During weeks 4 and 5 our Prep students will undergo an initial assessment in PAT Early Years Reading and Maths. PAT Early years reading 'is an assessment of pre-literacy and early reading skills, covering print conventions, decoding, listening comprehension and reading comprehension'. 'PAT Early Years Maths is an assessment covering the early development of mathematical skills with a strong focus on number. A range of measurement, space, and statistics skills are also assessed, with limited coverage of algebra and probability.' These assessments 'have been specifically designed for the first two years of formal schooling' (ACER, 2025).

These assessments will be carried out on iPads, in small groups within the Prep classrooms and will be facilitated by an adult. These assessments will provide teachers with data on early learning development and inform future planning. Preps will undergo a second assessment later in the year.

Direct Explicit Teaching - Focus on Norms and Routines

From inspiration offered by the works of Tom Bennett during staff Professional Learning at the beginning of the year our staff have been working hard to establish and refine norms and routines at Sacred Heart. 

Last week, all classes took part in a PBS (Positive Behaviour Support) tour that aimed to remind students of our norms/ expectations in shared areas. For the most part students were able to name these norms/ expectations without adult support. There was an emphasis on safety and learning during these tours so that students were aware of why a particular norm/ expectation is in place.

Within classrooms, teachers have been focusing on establishing class routines such as lining up, transitions between tasks/ learning areas, moving around the school and whiteboard protocols during learning tasks. The establishment of these routines may take time at first, and require reteaching at times, however long term they are aimed at increasing time spent on learning tasks and ensuring clarity on shared expectations.