NAPLAN assesses the literacy and numeracy skills that students are learning through the school curriculum and allows parents/carers to see how their daughter is progressing against national proficiency standards.

NAPLAN is just one aspect of a school’s assessment and reporting process. It does not replace ongoing assessments made by teachers about student performance, but it can provide teachers with additional information about students’ educational progress.

NAPLAN also provides schools, education authorities and governments with information about how education programs are working and whether young Australians are achieving important educational outcomes in literacy and numeracy.

How the tests are administered

NAPLAN tests are undertaken by students in the Mary Sheil Centre (MSC). Each student will use their laptop to complete four online tests in writing, reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy. The questions assess content linked to the Australian Curriculum: English and Mathematics.

ACARA supports inclusive testing, so all students have the opportunity to participate in the national assessment
program. Adjustments are available for students with disability who have diverse functional abilities and needs. Contact the Learning Enhancement Coordinator, Mrs Benney for further information on disability provisions for NAPLAN.

What is needed for the test?

Each student must have a fully charged laptop computer and wired headphones or earphones. Note that Bluetooth headsets do not function with ACARA's application that is used for testing. Our IT team will help students install ACARA's Locked Down Browser, which is the application needed to undertake the tests. Further information will follow regarding the download and installation of this application.

Students are not expected to study for NAPLAN. Parents can support students by reassuring them that NAPLAN is a part of their school program and reminding them to simply do their best. Teachers will ensure students are familiar with the types of questions in the tests and will provide appropriate support and guidance. See the types of questions and tools available in the online NAPLAN assessments at NAP - Public demonstration site.

NAPLAN results

NAPLAN results are reported against proficiency standards. There is a standard for each assessment area at each year level. Proficiency standards provide clear information on student achievement. They are set at a challenging but reasonable level expected for the child at the time of NAPLAN testing, based mainly on what has been taught in previous years of schooling. Student achievement is shown against 4 levels of proficiency: Exceeding, Strong, Developing and Needs additional support. A NAPLAN individual student report is provided by the College later in the year.

Further information is available on ACARA's website https://nap.edu.au/home. 

^{Source: adapted from NAPLAN information for parents and carers brochure.}

Debra Bourne - Assitant Principal, Learning and Teaching