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AUGUST 2019
In May, students in years 3, 5, 7 and 9 took part in NAPLAN, with 50 per cent of schools taking the tests on paper and the other 50 per cent online. This week, we released the preliminary NAPLAN 2019 results at the national and state/territory level. Nationally, the writing results show a pleasing improvement from last year – particularly for Year 3 students. Overall, the results for 2019 show that since NAPLAN started in 2008, there have been gains in most test areas, particularly in the primary years. You can read more in the media release on our website.
In the coming weeks, your child's school will receive individual student reports, which will then be distributed to parents.
In this video, Michelle, an assistant principal at an inner Sydney school, explains how her school has used NAPLAN data to improve student learning outcomes.
LATEST NEWS
All schools to do NAPLAN online by 2021
As the independent statutory authority for national curriculum, assessment and reporting, we take our direction from the Education Council, which includes education ministers from each state and territory, as well as the federal education minister. The Education Council recently agreed to extend the NAPLAN Online transition timeline by one year, with all schools to undertake NAPLAN Online by 2021. Ministers also reaffirmed that a key aim of moving NAPLAN online was a simpler and more efficient experience for schools and students.
Supporting geographically isolated families
Have you heard of the Isolated Children's Parents' Association (ICPA)? They're a voluntary, non-profit, apolitical parent body dedicated to ensuring all geographically isolated children’s educational needs and aspirations are not disadvantaged because of where they live. Earlier this month, ICPA held their annual federal conference at Adelaide Oval. Read the outgoing Federal President Wendy Hick's address outlining the achievements and key priorities for the organisation. If you'd like to become a member of your state/territory branch or learn more about their work, visit their website.
Talking to young children about death
A special episode of ABC's long-running children's show Play School aired on Monday 19 August, explicitly addressing death and grief with its preschool-aged audience. You can watch the episode on ABC iview or read notes for families and educators about the program. The Australian Curriculum enables teachers and students to learn about resilience, and skills that support resilient behaviours, coping skills and help-seeking strategies through the Health and Physical Education (HPE) subject in the curriculum.
Encourage learning science outside the classroom
We marked National Science Week on our social media pages this month (10 - 18 August). There are a number of museums and discovery centres around Australia to engage your child in all things science. Find a place near you on the official National Science Week website. You can also see what your child may learn in the Australian Curriculum: Science in any given year level.
Mark your calendar: National HPE Day 2019
National HPE Day is on Thursday 12 September and marks the importance of health and physical education in the Australian Curriculum, and its influence on the learning and development of children. In this video (below) from the Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation (ACHPER), we hear from Kate, a parent who models an active lifestyle for her children and encourages screen free days at home.
Video credit: ACHPER
Q&A
Q: How do I read my child's NAPLAN report?
A: In the coming weeks (exact timing dependent on your state/territory), schools will start receiving individual student reports to distribute to parents and students. These individual student reports provide information about what your child knows and has achieved in the areas of reading, writing, language conventions and numeracy. The reports also provide information on how your child has performed against the national average (over one million students participate in NAPLAN tests each year) and the national minimum standards. You can read more information on how to interpret the report on the NAP website, or download a parent factsheet about the individual student reports.
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