NAPLAN Reporting Changes

In addition to changes to the timing of NAPLAN this year, there will also be changes to the way NAPLAN results are reported. New proficiency standards with four levels of achievement for each year level will replace the previous 10 band structure and national minimum standard. The new proficiency standard for each year level has been described as “challenging but reasonable” by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA). The change is intended to make it clearer to parents and schools when a child has, or has not, demonstrated proficiency for their stage of schooling.

The bands for each year level are:
• Exceeding
• Strong
• Developing
• Needs additional support

Students in the Exceeding and Strong categories have demonstrated proficiency consistent with their stage of schooling. Students in Developing and Needs additional support categories have not yet demonstrated proficiency consistent with their stage of schooling. Student reports will continue to show the national average and the range of achievement for the middle 60 per cent of students in their year level, allowing comparison of a child’s achievement against these measures.

The changes will also impact the comparison of current and historical data. Results from 2008–2022 cannot be directly compared with the 2023 results.

For more information on this change please see the attached fact sheet from ACARA.

NAPLAN Dates

NAPLAN testing will begin on Wednesday 15 March with the Writing Test. The remaining tests are spaced over the next week and a half. Please see the timetable below.

NAPLAN Catch up sessions

• Thursday 16 March Period 1 in MA7
• Tuesday 21 March Period 1 in RI6 and RI7
• Thursday 23 March Period 2 in RI3 and RI4
• Friday 24 March Period 1 in MA7

Study for Success: Retrieval Practice

Helping your child develop an effective study schedule and strategies is a vital part of supporting their education. As students progress through their schooling the need to allow dedicated time for revision as well as homework and assignments becomes more important. This week’s Study for Success tip is to encourage your child to include activities that practice retrieving information as part of their study. Practicing retrieving information can increase long-term learning. A classic retrieval activity is to use flashcards.

Students can create flashcards the ‘old fashioned way’ using index cards. Cards can be set up in many ways, depending on the content to be studied. Some suggestions include - key vocabulary; people/characters; formulas; question and answer; cause and effect; chronology and dates and thematic concepts.

Students can also take advantage of online tools to create flashcards. Three great places to start are:

- Quizlet https://quizlet.com/features/flashcards 
- Cram https://www.cram.com/ 
- Brainscape https://www.brainscape.com/ 

A variety of apps for Smartphones and tablets are also available.

For more on using flashcards as part of effective retrieval practice read the following article: https://www.retrievalpractice.org/strategies/2019/11/18/flashcards 

Earphones (not Bluetooth) are compulsory for NAPLAN testing. Students who present to the test session with bluetooth earphones or without earphones, will be sold a set - $6 charged to the students’ account. We urge all students to keep the earphones in their pencil case ready for testing sessions. The uniform shop has a small supply of earphones for $6. Earphones must have a 3.5mm standard jack. See images below. Wireless/bluetooth earphones (e.g. Apple air pods) are not compatible.

If you wish to withdraw your student from NAPLAN testing, please contact Megan Munckton, Middle School Coordinator, megan_munckton@shalomcollege.com

Mrs Patricia Allen
Acting Assistant Principal – Curriculum
allenp@shalomcollege.com