Early Years Testing (Prep-Year 2)

You may have noticed that teachers in Prep - Year 1 have been released from class over the last few weeks to complete ‘Early Years Testing.’ This is a Townsville Catholic Education Diocesan wide initiative to help our teachers know their learners and further progress their learning. The Early Years test has been developed through consultation with our Townsville Catholic Education Speech Therapists and specialist teachers of literacy and numeracy.

Prep and Year 1 students are tested in a one-on-one interview with their teachers, and Year 2 students complete a test on their chromebooks as a class. Each student is tested on their literacy and numeracy capabilities. After testing, teachers meet as a team with other key leaders from our school, to analyse the data and decide on next steps and goals for your children. Of course, this is one test on one day and the teachers use many other forms of data collection and understanding of students to know the children as a whole. 

The Early Years Testing, however, is a valuable way to test our Prep-Year 2 students in a standardised way so we can assist each one of our students progress where they need to. Students will be tested again later in the year to compare data and identify learning progress. If you are discussing the testing with your children please keep the discussion light hearted and encourage your child to just try their best. Tests are used to help our teachers know and understand students so they know specifically where to prioritise their teaching - they are not meant to be scary.   

While on the topic of testing, a reminder that our year 3 and year 5 classes are having a NAPLAN practice test this coming Wednesday. This is an opportunity for students to engage with the tests and ask their teachers any questions they may have about how to navigate the online platform. Results will not be marked. Please see your child’s teacher if you have any questions. 

Yours in Learning, 

Aleesha Rockemer 

Learning and Teaching Adviser and Acting Assistant Principal - Administration