GLOUCESTER Public School has been recognised for its outstanding NAPLAN results.

“Our school was one of three standout schools in the Hunter Region,” Principal Leanne Wakefield told News Of The Area.

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NAPLAN is an annual assessment for students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9 that tests fundamental literacy and numeracy skills.

It serves as a national measure to ensure students are meeting educational outcomes.

Ms Wakefield was not surprised by the results released by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment, and Reporting Authority (ACARA).

She explained that significant efforts have been made in the classroom to enhance students’ skills.

Explicit instruction has been implemented, particularly with Numeracy, which she believes has positively impacted students’ understanding of mathematical concepts.

Unlike inquiry-based learning, which focuses on students discovering information for themselves, explicit instruction involves teachers clearly explaining and modelling what to do and how to do it.

“We are seeing the results with this teaching pedagogy and will be moving into Literacy next year.”

Achieving academic success is just one aspect of the Gloucester Public School philosophy.

“We are interested in how the whole person grows.”

The school offers several creative and sporting programs for students.

One such program is the annual NSW Department of Education School Spectacular, or School Spec, as it is known.

“Our involvement in School Spec is a great opportunity for our students to develop additional skills.”

The School Spectacular is a showcase highlighting the talent of students in NSW Public Schools.

It is held each year at Quodus Bank Arena in Sydney.

Gloucester Public School’s involvement in School Spec began in 2014.

This year, twelve students from Years 4, 5 and 6 travelled to Sydney to be part of the combined choir.

Susie McLeod has been Gloucester Public’s School Spectacular co-ordinator since 2018.

“We are given the music to learn, and then students rehearse during one lunchtime and one afternoon a week,” she said.

“It is a big commitment for the students and their families.”

“School Spec is an amazing experience,” said Ellyza, Year 5.

“I have gone two times, and both times have boosted my confidence. I am planning on going a third time.

“My older sister went twice, and I was starstruck by all the kid’s talent. I love Spec, and my sister and I share an amazing hobby through it.”

Maggie Compton, Year 6, said, “My favourite part was the performances as we made smiles on people’s faces as they watched.”

Ms Mcleod said that this year Gloucester Public School was on the main stage, “which was so exciting for the students”.

Outstanding academic success, involvement in the School Spectacular and outstanding sporting achievements were all celebrated at the annual Presentation Night.

By Wendy BUSWELL