NAPLAN - A Testing Time for Kids

Every year, more than 6000 kids in 70 northern beaches schools participate in a compulsory national exam that identifies their skills in English and Maths.

All Australian children in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 take part in the National Assessment Program, Literacy and Numeracy - or as it is more commonly known - NAPLAN.

This year, the tests take place over three days in May and will assess students' abilities in reading, writing, spelling, grammar, punctuation and numeracy.

NAPLAN was introduced in 2008 as part of a federal initiative to support national literacy and numeracy levels. It replaces a variety of state based exams, including the Basic Skills Test, which was previously conducted in NSW schools.

Teacher, Sonja Walker is the director of children's education and health centre, Kids First. She says that NAPLAN results provide parents, teachers and schools with measurable information about children's literacy and numeracy.

‘For a parent, it is sometimes hard to know if your child's reading, writing and maths skills are developing appropriately,' she said.

‘When NAPLAN results are released, the performance of each child is shown on a national achievement scale so that each student's skills can be compared with their peers across the country.'

‘While some might argue that testing 8 and 10 year olds is a little over the top, research suggests that early literacy and numeracy skills are vital to a child's future. Getting in early to support a child who is struggling is very important and NAPLAN is one way in which schools and parents can find out about children's needs.'

Sonja said that NAPLAN helps teachers to distinguish the needs of a wide range of children. 'Those who are struggling and need extra support are identified, as are those who are thriving. When they are used well, NAPLAN results can be a tool to help schools and parents provide better support and learning opportunities for children.'

NAPLAN Facts

• Who will sit for NAPLAN? 
  All students in years 3, 5, 7 and 9
• Where will the tests take place?
  NAPLAN tests are conducted at schools and administered by classroom teachers
• Who will mark the NAPLAN tests?
  NAPLAN Test papers will be marked by independent markers
• What will students be examined on?
  Test questions cover Aspects of Literacy (Spelling, Punctuation, Grammar, Reading and Writing) and Aspects of Numeracy at grade appropriate levels
• What sort of questions will be asked?
  Questions are multiple choice or require a short written answer. The Writing Task requires students to write a narrative or story.
• When will results be released?
  A NAPLAN report will be issued by your school later in the year. The same report format is used for every student in Australia.

For information about Kids First's NAPLAN Workshops in the Easter school holidays, click here

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