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2002 (c) Peninsula Community Access Newspaper Inc

 

Declining literacy trend reversed

 

A decline in literacy levels at Pretty Beach Primary School has been reversed, according to figures released by the Minister for Education and Training, Mr John Watkin.

Eighty per cent of Year Five students improved in literacy testing this year compared with last year, he said.

This equated to 70 per cent of Year Five students improving on their results from two years ago.

"The school has dramatically improved in literacy," he said.

Although the students had performed above the State average in literacy for the past three years, a special effort had been made to reverse the declining trend.

The Pretty Beach Primary School principal had requested an education support team visit the school in 2002, Mr Watkin said.

"Targeted students were provided with support from the district significant learning difficulties team.

"A whole school focus on the Talking and Listening strand increased teacher knowledge and understanding of the K-6 English syllabus."

He said the school took advantage of opportunities provided by external literacy competitions such as the Nestle Writing Competition, University of NSW English Competition and e-learning competitions.

The school had also performed above the state average in writing tests.

Pretty Beach school had achieved excellent results in literacy due to strong government education programs and the dedication of teachers, according to Mr Watkin.

"These great results would not have been possible without the expertise and dedication of teachers and other support staff.

"Local teachers are highly trained and highly skilled in literacy," he said.

Press release, November 29