WACE Literacy and Numeracy Requirements 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How many times per year is the OLNA typically offered to students?
- Once per year
- Twice per year (Correct answer)
- Three times per year
- Four times per year
Correct answer: Twice per year
The OLNA is typically offered twice per year (in March and August/September), giving students in each eligible year two opportunities to demonstrate the standard.
Question 2: The WACE literacy standard is most closely associated with demonstrating competency equivalent to which curriculum level?
- Year 7 Australian Curriculum level
- Year 9 Australian Curriculum level (Correct answer)
- Year 10 Australian Curriculum level
- Year 12 Australian Curriculum level
Correct answer: Year 9 Australian Curriculum level
The minimum standard of literacy and numeracy for WACE is set at approximately the Year 9 level of the Australian Curriculum, as reflected by the NAPLAN Band 8 benchmark.
Question 3: Which of the following best describes the OLNA writing task?
- A multiple-choice grammar test
- A timed extended writing response to a stimulus (Correct answer)
- A spoken presentation that is recorded
- A portfolio of work submitted over the semester
Correct answer: A timed extended writing response to a stimulus
The OLNA writing component requires students to produce an extended written response to a stimulus within a set time, assessing their ability to communicate effectively in writing.
Question 4: A student has met the numeracy standard through NAPLAN but has not yet met the reading standard. What must they do?
- Sit both OLNA reading and OLNA numeracy again
- Sit only the OLNA reading component (Correct answer)
- Sit only the OLNA numeracy component
- Sit all three OLNA components again
Correct answer: Sit only the OLNA reading component
Since each OLNA component is assessed independently, a student only needs to sit the components in which they have not yet demonstrated the minimum standard.
Question 5: What is the primary purpose of the WACE minimum standard of literacy and numeracy?
- To rank students for university entrance purposes
- To ensure graduates have fundamental skills for work and further study (Correct answer)
- To determine which students qualify for vocational pathways
- To replace the need for English and Mathematics courses in Year 12
Correct answer: To ensure graduates have fundamental skills for work and further study
The minimum standard ensures that all WACE recipients possess the foundational literacy and numeracy skills needed to participate effectively in further education, training, and employment.
Question 6: Which component of the OLNA assesses a student's ability to interpret and use numerical information in real-world contexts?
- Reading
- Writing
- Numeracy (Correct answer)
- Digital Literacy
Correct answer: Numeracy
The numeracy component of the OLNA specifically assesses students' ability to understand, interpret, and apply mathematical and numerical information in practical, real-world scenarios.
Question 7: If a student sits OLNA in Year 10 and does not meet the standard, what is their next opportunity?
- They must wait until Year 12
- They can sit OLNA again in Year 11 (Correct answer)
- They must apply for a special exemption
- They can only sit NAPLAN in Year 11
Correct answer: They can sit OLNA again in Year 11
Students who do not meet the standard in Year 10 can attempt the OLNA again in Year 11, as the assessment is offered across Years 10, 11, and 12.
WACE Literacy and Numeracy Requirements 2
How many times per year is the OLNA typically offered to students?