by Tomer Berkowitz
Someone once said, “I do not fear computers. I fear lack of them.” These words could perhaps be applied to the School Readiness Test that was conducted during Week 8 of this term. “School Readiness Test?” I hear you ask. Well, gentle reader, continue to gaze upon the page and the answers you seek shall become murkier and more confusing.
As of 2019, Alia will be conducting NAPLAN testing online. This means that students and staff will need to become familiar with the new processes that will replace the pen & paper tests. The School Readiness Test was an attempt to run a couple of NAPLAN sessions at the school without the anxieties involved with the actual outcomes. Art teacher Moya made a wonderful effort in cajoling and calming those students involved in the first test, with some minor hiccoughs outweighed by the success of the session. Unfortunately, Tomer (the NAPLAN coordinator) managed to successfully embarrass himself for the second session, with students patiently waiting for him to figure out the login option five minutes prior to the end of the session.
All in all, Alia heads into 2019 knowing that it is ready to host a series of tests in the way that everyone ushers in a new era of technology: confused, irritated, and hopeful it will eventually make everyone’s lives that little bit easier.