New phonics and numeracy checks will be introduced for all Year 1 students in Queensland.
State Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek said the additional tests would follow best practice teaching methods in England and across Australia.
Minister Langbroek said phonics check would be introduced this term and numeracy checks will begin from 2026.
He said they would provide quick, efficient, and reliable methods to measure progress, lift results, while allowing for earlier intervention for struggling children.
“Phonics is widely recognised as the best practice teaching method for literacy development and these additional checks help to deliver on a key election commitment to lift literacy and numeracy results across the state.”
Minister Langbroek said a Teacher Relief Scheme would be introduced alongside the phonics and numeracy checks to help backfill teachers who were out of the classroom delivering the Year 1 checks to ensure workloads didn’t increase.
“Our youngest Queenslanders deserve the best start to their education and these additional checks will help ensure our kids excel.
“These checks allow teachers to identify advanced children who would benefit from more challenging work.
“It also allows teachers and support staff to swoop in earlier if children are falling behind to put them back on track.”
