As students receive their individual NAPLAN test results, the body behind almost 300 Catholic schools in Melbourne is celebrating achieving numeracy targets two years ahead of schedule. Source: Herald Sun.
Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools has analysed its 2026 National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) outcomes to reveal significant numeracy gains.
And it says numeracy results have already exceeded 2028 targets set for MACS’ schools under the federal government’s Better and Fairer Schools Agreement.
Victorian students are now receiving their individual NAPLAN results, with national and state-based outcomes due to be released next month.
Under NAPLAN, student achievement is reported using four proficiency standards for each year level tested (3, 5, 7 and 9) – exceeding, strong, developing, and needs additional support.
MACS figures show the number of its students in the top two proficiency levels for numeracy has grown in years 3, 5, 7 and 9, from 69 to 72 per cent, 73 to 79 per cent, 72 to 78 per cent and 67 to 72 per cent respectively since 2024.
About 830 extra students are now in the top two proficiency levels compared with 2024.
For students tested in year 3 and then again in year 5, the data shows six per cent more children are in the strong level alongside a three per cent hike in those exceeding expectations.
The number of students moving into the strong and exceeding levels between being tested in year 5 and again in year 7 has also increased, with 16.1 per cent of year 7 students exceeding expectations.
Between 70 and 86 per cent of MACS students are also in the top two proficiency levels for reading and writing, the data shows.
In 2024, MACS introduced explicit instruction across its schools as part of its vision for Instruction model, which prioritises direct teaching over student-led or inquiry-based learning.
MACS director of education excellence Mary Oski said the outcomes demonstrated the power of supporting schools with an evidence-based teaching and learning approach.
FULL STORY
Early NAPLAN analysis reveals Victorian Catholic schools are rising to the test (By Mary Papadakis, Herald Sun)
