A “teacher stuff-up” has been blamed for NAPLAN results being deemed inadmissible for a group of year 9 students.

A group of year 9 students from Oak Flats High School did not receive their full NAPLAN test results.

By allowing students to take a break, a supervisor didn’t follow protocol during the numeracy exam, leading to the results being withheld.

A school parent contacted the Illawarra Mercury to express her disappointment that her daughter’s numeracy results weren’t included because the teacher supervising the test “stuffed up”.

“What a waste of time. My daughter and her friends can’t believe all their efforts counted for nothing, with the numeracy results deemed inadmissible,” the parent, who wished to remain anonymous, said.

“I believe the numeracy test was in two sections. Students completed the first section before being given a short break and then returning to complete the remainder of the test.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Education confirmed an error had been made.

“NAPLAN test protocols were not followed during one year 9 group’s NAPLAN numeracy test at the school,” the spokesperson said.

“As soon as the school became aware of the error, it advised the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA).

“ACARA advised the school of its interim decision: that the results were withheld.

“The school advised the students’ parents of the decision, and that, if they wished to discuss it, they should contact the principal.

“The school has received no complaints from the parents since they were advised.”

The parent said that, while the school had apologised, it was of little comfort to the students.

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