October 2017
NAP activities in schools
Between 16 October and 3 November 2017, students from selected schools across the country have been participating in either an ICT literacy sample assessment or a science literacy pilot study.
NAP – ICT Literacy sample assessments
Around 12,000 students from 640 schools are participating in the National Assessment Program – ICT Literacy sample assessments in schools across Australia. The purpose of the test is to inform schools, educators and the community about the levels of achievement for ICT literacy among Year 6 and Year 10 students. All participating schools will receive reports summarising their students’ results, with a national public report of the outcomes released in 2018. A rigorous selection process is used to ensure the sample represents Australia’s Years 6 and 10 cohorts. The assessments are run by ACARA.
NAP – Science Literacy pilot study
Up to 1,900 students in 60 schools around the country are taking part in the National Assessment Program – Science Literacy pilot study.
Following the education ministers’ decision to extend the assessment to Year 10 students from 2018, the pilot will provide evidence for the new draft assessment framework about the progression of knowledge and skills, the development of age-appropriate assessments for Year 10 students and the vertical linking of Year 6 and 10 assessments.
Find out more about the sample assessments and NAPLAN key dates on the NAP website.
NAPLAN Online: platform readiness test
Up to 10 schools were selected by each state and territory to participate in the platform readiness tests (PRTs) between 23 October and 1 November 2017. These schools have demonstrated their technical capability through the school readiness testing earlier in the year, or have previously demonstrated their capacity during 2016–17.
The platform readiness test is a full end-to-end test of the performance of the NAPLAN Online platform and post-test processes, which includes monitoring, reporting and quality assurance. It follows on from the successful school readiness test, which occurred during August–September this year. PRT is not a test of school readiness or of students’ literacy and numeracy skills.
Read more about the move to NAPLAN Online on the NAP website.
World Teachers' Day – 27 October 2017
World Teachers' Day is an international day to recognise and acknowledge the significant contributions teachers make in educating our young people. Traditionally celebrated on 5 October, it is marked on the last Friday in October in Australia due to school holidays occurring at that time.
At ACARA, our curriculum specialists are all qualified teachers with expertise in primary, secondary and tertiary education, in both public and private school systems. They know the ins and outs of the classroom, engage regularly with education stakeholders and ensure the resources and projects they work on each day supporting the Australian Curriculum are practical, useful and relevant for today’s teachers.
Happy World Teachers’ Day to all the teachers around Australia – we thank you for your service!
Read the latest Primary Matters newsletter
In this issue of Primary Matters, we explore the Critical and Creative Thinking general capability; look at how Springfield Anglican College teachers are developing problem-based STEAM units; introduce our new Curriculum Specialist, Digital Technologies – Kim Vernon; and showcase our recently updated Australian Curriculum website.
NAPLAN Online: technical requirements
Students, teachers and parents can become familiar with NAPLAN Online by completing mini-tests available on our public demonstration site, located within the NAP website. Visit the NAP website to find out the minimum technical requirements for completing NAPLAN Online.