Solid NAPLAN Results Spark Celebration in Canberra’s Catholic Schools

Canberra‘s Catholic Schools Celebrate Strong NAPLAN Scores as ACT Students Perform Better Than National Average

A New Teaching Approach Yields Improved Results

Catholic schools in Canberra are celebrating their strong performance in this year’s NAPLAN (National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy) tests, with ACT students outperforming their peers in other jurisdictions. The improved results are being attributed, in part, to a newly adopted teaching approach.

One school that has seen significant improvement is St John Vianney’s Primary School in Waramanga. The school uses the Catalyst program as a teaching method, which incorporates direct instruction and emphasizes regular review. According to teacher Leah Malpas, the new approach has made learning easier for the students. The regular review of concepts and the practice of verbalizing information allows the students to easily recall and apply their knowledge in different situations.

The Catholic Education Canberra Goulburn, which oversees St John Vianney’s Primary School, transitioned to the Catalyst teaching approach about four years ago. This change was spearheaded by Ross Fox, who believed that traditional teaching methods were not as effective. The new approach has allowed teachers to adapt their methods based on the needs of individual students.

ACT Students Outperform Peers in NAPLAN

This year, ACT students across the board have performed better than their counterparts in other jurisdictions in almost all assessment categories. However, it is important to note that the criteria for the tests have changed, making it difficult to compare the data with previous years. The new approach assesses students against four levels of proficiency: ‘exceeding’, ‘strong’, ‘developing’, and ‘needs additional support’.

Deb Efthmyiades, the deputy director-general of education strategy for the ACT Education Directorate, acknowledges that this year’s NAPLAN results are different and cannot be compared historically. However, she believes that the outcomes will still be useful for teachers. The individual student data provides valuable insights into each student’s performance, allowing teachers to identify areas for improvement and provide targeted support.

A Myth Debunked: Explicit Instruction in ACT Public Schools

Deb Efthmyiades also addresses the misconception that ACT public schools do not employ explicit instruction as a teaching method, which is a cornerstone of the Catalyst program. She clarifies that every school in the ACT uses explicit instruction in their literacy and numeracy programs, ensuring a universal offering to all students. This statement aims to dispel any doubts about the effectiveness of teaching methods in public schools and highlights the commitment to providing quality education across the board.

Editorial: A New Path to Success

The strong NAPLAN results achieved by Catholic schools in Canberra are a testament to the power of innovative teaching methods. By adopting the Catalyst program, schools have been able to enhance student learning, improve outcomes, and adapt to the changing educational landscape.

It is important to recognize the value of regular review and the practice of verbalizing information in aiding knowledge retention and application. As educators continue to explore new approaches, they must prioritize individual student needs and tailor their instruction accordingly.

Furthermore, the success of Catholic schools in Canberra should not be seen as a critique of public schools. The assertion made by Deb Efthmyiades that explicit instruction is employed in all ACT public schools dispels any misconceptions about the teaching methods utilized in public education. It is crucial to acknowledge that both Catholic and public schools have a shared goal of providing quality education to their students.

Advice: A Collaborative Path Forward

As the education landscape evolves, it is imperative for schools to continually assess and refine their teaching approaches. The success witnessed in Catholic schools should serve as inspiration for all educators to embrace innovative methods that enhance student learning and achievement.

Collaboration between Catholic and public schools can also be a powerful tool in driving educational improvement. By sharing best practices and learning from one another’s experiences, educators can foster a culture of continuous improvement across the education sector.

Ultimately, the focus should always be on the students and their individual needs. By tailoring teaching methods to suit these needs, educators can create a learning environment that optimizes student engagement and outcomes. The celebration of strong NAPLAN results is an opportunity to reflect on what is working and to strive for even greater success in the future.

(Source: Miguel Henriques >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.

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