Literacy and numeracy

So, we believe that it’s important for every boy to bring his best effort to his reading, writing and numeracy skills.

In all subjects, teaching programs will incorporate these skills.  As well, the school has put in place a number of programs to specifically and explicitly support literacy and numeracy. 

In standardised assessment, it’s important that students are prepared for the on-line test environment, so they know what to expect.

And some forms of on-line testing are now conditions of credentialing. The NSW Educational Standards Authority (NESA) have introduced Minimum Literacy & Numeracy Standards as a condition of the award of an HSC. Managing this situation, for schools, requires a balance of expectations, communication and support.

A central school tracking system monitors all literacy and numeracy data on students, from the time they arrive at the school, and seeks to ensure that no student “falls through the cracks”.

As it comes in, the data is responded to, to ensure timely intervention in case of difficulties being experienced.

And, because some students come to High School behind in these skills, each Year 7, 8 and 9 class is also timetabled for extra periods of literacy each fortnight (3 in Year 7, 2 in Year 8 and 3 in Year 9). This acts to “fill the gaps” which may be there.

In Year 8, a whole-school writing strategy operates. In each course, one assessment task each Semester requires extended writing, and students are prepared for these, beforehand, through practice exercises in class. Then, the writing is marked using a common marking scale, and grades (A to E) shown on Semester reports.

Afterwards, follow-up takes place of those students whose writing grades suggest that they need support.

In Year 8, the school posts a program of additional literacy and numeracy skills quizzes, which can be accessed by students via computer in their homes or in the school Library.  These must be completed and submitted by all students, providing them with an instant mark and feedback on incorrect answers.

For two afternoons per week, the Homework Help program offers literacy and numeracy tutoring, after school in the school library. The sessions run after school for an hour, with a qualified teacher, and full access to computers and online facilities.

The Scholastic Reading program is delivered through literacy classes, but students are also expected to continue their reading at home. There is first an assessment of reading levels, and a matching of students with library books (virtual or real) that are right for them. At the end of a book, students complete a quick on-line assessment, to see how much they’ve understood.

• training of staff and students;
• high-quality teaching resources, which deliver on essential literacy, numeracy and thinking skills;
• gathering and analysing critical information about progress, giving support where it is needed, and keeping parents informed;
• high expectations of parent support and involvement, and students taking responsibility for their own learning.