NAPLAN Preparation
It is that time of year again, where schools around Australia are rapidly preparing behind the scenes for NAPLAN testing. Here at the Donnybrook Campus, our Year 3 and Year 5 students will be completing their first NAPLAN tests. This provides a fantastic opportunity to make a positive contribution to our ever-growing campus by gaining valuable feedback on our teaching, assessing student progress and determining our student’s and school’s point of need.
However, whenever the word ‘NAPLAN’ is presented to students and staff, this can bring higher anxiety and pressures. Who can blame us? One of our school values is Excellence, and we only want our student’s and children to reach their full potential. But these pressures do have a negative impact on their learning. But there is something that can be done at home and at school to help.
I recently came across an article (see link provided below) and decided to share it with my Year 5 class. The main point of the article is ‘happiness…leads to better NAPLAN results.’ This provided a great discussion with the students about how they can prioritise happiness in the lead up to NAPLAN, in line with their studies, to improve their results. My students came up with a range of ways that can support their wellbeing. These included:
- Eating healthier
- Sleeping more
- Plenty of exercise
- Speaking with friends
- Looking for positives in your day-to-day life
I know the students enjoyed the ‘no homework’ side of the article, but I think the main point was addressed and understood. So, in the lead up to NAPLAN, remember that this is one test that doesn’t define you. Do things that make you happier and maybe this might bring out the best in you.
Click here to read the article I shared with the students.