The Learning Page...
Highlighting our approach to learning...
What Is NAPLAN?
NAPLAN is a series of annual tests that students across Australia take each year. The tests are run in Grades 3, 5, 7 and 9. There are 4 tests:
- Reading
- Writing
- Language Conventions (spelling + grammar and punctuation)
- Mathematics
All students take part in the tests unless in exceptional circumstances.
The results of NAPLAN allow schools to see how their students are tracking compared to other schools in the local area, the state and the nation.
Why Value NAPLAN?
We value NAPLAN as one indicator of how we are progressing as a school. The results of NAPLAN are helpful to us because we can see how we are going in comparison to other schools around the country.
Our Grade 3 results were of particular interest to us this year, as this is the first cohort of students who have progressed from Prep at SMPS right through to Grade 3. We, of course, value all results, however it has previously been challenging to identify our impact when students had begun their schooling at another school and then transferred to us. The Grade 3 students have spent their entire primary school experience at SMPS (aside from some new students, of course).
How Does SMPS Approach NAPLAN?
At South Melbourne Primary School, we approach NAPLAN with honesty. We don't 'teach to the test', instead we approach the test with transparency and student involvement. We believe it would be unfair to have students turn up to school one morning to undertake a NAPLAN test with no context. We also believe it would be unfair for parents to have their child sit a national test without any knowledge of what the test is and how it works. We ensure that:
- In Grades 3 and 5, teachers explain to students what NAPLAN is and why we do it. They discuss what students can expect in terms of logistics on the day (e.g. sitting apart from each other, not being able to talk to other students during the test) and in terms of test layout and questions (e.g. how multiple choice questions work, that the test focusses on the curriculum they learn at school, etc.).
- Parents are aware of the tests. This year we held a NAPLAN parent information night in Term 1. During this session, we introduced families to what the tests were, how parents can help and what information parents receive at the end of NAPLAN. We provide Snapshots that families can choose to complete at home.
How Did We Go?
We are very proud of our students. They approached the tests incredibly well. They were confident and calm. All students concentrated and tried their best - which is all we can ask of them. Many students enjoyed the process of NAPLAN, some even expressing that they were sad when it ended!
The results were released recently. Individual Student Reports have been provided to each Grade 3 and 5 student's family. The results below reflect the overall Grade 3 and 5 cohorts.
Grade 3
| Colour | What It Represents |
|---|---|
| Orange text | Results of SMPS |
| Purple text | Results of schools that can be based anywhere, but have similar demographics (size of school, socio-economic background of families, gender balance of students, % of students who speak English as an additional language, etc.) |
| Blue text | Results of schools that are geographically close to us |
| Black text | Results across all of Victoria |
This picture shows our Grade 3 results in Reading. It represents the percentage of students who were performing in the Top 2 bands - which means that were well above the Grade 3 curriculum level. As you can see, we have more students working at this very high level than schools in our state, network and similar school have.
This picture is set out in the same way, but shows our Grade 3 results in Mathematics (Numeracy). The difference between students at SMPS and those in other schools is quite substantial.
Grade 5
Students in Grade 5 have sat NAPLAN previously. This means that we can compare their progress over time to see how much they have improved in the last two years.
This picture shows our Grade 5 growth in Reading. It represents the percentage of students who improved more than the expected amount from Grade 3 to Grade 5. As you can see, we had more than double the amount of students making high level growth compared to similar schools, our network schools and the state. Pleasingly, 100% of students made the expected amount of growth or more - there was not a single child whose progress was less than expected.
This picture is set out in the same way, but shows our growth in Mathematics (Numeracy). The difference between students at SMPS and those in other schools is significant.
We are pleased by the exceptional results that we have achieved after just a few years of being open. SMPS is quickly setting a new benchmark for schools in the area.
We can't wait to continue improving year after year.