Everything parents and students need to know ahead of NAPLAN window

Parents are being reminded that NAPLAN test results are not the “be-all and end-all” as tens of thousands of students prepare to take the tests for the first time.

Parents are being reminded that NAPLAN test results are not the “be-all and end-all” as tens of thousands of Queensland students prepare to take the tests for the first time tomorrow.

For Year 3 students this week’s NAPLAN is their first official in-classroom test, while Year 5s will sit their first NAPLAN since it was cancelled in 2020.

Education Minister Grace Grace said the state’s 2021 NAPLAN results “held up well” despite the Covid-19 hurdles thrown at “resilient” students and teachers.

Ms Grace wished the participating students the best of luck over the next fortnight of testing, particularly for Year 3 students in their NAPLAN debut.

“I encourage them to relax, stay calm, and simply do your best,” Ms Grace said.

“Remember, NAPLAN is not the be-all and end-all. It’s just one of many ways that schools and teachers track student progress and identify where additional support is required.

“Best of luck to all Year 3, 5, 7 and 9 students.”

Max Blakey, Year 3, Evie Miller, Year 5, Cameron Fletcher, Year 5, and Ariana Davari, Year 3 from St. Paul’s School, Brisbane gearing up for their NAPLAN debuts. Picture: Josh Woning

St Paul’s School director of junior school Marianne Connolly echoed the Minister’s comments.

“NAPLAN is not really an indicator of intelligence or whether a good score means you’re a good school,” Ms Connolly said.

“At this point in time it’s a useful diagnostic tool.”

More than a million students across the country will take part in NAPLAN, with the online testing window running from May 10 to May 20.

A recent survey of more than 550 parents by Cluey Learning found more than 80 per cent of parents were “anxious about NAPLAN”, with almost one in three saying they would consider opting their kids out of NAPLAN testing.

NAPLAN testing to begin this week

A mock NAPLAN test from Cluey Learning found only 4 per cent of the 4000 parents who took part scored a perfect 10 out of 10. Take the mock test below.

Sunnybank Hills State School was highlighted as one of the schools with a high level of student progress, along with schools such as Somerville House, St Anthony’s School Kedron, Ipswich Grammar School, Fraser Coast Anglican School and Caboolture Montessori School, based off the latest NAPLAN results.

For a full school by school performance comparison, follow this link.

Year 3 student from at St Paul’s School Ariana Davari. Josh Woning)

Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority chief executive David de Carvalho said 2022 marked the final year of transition to online testing.

NAPLAN tests are the only measure governments, education authorities, schools and parents/carers have to see whether young Australians are reaching important literacy and numeracy goals using a national, objective scale.

Mr de Carvalho said no extra preparation was required for NAPLAN and that there was no need for students to feel anxious about the assessment.

“NAPLAN tests literacy and numeracy skills that are continuously being developed in the classroom. Like any test or challenge students face at school, you should simply remind your child to do the best they can on the day of the test,” he said.

Originally published as Everything parents and students need to know ahead of NAPLAN window