Schools work to ease students’ NAPLAN stress

As NAPLAN testing takes place in schools across Tasmania, teachers are making an effort to keep kids calm amid concerns about student stress.

Sacred Heart Catholic School student Summah Taylor, 8, with Lily Longfield, 11, left, teacher Daniel McIntosh, Kohen Gilliland, 10, and Alex Skerke, 8, during NAPLAN testing. Picture: EDDIE SAFARIK

AS NAPLAN testing takes place in schools across Tasmania, teachers are making an effort to keep kids calm amid concerns about student stress.

The annual literacy and numeracy assessment is for all students in years 3, 5, 7 and 9.

At Sacred Heart Catholic School at Geeveston, assistant principal Cate Doherty said teachers were careful not to overplay the significance of NAPLAN testing.

“We don’t make a big deal out of it at Sacred Heart. It’s just another day at school for our students and we’re very mindful not to make them feel stressed,” Ms Doherty said.

“In the weeks leading up to NAPLAN we continue on with our regular teaching and learning and perhaps have a couple of practices so they know the format of the test.

“As a teacher NAPLAN is only moderately useful. It never tells us very much we don’t already know about our students.”

NAPLAN STRESS: ‘I’LL NEVER HAVE A HOUSE’

The Tasmanian Association of State School Organisations is encouraging parents and carers to contact schools if their children express any concerns about NAPLAN.

“It is important to remember that no one student’s life is or should be defined by the results of a NAPLAN test,” said the association’s president Nigel Jones.

“The results of NAPLAN should be used to strengthen a student’s future learning.”