Students in year 3 exceeded state and national averages across four of the five aspects of NAPLAN, with more than 55 per cent of students achieving Band 6 in Spelling, and 39 per cent achieving Band 6 in Grammar and Punctuation.

Class teacher, Mrs Jeanette Miller attributes the success to the positive learning culture within the school.

"There is a real buzz in the classroom," she said. 

"The children's individual learning needs are being catered for and by targeting specific skills, children can articulate their learning goals and transfer knowledge gained into other subject areas." 

According to Mrs Miller "the high number of Band 6 scores achieved by this year's cohort is a direct result of the essential learning programs that have been introduced at St Mary's in the past two years".

This year's Wellington Eisteddfod results also reflect the positive learning culture in year 3. 

The class achieved first places in poetry, choir and drama (earning them an invitation to the Grand Concert), and second places in both percussion and recorder.

In addition to the success of Year Three, NAPLAN data has highlighted significant growth in student achievement from Year 3 to Year 5, Year 5 to Year 7 and Year 7 through to Year 9. Primary Coordinator and Assistant Principal, Leanne Clarke points to recent re-structuring of key learning time as "providing opportunities where targeting personalised learning happen."

Year Three now turn their focus to the ipcoming St Mary's school musical, 'The Pint Sized Pirate', joining a number of eager students taking on roles in this week's Wednesday and Thursday performances.