NAPLAN is the test that is introduced to students from a very early period in their lives. From grade three, students are required to sit the diagnostic test. These tests are carried out into Grade 9, and students are tested on their mathematical, English and writing skills. So, why is this test important, and what happens if you don’t do well in it?
Table of Content:
- What is NAPLAN?
- Why is NAPLAN important in high school?
- Should I be worried if I fail?
- Tips to succeed
- FAQs
What is NAPLAN?
NAPLAN (National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy) is a test used to determine if national standards are being achieved by students. It is used to inform government policy and curriculum planning.
📊 What do the results show?
After the tests are completed, they will go through a software program that gives out individual results, school trends over the past several years, how the school performed compared to other schools, and how much students have improved from Year 3.
The tests are also an important indicator for parents of how their child is progressing throughout their schooling journey. From these results, students and teachers can target areas that they’d like to improve on to bring students back to the state level.
📝 Why do students still have to sit NAPLAN in year 9?
You may be wondering why students have to sit NAPLAN up till Year 9 – they are well beyond basic skill testing, right?
Well, the test is the final indicator of how a student is doing before they hit their senior years. It is an invaluable measure to ensure that they are on the right track and that all their skills are brushed up. If that isn’t the case, they have all of Grade 10 to improve these skills before work ramps up in Years 11 and 12.
If a student can ace the Year 9 NAPLAN, then they will be safe for the Year 10 Minimum Standard Literacy and Numeracy Test. Students must pass this test to graduate with the Higher School Certificate (HSC).
Why is NAPLAN important in high school?
NAPLAN is probably the most important in Year 5, as a lot of high schools will ask for a student’s NAPLAN results as part of the consideration process. But, after they are accepted into a school why should their NAPLAN results still matter?
Although it seems like a nuisance, the test is pretty important. It measures students' reading, writing and maths skills, which are all super important for doing well in high school and beyond. The results of the test can help teachers and parents pinpoint the areas where students might be struggling in, and help them improve. Plus, it’s a good way to see how a student is doing doing compared to other students across the country.
Should I be worried if I fail?
NAPLAN is not a pass/fail type of test. Performance is measured in comparison to other students, using band measurements. The results are classified into one of 4 proficiency levels: Exceeding, Strong, Developing and Needs additional support. These levels are used to identify areas where students are excelling or need extra help. NAPLAN is just one measure of a student's academic progress, it is not to be used to judge their worth or potential as a student.
School will use the NAPLAN results to see which students require extra help in what areas, and adjust their teaching style to target those needs.
The state will also look at these scores, to see if there is a common trend with students failing across any specific areas. They will then adjust the curriculum accordingly.
So, the moral of the story: students cannot fail NAPLAN; if they are graded as "needing additional support", it is just a stepping stone for them to improve!
Tips to succeed
- Make sure to get a good sleep the night before – it’s important that you can work to your best ability!
- Get comfortable using technology, as NAPLAN is now fully online. There are practice tests online to help students familiarise themselves with the new format.
- Listen in class! This is the easiest way to stay on top of the content you are learning and prevents you from having to cram in knowledge right before the test.
Conclusion
For more information and tips about the NAPLAN, check out these KIS Academics articles:
Manoj Arachige
Manoj Arachige
Manoj Arachige
FAQs
Can I fail NAPLAN?
Nope! There is no such thing as failing in NAPLAN; the tests are graded by comparing the results of other students across the nation.
Do I have to do NAPLAN?
Students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 must do these tests. The only exemption is if parents or guardians decide to withdraw their child from the tests.
How are NAPLAN results used?
They are used in a variety of ways to help improve student learning outcomes. Teachers can use the results to identify areas where students are struggling and develop targeted tactics to help them improve. Schools may also use the results to track student progress and compare their performance to other schools.
Written by Tiana Rukavina who completed a Bachelor of Laws & Business.
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