The latest NAPLAN data has been released by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority revealing the schools where students have thrived despite the impact of the pandemic.
The data released last week was the first school-level data released in two years, after NAPLAN was cancelled in 2020.
The data showed pupils at Tate Street Primary School in East Geelong were some of strongest improvers between 2019 and 2021.
NAPLAN results showed between grade three and five, 74 per cent of pupils at the school achieved above average progress in writing and 71 per cent in reading, compared pupils from the same backgrounds and similar starting scores.
Almost two-thirds of pupils (65 per cent) also saw above average progress in numeracy.
Tate Street Primary School learning specialist Alicia Nuttall said the strong results were a “pat on the back” for pupils, who had overcome the challenges of remote learning for parts of the past two years.
“After a very difficult two years, the results show that the hard work put in and all the ups and downs have paid off,” she said.
“The students have put in great work and this is a pat on the back for their efforts.”
Ms Nuttall said the small school, which had less than 200 pupils, was benefitting from the strong relationship between staff and families.
“Our school community is a very close network, where we have open lines of communication between staff and parents.
“That’s very important because students need to be ready to learn when they’re coming to school, and that happens when they’re comfortable and their emotional and social needs are being met.
“By having that open communication with families, we’re able to work as a team to ensure that the students wellbeing is at the front.
“Particularly during remote learning periods, knowing how the students were feeling at home and knowing when to dial back was very important.
“That connection and the dedication of our teachers have led to some very good results for our students.”
Other schools in the region that saw significant improvement included Aireys Inlet Primary School, where 70 per cent of pupils made above average progress in numeracy and 69 in reading.
Anglesea Primary School pupils also had well above average progress in reading, while students at St Francis Xavier School in Corio had above average progress in numeracy.
School-level NAPLAN data can be accessed at myschool.edu.au.
