For a second year in a row, Mountain View Adventist College (NSW) has achieved substantially above-average gains in both reading and numeracy according to the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA).
The results validate the commitment made by the school three years ago to launch a new literacy and numeracy program for students from Kindergarten to Year 9. With 74 per cent of students who speak languages other than English, these programs have had a significant impact on student learning at Mountain View Adventist College.
“While we would expect to see some good results, it is always pleasing to see the above average growth our students are achieving through the programs we are implementing,” said school principal Tony Hay, crediting the growth to the efforts of teachers. “They are very excited that their efforts have been rewarded in seeing wonderful results two years running.”
Now in Year 10, Mountain View Adventist College student Jade Champness spends some of her spare time writing stories and poetry. However, words didn’t always come easily to her. In Kindergarten, she struggled to learn her site words, a spelling list of common words learned by sight rather than through phonics.
She transferred from another school to Mountain View Adventist College in Year 4 and by late primary school Jade had become a self-motivated learner. Her Year 9 NAPLAN results show she’s achieved growth in her results at a rate that is two to three times what would normally be expected. “She loves school and loves learning,” said Corinne Champness, Jade’s mother. “She doesn’t need any pushing from me at all, but strives all by herself.”
For Tanaka Ndhela, Year 7 NAPLAN tests also resulted in well above average gains than expected for her year group. “As long as a topic is interesting I enjoy it,” said Tanaka, who is currently thinking of becoming a veterinarian or doctor. “I want to do good in the world.”
The school achieved above average gains across years five, seven and nine across all domains. Gains are measured against the national average, against schools with similar students and against students with similar starting scores.
