Every year, families hear about NAPLAN, and it’s natural to have a few questions. This guide is here to provide some clear, simple information about what NAPLAN is and how it fits into your child’s learning.
When families and schools work together in a calm and supportive way, children feel confident and ready to learn. Read on to find out more about NAPLAN and some easy ways you can support your child before and during the testing period.
What is NAPLAN?
NAPLAN (the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy) is a nationwide assessment for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9.
The tests assess skills in: Reading, Writing, Language Conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and Numeracy.
NAPLAN is coordinated by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) and is undertaken by students across Australia at the same time each year.
Why do schools use NAPLAN?
NAPLAN is just one of several ways schools can see how students are developing key literacy and numeracy skills over time. It helps teachers understand:
- Where your child is doing well and where they might need extra support
- How teaching can be tailored to support each student
- Progress across different year levels
- How the school can plan for the learning needs of all students
It’s important to know that NAPLAN does not replace daily classroom learning, teacher observations, or the work your child does every day – it simply adds another snapshot to help guide learning.
What NAPLAN results can — and can’t — tell you
NAPLAN results give a snapshot of a student’s skills at a particular point in time. As Jacinta Russo, Manager: Curriculum and Innovation at Sydney Catholic Schools says while the results can be very useful, they only tell part of the story.
‘NAPLAN results offer very useful data for a teacher to plan learning, but they don’t define a child’s intelligence, character or the full story of their growth,’ she says.
What results can show:
Assessment results can indicate how a student is developing in literacy and numeracy. They can highlight areas of relative strength as well as areas where additional support may be helpful. Over time, results can also reveal patterns of progress across multiple years.
What results don’t show:
Assessment results do not capture a child’s creativity, social skills, or character development. They do not reflect a student’s effort, personal improvement, or learning habits. Most importantly, results do not define a child’s worth, intelligence, or potential.
Think of NAPLAN results as information to guide learning, not a measure of your child’s value or future success.
How to read your child’s NAPLAN report
NAPLAN reports can look a bit complicated at first, but they’re really a helpful tool for conversation. When reviewing the report:
- Look at progress over time, rather than a single result
- Notice which skill areas are developing well
- Identify any areas where extra support may help
- Treat the report as an opportunity to talk with your child about their learning, rather than a verdict on their ability.
If you have questions, your child’s teacher is always the best person to talk to. They can explain what the results mean in the context of everyday learning.
Supporting your child around NAPLAN
Jacinta Russo says parents can provide support for their child by focusing on calm routines, emotional reassurance, and ongoing learning at home rather than test pressure.
‘Encourage your child to do their best, start the day well, and remember that feeling a little nervous is normal,’ she says.
‘Focusing on effort, curiosity and resilience matters more than test scores. Simple routines, like a good night’s sleep, healthy meals, and a calm start to the day, can make a big difference.’
And remember, teachers are there to support your child every step of the way.
NAPLAN in perspective
NAPLAN is one small part of a much bigger learning journey. Children grow in different ways and at different times, and their development is about much more than any test.
At Sydney Catholic Schools, we focus on the development of the whole person – academically, socially, emotionally, spiritually, physically and creatively. Learning is a journey, and children grow in different ways and at different times.
With parents and schools aligned in understanding and purpose, children are best placed to flourish through their NAPLAN experience and beyond.
Cultivating wonder, wisdom and witness, Sydney Catholic Schools form the whole child through excellence in learning, faith, vocation, sport and the arts.
