TEACHING AND LEARNING COORDINATOR

Dear Parents/Guardians,

NAPLAN tests the sort of skills that are essential for every child to progress through school and in life, such as reading, writing, spelling, grammar and numeracy. It is important to remember that NAPLAN is not about passing or failing, but about assessing learning progress. At the classroom level, it is one of a number of important tools used by teachers to measure students’ progress.

In 2018, for the first time, children in some schools across Australia took NAPLAN in an online format. Sirius College has practised an online version of NAPLAN with students and they will sit online NAPLAN in Term 2.

Year 5 students need to complete all NAPLAN tests (Writing, Reading, Language Conventions and Numeracy tests) online. All tests should be completed within 45 minutes. To build their typing confidence, students are encouraged to practise typing their text pieces within 45 minutes at home as well. Year 3 students need to complete three NAPLAN tests (Reading, Language Conventions and Numeracy tests) online and Writing will be paper based.

2019 NAPLAN test dates are: 14th – 16th May. We will do catch up sessions the following week if students are absent on these dates. Please mark these dates on the calendar and try not to book appointments on these dates if possible.

NAPLAN tests give you information on how your child is progressing against national standards. This information allows for additional intervention if necessary, to ensure your child progresses at a rate where they can fully participate in all aspects of the curriculum. NAPLAN does not replace, but rather complements assessments implemented by your child's classroom teacher throughout the year.

NAPLAN tests are constructed to give students an opportunity to demonstrate skills they have learned over time through the school curriculum, and NAPLAN test days should be treated as just another routine event on the school calendar. The best way you can help your child prepare for NAPLAN is to reassure them that NAPLAN tests are just one part of their school program, and to urge them to simply do the best they can on the day.

School has sent a hard copy of NAPLAN information home with Year 3 and 5 students. Please read through it and discuss your concerns with your child’s teacher.