Key learning areas

Most time in Kindergarten is spent developing children’s literacy and numeracy skills. There are 6 key learning areas studied throughout primary school:

• Creative arts

• Human society and its environment (HSIE)

• Personal development,health and physical education (PDHPE)

• English

• Mathematics

• Science and technology.

Best Start Kindergarten Assessment

The Best Start Kindergarten Assessment is a state-wide assessment that helps teachers identify the literacy and numeracy skills your child brings with them at the beginning of kindergarten.

Children start school with a range of experiences, skills and abilities. The assessment provides teachers with the opportunity to sit with each child one-on-one, focusing on what that child can do in literacy and numeracy, so they can plan effective teaching and learning programs. Theassessment does not require students to prepare or study.

Your school will provide more information about theassessment and ways you can support your child to develop literacy and numeracy skills at home.

Find more resources for helping your child with literacy and numeracy at home.

NAPLAN

Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 students in Australian schools sit the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN). NAPLAN is held in March and involves 4 different tests:

• language conventions (spelling, punctuation and grammar)
• writing
• reading
• numeracy.

They are not English or mathematics tests. Rather, NAPLAN assesses students’ general literacy and numeracy skills, which are required in all subject areas. Texts used in NAPLAN come from a variety of key learning areas.

Students with disability or additional learning and support needs may qualify for disability adjustments. Contact your school to discuss further.