Key Takeaways:
- Springvale Rise Primary School in Melbourne and Chatswood Primary School in Sydney are being recognized for their above-average NAPLAN scores despite having high percentages of students from non-English speaking backgrounds.
- Both schools attribute their success to explicit teaching methods, use of data to identify knowledge gaps, and a focus on building a positive school culture.
- Education analyst Trisha Jha says that explicit instruction is an evidence-based approach that can turn around Australia’s overall NAPLAN results.
- ACARA CEO Stephen Gniel emphasizes the importance of looking at student progress data and comparing schools to similar schools, rather than just focusing on raw scores.
- Attendance data shows an improvement from 2024, but still remains below pre-pandemic levels, with ACARA and experts expressing concern about the impact of low attendance on student learning.
Introduction to Springvale Rise Primary School
Springvale Rise Primary School in south-east Melbourne is a remarkable example of a school that is making a significant difference in the lives of its students. Despite being a low-privilege school, it has achieved high NAPLAN scores, with roughly two-thirds of its students making above-average progress in reading, writing, and numeracy between Years 3 and 5. The school’s principal, Debbie Cottier, attributes this success to the school’s focus on explicit teaching, use of data to identify knowledge gaps, and a focus on building a positive school culture. With 93% of students coming from non-English speaking backgrounds and 78% in the bottom quartiles for socio-economic advantage, Springvale Rise is a testament to the power of effective teaching and leadership.
Chatswood Primary School: A Similar Success Story
Chatswood Primary School in Sydney’s affluent north shore is another school that is being celebrated for its above-average NAPLAN scores. Like Springvale Rise, Chatswood Primary has a high percentage of students from non-English speaking backgrounds, but unlike Springvale Rise, its students generally come from more affluent families. Despite these differences, both schools share a common approach to teaching, with a focus on explicit instruction and the use of data to identify knowledge gaps. Chatswood Primary’s principal, Cameron Jones, says that this approach has been "incredibly rewarding" and has allowed the school to make a significant impact on its students’ learning.
The Power of Explicit Instruction
Education analyst Trisha Jha says that explicit instruction is an evidence-based approach that can turn around Australia’s overall NAPLAN results. She notes that it would be difficult to find an example of a school that has achieved sustained improvement in student results without using explicit instruction. This approach involves breaking down complex concepts into smaller, manageable chunks, and providing clear guidance and feedback to students. By using explicit instruction, teachers can help students build a strong foundation in literacy and numeracy, and provide them with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in school and beyond.
The Importance of Student Progress Data
ACARA CEO Stephen Gniel emphasizes the importance of looking at student progress data, rather than just focusing on raw scores. He notes that raw scores can be misleading, as they do not take into account the socio-economic advantages or disadvantages of a school’s student population. By looking at student progress data, parents and educators can get a more accurate picture of how well a school is supporting its students, and identify areas where students may need extra support. ACARA’s MySchool website provides a wealth of information on student progress data, allowing parents to track their child’s progress over time and compare their school to similar schools.
Attendance Data: A Cause for Concern
While NAPLAN scores are an important measure of student achievement, attendance data is also a critical indicator of student success. ACARA’s latest attendance data shows an improvement from 2024, but still remains below pre-pandemic levels. This is a cause for concern, as attendance is a critical factor in student learning. Trisha Jha notes that attendance is a "significant concern" that can undermine other efforts to improve school systems, and that it is a "hard nut to crack" due to the complex interplay of factors that influence attendance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Springvale Rise Primary School and Chatswood Primary School are two examples of schools that are making a significant difference in the lives of their students. Through their focus on explicit instruction, use of data, and positive school culture, these schools are achieving above-average NAPLAN scores despite the challenges they face. As ACARA CEO Stephen Gniel notes, it is essential to look at student progress data and compare schools to similar schools, rather than just focusing on raw scores. By doing so, we can get a more accurate picture of how well our schools are supporting their students, and identify areas where we can improve. Ultimately, the success of schools like Springvale Rise and Chatswood Primary shows that with the right approach, all students can achieve their full potential, regardless of their background or socio-economic circumstances.
