A small school on the outskirts of Wyndham was among the city’s top performers in last year’s National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) tests.
The annual tests – taken by students in grades 3 and 5 and years 7 and 9 – assess reading, persuasive writing, spelling, grammar, punctuation and numeracy skills.
Results of the 2013 tests, released on the federal government’s My School website last week, reveal Little River Primary School was among Wyndham’s top-performing schools.
Pupils at the small school achieved results that were above or substantially above the average in all but one area of assessment.
Other top performers included Westbourne Grammar School, Heathdale Christian College and the select-entry Suzanne Cory High School.
Little River principal Pamela Heane said the strong results were a credit to the dedication of the school’s 113 pupils.
“We encourage students to develop a work ethic and try their best,” she said.
Ms Heane believed the school’s tight-knit community also made a difference. “We have very supportive parents and talented and highly-skilled staff. They are caring people who give their all for the benefit of the children. There wouldn’t be any teacher who wouldn’t know a child.”
While Ms Heane views academic success as important, she said the school didn’t make “a fuss” about NAPLAN.
“It is just one more assessment. Our children are assessed frequently and a lot of it is informal.
“Our results are pleasing but the development of committed, respectful and caring citizens is a goal for our school.”
