BORDER students excel in reading while writing activities let them down, latest Naplan results show.
Scores from last year’s test released on the My School website this week by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority showed that across years 3, 5, 7 and 9, schools scored the highest in reading followed by grammar and punctuation, numeracy, spelling and persuasive writing.
Border Christian College principal Jodie McDonald said while their results were consistent from 2013, the release of Naplan scores could be a disadvantage to small schools.
“In a small school setting like ours, an individual has a large effect on the overall Naplan result,” she said.
“One particular grade level has dropped significantly in persuasive writing because out of the six students, one was not attempting the task seriously because of their own welfare situation.
“With small numbers there is a larger effect and that’s why it’s difficult for small schools when this information gets printed.”
Mrs McDonald said she was concerned people looking at the results may not see the bigger picture.
“Parents just look at the graph and don’t stop to consider what these mean and there is a point of contention sometimes with results,” she said.
“We are concerned parents will be misinformed and will then have a certain expectation.”
Mrs McDonald said it was important for people to remember that schooling was not based on one test.
“There is more to education than just Naplan,” she said.
“We understand it’s important to read and write and do arithmetic, but it’s not just what education is about.”
Holy Spirit Primary School principal Mark MacLean said he could not fault the data on the My School website.
“We looked at the data from 2013 to set goals for 2014 and made reading our focus,” he said.
“I’m glad across the board that has improved,” he said.
“This year we will set our goals based on the latest data and we will focus on writing.
“The data that is provided is a fantastic tool.”
