From 2020 students will need to pass online reading, writing and numeracy tests to demonstrate achievement of the minimum literacy and numeracy standard in order to be awarded the HSC.

There will be multiple opportunities for students to pass these tests before and after the HSC. The tests will be available for the Year 10 cohort in 2018.

Students with Band 8 Year 9 NAPLAN results will have demonstrated they exceed the standard. These students will not need to sit the online tests.

The recently announced $340 million NSW Literacy and Numeracy Strategy 2017-2020 provides early identification and support for students at risk of not achieving the minimum standard

In secondary schools, the Strategy specifically includes actions to:

• Better support teachers with evidence-based literacy and numeracy learning progressions that map student literacy and numeracy development from Kindergarten to Year 10.

• Make quality online literacy and numeracy assessments, linked to the learning progressions, available to all NSW schools, to help teachers identify and target the support students need.

• Introduce a Best Start Year 7 assessment on entry to high school, to help teachers identify students needing additional assistance in literacy and numeracy and plan the support they need to succeed at secondary school.

• Strengthen the teaching of writing across all curriculum areas by providing additional resources and professional learning opportunities for secondary teachers

• Ensure graduating primary and secondary teachers are better prepared to teach literacy and numeracy by strengthening initial teacher education programs across NSW.

• Provide quality support materials and professional learning for teaching and assessing literacy and numeracy.

• Independently evaluate the impact of the early intervention program over the next four years.

• Evaluate specific literacy and numeracy programs commonly used in NSW schools to guide future investment.

As part of the Strategy, BOSTES is developing Year 9 and 10 courses and support to improve pathways for students wishing to study maths in Year 11 and Year 12.