02 May 2017
NAPLAN Information for Year 9 Parents:
HSC minimum standard: Message from NESA CEO to Year 9 parents
I have written a letter to each and every Year 9 student in NSW to assure them that they will have the opportunity to sit their HSC exams in 2020 regardless of their NAPLAN results this year. However, they will need to demonstrate a minimum standard of reading, writing and numeracy to be awarded their HSC certificate.
New online reading, writing and numeracy tests
There will be multiple opportunities for your child to do this, by taking short online tests that specifically assess these skills. Your child will decide with their teacher when they are ready to attempt each test. Once they pass a test they do not have to sit it again.
What does Year 9 have to do with the HSC minimum standard?
We know students learn at different rates. The Year 9 NAPLAN tests are designed to provide you, your child and their teachers with valuable information about how your child's learning is progressing and if you need support.
If your child happens to achieve Band 8 or above NAPLAN results in all three areas this year, they have shown they are already achieving the standard required to receive their HSC in 2020. So, they won't have to do the online tests.
But, to be clear the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) expects that the majority of students will be sitting at least one of the online tests starting in Year 10.
Why has the HSC minimum standard been introduced?
The HSC minimum standard is being introduced to help ensure that students leave school with basic literacy and numeracy skills for success in life, and the ability to communicate their ideas effectively in all their HCS exams.
I encourage you to read the letter I wrote to Year 9 students and discuss it with your child.
The NESA website has an extensive range of resources designed to help explain the new HSC minimum standard including:
David de Carvalho
NESA Chief Executive Officer