What they learn - ages 10-15

Learning for 10-15years | What they learn | Helping your child learn | About stages of learning 

The teaching and learning needs of young adolescents at the end of primary school and the beginning of secondary school are currently the subject of considerable research. The Middle Years pages outline the issues and strategies associated with these programs.

Learning in Upper Primary

Children in the final years of Primary school continue to follow the NSW Primary Syllabuses in K-Yr 6 Learning Areas and focus on preparation for high school. 

Transition from primary to secondary school can sometimes be difficult and much depends on the preparation developed in primary school. To assist with this transition, you can download six handy fact sheets with tips and hints you can use to prepare your child for high school.

The expectations for learning in Stage 3 are summarised in the Year 5 and 6 Foundation Statements devised by the NSW Board of Studies.

Assessment in Stage 3

Your child’s achievement and progress in class is assessed by your child’s teacher(s). Teachers use a variety of ways to assess their students including observing their work in class and looking closely at the work they produce. They make assessments throughout the year. Speak to your child’s school for more information.

Tests

  • Year 5 students literacy and numeracy skills are assessed through the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) tests. These tests replaced the state-based Basic Skills Tests (BST) for Year 5 in 2008. The NAPLAN FAQs offer further information on the National Assessment Program.
  • Year 6 students may also participate in the Computer Skills Assessment program and the Selective High Schools test.

Learning in Years 7-10 

There are many subjects available for students in Years 7 to 10. The Yrs 7-10 Subjects list describes what your child will learn and what skills they will develop in each subject.

Assessment in Years 7-10

Teachers will also make judgements twice a year of each student’s achievement compared with the expectations described in each KLA syllabus. Their judgements are made on an A – E grading scale and are reported to a child’s parents on the written report provided by each school twice a year. Speak to your child’s school for more information.

Tests

  • Year 7 students’ literacy and numeracy skills are assessed through the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) tests.  These tests replaced the state-based English Language and Literacy Assessment (ELLA) and the Secondary Numeracy Assessment Program (SNAP) for Year 7 in 2008.
  • Year 9 students’ literacy and numeracy skills are assessed through the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) tests.  National literacy and numeracy testing for Year 9 students was introduced in 2008. The NAPLAN FAQs offer further information on the new program.
  • Year 10 students are required to take the Computing Skills Assessment test and the School Certificate tests set by the NSW Board of Studies in English, Mathematics, Science; and Australian History, Australian Geography, Civics and Citizenship.