Cairns students start NAPLAN tests amid calls to scrap the system

Far North students in years 3, 5, 7 and 9 will sit NAPLAN tests over the next two days – but opponents of the national system say it is flawed and should be scrapped.

THE controversial NAPLAN test is back after a COVID-induced hiatus in 2020 - but a Cairns Post survey has revealed an overwhelming majority of local parents think it should be scrapped.

The Cairns Post survey on social media rapidly showed 80 in favour of ditching NAPLAN with only two in favour of retaining it.

Advocates say it is essential standardised testing but opponents say it causes students anxiety and is irrelevant.

Students in years 3, 5, 7 and 9 at 1700 Queensland schools will sit the tests in the next two days, with Trinity Anglican School (TAS) White Rock campus among those going online.

TAS White Rock primary campus head Peter Gazzola said keeping things in perspective was vital and there was no need to stress about the test.

Trinity Anglican College student Rebecca Leroy, 10, prepares for the online NAPLAN test with her fellow Year 5 students. Picture: Stewart McLean

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“Parents should not over emphasise the test and reassure their children that all they need to do is have a go,” Mr Gazzola said.

“The best way to find out about the progress of your child is to talk to the classroom teacher.”

Asked if NAPLAN results were individually significant, Mr Gazzola said it was one tool “but as a one-off test it has its limitations”.

Year 5 student Rebecca Leroy, 10, said NAPLAN testing was useful to prepare for exams.

“I think NAPLAN is like a chance to practice some of your skills and feel confident in yourself, even though it doesn’t go towards your grade,” she said.

“I think we get a little bit nervous but there isn’t anything to really worry about.

“We have been practising a while, quite a lot in writing, I think I am well prepared.”

State Education Minister Grace Grace urged calm.

“This is just one of the ways we can monitor students’ progress and work out how to channel resources and provide more targeted support,” she said.

“We know from parents and teachers there are shortcomings with how it currently operates and we will continue to advocate for improvements. Some form of standardised national testing is required, and for now that is NAPLAN.”

NAPLAN testing includes reading, writing, language conventions and numeracy.

The Queensland Teachers Union has strongly opposed NAPLAN, saying a report showed almost 90 per cent of students felt stressed before the tests and suffered anxiety and fatigue. It argues after 10 years of NAPLAN there has been no significant improvement in numeracy or literacy at a systemic level, and valuable teaching time is wasted.

Subject areas that can be measured by multiple choice tests are prioritised over arts and creative expression, it says.

Originally published as Cairns students start NAPLAN tests amid calls to scrap the system