Data from NAPLAN (National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy) testing of South Australian students earlier this year shows results are remaining steady across the board with promising trends starting to show in numeracy.

Primary school-aged writing test results increased for all year levels in 2024 compared to 2023, with some good trends in grammar and punctuation – including increases in years 5 and 9 and improvements in almost all year levels in terms of more students being ‘strong’ or ‘exceeding’.

The number of students in year 3 and 5 who fell into the ‘strong’ and ‘exceeding’ categories in numeracy also improved in 2024 compared to 2023.

Mathematics education is among the key focus areas for the state, with a mathematics improvement strategy leading to a new assessment being trialled this year, and financial literacy tools included in the new school curriculum.

There are some results that have dipped, including in Year 5 reading, which the department is looking closely at.

This is the second year the NAPLAN tests occurred in March, to deliver results to schools and families much earlier in the year, so any additional supports for students can be added if needed.

Clapham Primary School Principal Cassie Kopias said at Clapham Primary School, our small size allows us to closely monitor each student's progress.

"NAPLAN results serve as an additional tool to help track and support every student."

“Receiving these results earlier in the year enables our dedicated teachers to enhance their classroom observations and teaching strategies.”

“We encourage families to discuss these results and their child's ongoing development with teachers.”

“We believe that supporting student learning is a partnership between home and school, and we are proud of our achievements this year.”

“Our commitment to student well-being remains paramount as we strive to create a safe, nurturing environment where each child feels prepared to learn, prosper and thrive in any circumstance.”

More than 80,500 South Australian students took part in NAPLAN this year, across all school sectors. Students were assessed in years 3, 5, 7 and 9 in reading, writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation, and numeracy.

As well as the testing period changing last year, the way outcomes are presented also changed with the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) providing results in four proficiency levels; needs additional support, developing, strong and exceeding.

Parents and carers of students who took this year’s NAPLAN assessment in March have been provided with an individual student report (ISR) of their child’s results.

Along with other school assessment reports, they can use the individual reports to discuss their child’s progress with their teacher.