Literacy and Numeracy

Literacy and Numeracy

Literacy is the ability to understand and evaluate meaning through reading and writing, listening and speaking, viewing and representing. Literacy skills need to be continually expanded because of our rapidly changing world of new communication forms and media. Literacy is central to achievement in all areas of learning as students progress through the early, middle and later years of schooling and into the workforce and personal life.

To be numerate is to use mathematical ideas effectively to participate in daily life and make sense of the world. It incorporates the use of numerical, spatial, graphical, statistical and algebraic concepts and skills in a variety of contexts and involves the interpretation, application and communication of mathematical information in a range of practical situations.

The chart below clearly demonstrates the outstanding results Macarthur Girls High School has achieved in regard to the learning growth of all students in literacy and numeracy. Please note that no external testing occurred in 2020. Once again, Macarthur Girls High School is Excelling in its value-add results from Years 7 to 9. 

MGHS Literacy and Numeracy Online Enrichment Program

Macarthur Girls High School views the literacy and numeracy online enrichment program as a building block for success across all learning stages, resulting in better life options, academic success and skills for life enhancement.

Students from Years 7 to 10 participate in weekly literacy and numeracy enrichment activities. These activities significantly contribute to the improvement of student learning outcomes at MGHS as measured by NAPLAN results over the past years as shown above.

Students participate weekly in a range of literacy and numeracy activities to enhance and enrich their literacy and numeracy development across all subjects. It is expected that students will complete all online enrichment activities.

Student completion rates of weekly online literacy and numeracy enrichment activities are acknowledged on their semester reports and during PRIDE celebrations each term. Macarthur Girls High School continues to celebrate the link between this initiative and enhanced growth in student performance measures over time.

HSC Minimum Standards

All students will need to meet a minimum standard of literacy and numeracy to receive their HSC credential. Literacy and numeracy skills are key for success in everyday life. Achieving the HSC minimum standard means they will have a level of skills necessary for success after school.

Students show they have met the HSC minimum standard by passing online tests of basic reading, writing and numeracy skills needed for everyday tasks. The minimum standard online tests are not based on NAPLAN. Students master basic skills at different stages so there are multiple opportunities available for students to understand what to expect and pass the minimum standard online tests, from Year 10 until a few years after Year 12.

At Macarthur Girls High School, numerous resources and initiatives are implemented to ensure all students achieve required minimum standards, which led to 100% of Year 12 students in 2022 meeting the National Minimum Standard in reading, writing and numeracy. Our school continues to focus on supporting students to meet this milestone before they begin their HSC studies.

Great Reading, Original Writing (GROW)

Internal and external testing of students in Years 7-12 allows us to identify those who require additional support in literacy and numeracy. The GROW program provides intensive support in the critical areas of reading, writing and numeracy. Participating students focus on the development of these core skills and learn how to apply them to all subject areas. More information is sent via letter to parents of identified students when they participate in the GROW program.