Literacy
Having high level literacy sjills is vitalfor success in both secondary school and in post school environments. To ensure that students at Robert Townson High School are operating with the best literacy skills possible, all students in years 7, 8 and 9 participate in timetables literacy lessons each week.
Year 8 Literacy
Students attend literacy lessons twice a fortnight. Students are assessed using Best Start 7 (from 2019) and using Progrssive Achievement Tests (PAT) to determine where their skills lie and where improvement is needed. The results of this testing is distributed to all staff so that students' litereacy needs can be addressed in all subjects.
Throughout the year, students participate in individually selected activities that focus on building their skills in reading comprehension, spelling, grammar and punctuation, vocabulary and writing.
All literacy lessons are delivered by a teacher and a students learning support officer so that studetns are avle to recieve individual assistance when required. The program is delievered in an online format that has been designed by the staf at Robert Townson High School to specifically meer the needs of our students.
Students are regularly assessed to measure their progress. Litereacy reports are sent home twice yearly to describe each students; achievements and growth.
Minimum Standards
A minimum standard literacy and numeracy is required for students to recieve their Hisgher School Certificate (HSC). Meeting the HSC minimum standard will mean that your child has the literacy and numeracy skills that are essential for success in learning and life after school.
Students in years 9 & 10 will attend a Minimum Standards lesson once a fortnight. This will be delivered by two teachers and a student learning support officer so that students are able to recieve indicidual assistance when required. The program is delivered in an online format that has been designed by the staff at Robert Townson High School to specifically meet the needs of our students.
All students from year 10 will need to show that they have met the HSC minimum standard by passing minimum standard online tests. Students master basic skills at different stages so there are multiple opportunities available to pass the tests, from Year 10 up to three years after Year 12
There are three 45-minute online tests:
- a multiple choice reading test
- a multiple choice numeracy test
- a short writing test based on a choice between a visual or written prompt
testing periods are offred each term for eligible students in years 10, 11 and 12. Students may sit each test twice each calendar year.
What to Expect
To help your child understand what to expect in the online tests, they are encouraged to visit: https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/hsc/hsc-minimum-standard/school-resources
Students with Disabilities
Some students with disabilities will be eligible for extra provisions for the minimum standard online tests, or an exemption from the HSC minimum standard requirement.
The wellbeing team and learning support staff will determine whether students are eligible for provisions.