Pedagogy and Practice

NAPLAN 2023

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is a point in time assessment of literacy and numeracy skills that are essential for every child to progress in their learning growth. Students in Year 7 and 9 participate in the annual NAPLAN tests in writing, reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.

In 2023, St Andrews College students in Years 7 and 9 will be participating in NAPLAN online on:

• Wednesday 15 March - Writing (Year 7 and 9), Reading (Year 7 and 9)
• Thursday 16 March - Conventions of Language (Year 7 and 9), Numeracy, (Year 7 and 9)

Full details for students and parents will be published via Compass in the lead up to these test dates. Successful preparation tips are also contained in the letter.

Naplan results were previously reported using a system of Bands, however, from 2023, this system will be replaced by one with Four (4) achievement descriptors. These are:

• Exceeding 
• Strong 
• Developing 
• Needs additional support. 

The descriptors for each category will make it clear to parents what their child’s literacy and numeracy skills are at the time of NAPLAN testing, and support discussions with their school on their child’s progress. 

Further details can be found via the NAPLAN Online Information for parents and carers page.

Study Skills and Tips for Successful Study

Studying well is a skill that can be practised and improved. 

Below are some tips that will help you make the most of your study time.

Knowing that studying involves a dedicated amount of your time, effort and concentration is important when setting yourself up to study well.

Top 10 Study Tips

1. DECIDE.  Make a real decision that you are going to study.
2. TIME.  Create a schedule that indicates WHEN you will study.
3. SPACE.  Create a dedicated study SPACE for you to use.
4. DISTRACTIONS. Remove all distractions from your study space.
    No Phones or social media
    No Music
    No TV
    No Procrastinating
5. BUDDIES. Join up with a friend(s) who is equally determined to study.
6. SLEEP. Keep up regular sleep patterns. Approx 8 hours per night.
7. NUTRITION. Maintain a balanced diet with plenty of water.
    Avoid caffeine and energy drinks
    Avoid high sugar, high salt, high fat snacks
8. EXERCISE. Keep up the physical movement.
    About 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day
9. FAMILY. This is your most important support system. Speak with them
10. PRAYER. Take time to pray and reflect. This will help keep you centred.

 Highly Effective Study Techniques

1. Write summary notes. Keep your summary notes indexed in folders.
2. Write your notes. Handwriting is essential in your exams - practise it.
3. Complete Past Papers. Do this under timed, exam conditions.
    Ask a peer to mark your work and provide their feedback.
4. Try the “Refinement Process”, where you explain how to do something to another person.
5. Adopt “Spaced Practice”, where you break study up into smaller chunks over a longer period of time.
6. Experiment with “Retrieval Practice”, where you write down all that you can recall about a particular topic.
7. Complete Review and Extension questions from your textbooks.
8. Access other textbooks and resources. Extend your level of understanding.
9. Complete on-line revision quizzes. These can provide instant results/feedback 

Visit the NESA site for more useful information:

• Past exam papers which include marking guidelines and marker notes
• HSC Study Guide  - detailed study resource

STUDY DON’Ts…

1. Don’t wait until the last moment to start - Cramming is not a successful strategy.
2. Don’t pretend that you have studied. Planning to study is not studying.
3. Don’t ignore weekends - these can be used as study time also.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You are supported and assistance is available.