Each year NAPLAN (National Assessment Program- Literacy and Numeracy) examinations are conducted for students in year 3, 5, 7 and 9.

This year’s examinations were conducted in May and assessed students in reading, writing, spelling, grammar, punctuation and numeracy.

The tests are conducted Australia-wide and provide a mass of data to gauge student achievement in these key disciplines.

Forbes North Principal Phil Thurston said his school was contacted by the Educational Measurement and School Accountability Directorate (EMSAD) and congratulated on their results.

“I was very pleased with our results,” Mr Thurston said, “but didn’t expect to be ranked one of the top rural schools in NSW.”

Forbes North’s results mean the school will act as a case study in the Rural Outcomes Project, which is documenting successful educational practices for use in the NSW education system.

Representatives of EMSAD and the Department of Education will visit the school later this term.

“As part of the research project they will be holding discussion sessions for staff, students and parents to determine the features of our school that led to our success in the National Assessment Program,” Mr Thurston said.

This information will then be published and provided to other schools to assist in enhancing rural education.

And while the project is for the benefit of schools across the State, Mr Thurston said it will be useful in lifting standards at Forbes North Public School.

“Often when you are so close to things it is difficult to see what is working well and not so well. Hopefully, we will be able to use the findings of the research team to build on and improve our own school.”

Mr Thurston said there were a number of factors responsible for the school’s success.

“Quality teaching is important and we certainly have this in our school but equally important is the partnership that exists between our school and our parents and carers. We also have excellent student welfare and learning support programs within a very positive school culture.”

“A number of special programs like our early transition program, Link Up to School, Circus acts, the Wiradjuri Language Program, the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen / Garden Program and the effective use of technology have all contributed to the excellent results achieved by our students,” he said.