Aspley State High School has undertaken significant changes to our year 8 and 9 literacy and numeracy programs.

The aim of these changes is to strengthen our students' capabilities in literacy and numeracy and to help prepare them for their national testing that takes place in year 9. Our strategy involves:

• Embedding literacy and numeracy in all subject areas;
• Targeted homework tasks;
• Regular literacy and numeracy testing to measure progress.

All subjects have an important role to play in developing the literacy and numeracy of our students. To ensure that the contribution of all subjects is as effective as possible, we have begun reviewing each subject area's contribution to the literacy and numeracy programs. This review will be informed by our literacy and numeracy testing program, described below, so our efforts remain relevant for each new cohort.

Literacy and Numeracy Testing

An overview of the testing program:

• Pre-testing conducted in week one of each term
• Eight weekly homework tasks
• Post-testing conducted in the last week of each term

We commence each term by conducting literacy and numeracy tests designed by our staff from Education Queensland Essential Learnings documents. These tests are formatted in a similar style to the national test so students become familiar with this type of assessment. We then mark and analyse this test to identify strengths and weaknesses of our student body.

During the term students are issued with weekly homework sheets. These sheets posted on our website and handed out in class, are designed to strengthen the students' literacy and numeracy and to help them prepare for the upcoming end of term test.

The end of term tests are very similar to the beginning of term tests. This allows us to measure improvement across the term for individuals, classes and entire cohorts.

 What Can Parents Do?

As parents your role and support is vital. Success of this program is dependant on your active participation.

We would request that you:

• Remain informed;
• Ensure your son/daughter is completing their homework tasks;
• Ensure your son/daughter have the necessary equipment at school each day. this includes a calculator and ruler;
• Support and ecourage your child to try their best.