This May 2019 children across the
country in years 3, 5, 7 and 9 will sit the National Assessment Program
Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) tests, with the advent of online testing this
year.
As students, teachers and parents
alike are put to the test, pressure builds around the significance of the test
as secondary school applications loom, and NAPLAN results are requested for
submission.
“There is a common misconception
amongst parents that their child’s NAPLAN result will be used to determine
acceptance into high school,” says St John Fisher College Principal Ms Cathy
Galvin.
“Although NAPLAN results will be
requested when applying for secondary school, I can speak for St John Fisher
College when I say that by no means is this test result used in isolation when
assessing an application for enrolment.”
“Our College assesses applicants
holistically, looking at the child’s performance and commitment to education
over a number of areas and disciplines.”
“We also look at the broad range
of interests, including music and sport, that the student may enjoy.”
“In our application process,
NAPLAN results are used to determine educational gaps or areas where the
student may need support and also to identify students who may need extension.”
Brisbane
Catholic Education Student Wellbeing Officer, Amy Hodkinson comments; “NAPLAN can cause some children to feel stressed and anxious,
especially those in Year 3 who are likely sitting their first exam, but it’s
also an opportunity to build resilience.”
“Some schools can over-emphasise
the significance of NAPLAN as can teachers who are feeling under pressure to
perform”.
“This can have a trickle-down
effect, placing children under too much stress and it’s therefore really
important for parents to play their part in diffusing pressure by ‘playing it
down’.”
“St John Fisher College therapy dogs, Wilbur
and Lucy will be on campus in the lead up to NAPLAN this May, providing great
comfort to our year 7 and 9 students who will be sitting the exams”.
