Dean of Studies
Professor Anders Ericsson
In the previous newsletter, the concepts from Professor Anders Ericsson on how a particular type of extended practice leads to exceptional performance was introduced. The first question that should arise is why?
Ericsson notes that the ability to create, through the right sort of training and practice, “abilities that they would not otherwise possess by taking advantage of the incredible adaptability of the human brain and body”. To put this ‘gift’ to work in order to improve in an area of your choice, a fundamental new way of thinking about human potential, one that suggests we have far more power than we ever realised to take control of our life. Thus, for students (and for adults), learning becomes a way of creating abilities rather than of bringing people to the point where they can take advantage of their innate ones.
For all students to improve, irrespective of their current achievement, three simple ideas around deliberate practice must take hold:
- Potential is an expandable vessel, shaped by the various things we do throughout life.
- Learning isn’t a way of reaching one’s potential, but rather a way of developing it.
- Our challenge is to identify the best ways to improve performance in a given activity – this is why an expert teacher or coach has a vital role to play.
The key differences among different types of practice is the extent to which they harness the adaptability of the human brain and body. Changes in the brain occur in response to deliberate practice, and a learner gains expertise by improving mental processes. For all students, a foundation in literacy and numeracy is necessary for life beyond school, and this is linked to their achievements through either the NAPLAN or OLNA external assessments.
The Online Literacy and Numeracy Assessment (OLNA)
OLNA stands for the Online Literacy and Numeracy Assessment, and in order to demonstrate the required literacy and numeracy standards for the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE), some students are expected to sit this assessment. The School Curriculum and Standards Authority awards the WACE at the end of Year 12 to students who have met all the requirements.
A student may pre-qualify for the WACE literacy and numeracy requirement through their performance in the Year 9 NAPLAN test. As such, the College will inform you if your son or daughter is required to the sit the OLNA, which is held in March and September each year, starting in Year 10.
The OLNA is comprised of three components—Reading, Writing and Numeracy. Students are allowed 50 minutes for the Reading and Numeracy components and 60 minutes for the Writing. The table attached provides an overview of the OLNA components for 2018.
To prepare students for the types of questions they can expect, and to familiarise them with the online assessment platform, the College provides access to practice and example tests on a secure website. The link to the secure website for the practice and example tests is available on the Authority website at www.scsa.wa.edu.au under:
Years 11 and 12 > Assessment > OLNA > Practice and Example Tests.
For students with a disability, the OLNA Disability Adjustment Guidelines will assist with the determination of the appropriate adjustments for equal access. Information regarding the disability adjustments is available on the Authority website under: Years 11 and 12 > Assessment > Disability Adjustment Guidelines.
A student who does not demonstrate the required literacy and numeracy standard by the time they exit senior secondary schooling can apply to the Authority to re-sit the OLNA at any age. If you wish to know more, please access the Authority’s website and go to: Years 11 and 12 > Assessment > OLNA. You will find more information, answers to frequently asked questions and a brief video. You can also direct enquiries to: olna@scsa.wa.edu.au.
Mr R Dowling (Dean of Studies)