parents).
Year 7 and 9 students have been given a copy of the NAPLAN timetable and are asked to complete the following tasks before their first session next Wednesday.
- Check that you can see the updated 2025 NAPLAN browser icon (purple) on your laptop desktop.
- Please bring your student laptop, FULLY CHARGED (overnight) to each test and bring a set of working headphones or ear buds, connected with sound working BEFORE your first test.
The following link contains helpful information for parents about NAPLAN. NAP - For parents and carers