Parents’ Frequently Asked Questions

Questions that apply for all school sectors

Why are standards not written for all school year levels?
Standards are introduced progressively at the VELS level which it is most developmentally appropriate. This enables schools to focus on the building blocks of literacy and numeracy in the early years. As students progress academically, more time is allocated to other learning areas.

If there are no standards for a VELS level, does this mean students do not learn content and skills from these learning areas?
No. While standards are not written for all domains at each level, teachers still incorporate elements of these domains in their teaching programs. Learning focus statements provide teachers with advice on the types of activities they should include for these learning areas at these levels.

What is NAPLAN?
The National Assessment Program for Literacy And Numeracy assess student knowledge and skill in numeracy, reading, writing, spelling, punctuation and grammar. They are held nationally every year for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. Further information.

How do schools use NAPLAN results?
Schools receive detailed information about NAPLAN tests. This information is used to identify strengths and weaknesses across each of the year levels, make comparisons between previous year's results, and provide an indicator of how the school is performing both statewide and nationally. Schools analyse this data to indentify ways in which they can improve the learning outcomes for their students. Further information.

Questions that apply to government schools 

Do schools have to teach all domains (learning areas)?
Yes. All schools are required to teach, assess and report on every domain that has standards for the relevant VELS level.

Do students in Year 9 and 10 have to cover all domains (learning areas)?
No. In Years 9 and 10, students are developing pathways for their future. As such, students can focus their studies in the direction that will benefit them the most. While individual students do not have to cover all domains, schools are still required to offer all domains with the learning program at Year 9 and 10.

Is there a minimum number of hours that schools must allocate to the teaching of particular subjects?
The only learning area that has a mandated number of hours is physical education. Years P–3: 20-30 minutes a day of physical education. Years 4–6: 3 hours per week of physical education and sport with a minimum provision of 50 per cent for physical education. Years 7–10: 100 minutes per week for physical education and 100 minutes per week for sport.

What flexibility can schools have in designing their curriculum?
It is up to each school to determine the way that they teach and assess the standards. In designing their curriculum, schools need to ensure that students are given the opportunity to learn and be assessed on the standards in all domains at the associated VELS level. For example, the standards in Mathematics could be covered within a separate subject. An integrated approach might see Mathematics combined with Science in a subject called Investigation. Another approach could see Mathematics covered in a range of subjects where those skills support learning, such as learning about percentages in a unit on consumer finance.

I am concerned about the type of learning activities that my child is being provided with at school
The first point of contact for any concern should be made directly to the school involved. Where possible, the concern should be raised with the relevant teacher and then followed up with school management. If dissatisfied with the school response, please contact your regional office for assistance.

I have a concern about my child's report or a question about the student report cards
All inquiries about student reports should be directed to the school involved. If dissatisfied with the school response, please see the Student reports website for further information and contact details.

Questions that apply to Catholic schools

Do schools have to teach all domains (learning areas)?
Yes. All schools are required to teach, assess and report on every domain that has standards for the relevant VELS level.

I am concerned about the type of learning activities that my child is being provided with at school
The first point of contact for any concern should be made directly to the school involved. Where possible, the concern should be raised with the relevant teacher and then followed up with school management. If dissatisfied with the school response, please contact the Catholic Education Office in your local Diocese for assistance.

I have a concern about my child's report or a question about the student report cards
All inquiries about student reports should be directed to the school involved. If dissatisfied with the school response, please contact the Catholic Education Office in your local Diocese for assistance and further information.

Questions that apply to independent schools

What learning areas are compulsory?
Independent schools are required to include the following learning areas in their curriculum: The arts, English, Health and physical education (including sport), Languages other than English, Mathematics, Science, Studies of society and environment, Technology. Each school is required to have a curriculum plan showing how each of these eight learning areas are covered at each year level and the time allocation given to each area.

How much time can be devoted to religious instruction?
Each school can determine how much time they allocate to each subject. As long as each of the eight learning areas are covered, schools can include content as they feel appropriate to their students' needs.

I have a concern about my child's report or a question about the student report cards
Independent schools determine their own reporting guidelines. All inquiries about student reports should be directed to the school involved.