The Truth About NAPLAN (and Why You Don’t Need to Panic)

NAPLAN season is here!

(12-24 March 2025, to be exact)

If you’re wondering how to support your child, you’re not alone.

The good news? This isn’t about cramming or last-minute tutoring.

NAPLAN is simply a skills snapshot, and your child is more prepared than you might think. (Promise!)

Why NAPLAN Matters

NAPLAN helps schools and policymakers understand how students across the country are developing essential skills in literacy and numeracy. But for parents, the test can sometimes feel like a high-stakes event, leading to unnecessary stress.

The truth?

It’s just one of many assessments used to track progress.

What NAPLAN Is Really About (Myth Busting Edition)

You might think NAPLAN is just like the exams you sat in school, but there are some key differences.

Let’s break down the biggest myths about NAPLAN and what it actually means for your child.

❌ Myth: NAPLAN is a pass-or-fail test.
✅ Truth: There’s no passing or failing!

NAPLAN is a nationwide assessment used to measure broad literacy and numeracy trends, not individual student success or failure. Instead of a pass-or-fail score, students get results showing where they fall in skill bands - giving teachers insights into their strengths and areas for growth.

❌ Myth: My child’s NAPLAN score determines their academic future.
✅ Truth: One test does not define your child’s learning ability or future opportunities.

Schools use multiple assessments throughout the year to track progress, and NAPLAN is just one piece of the puzzle. A low NAPLAN score doesn’t mean a child won’t thrive. Classroom learning, teacher support, and other assessments all play a bigger role in long-term success.

❌ Myth: Students need extensive preparation to do well in NAPLAN.
✅ Truth: NAPLAN assesses skills students already learn in school.

No extra studying or tutoring is required! Schools conduct practice runs to familiarise students with the format, but cramming is unnecessary (and adds stress). In fact, too much preparation can create unnecessary pressure, making kids more anxious about the test.

Does My Child Need to Practice?

Wondering if your child should practice? A little familiarity helps, but there’s no need to turn your home into a test-prep zone.

The best approach? Keep it light, keep it stress-free.

Schools run practice sessions leading up to NAPLAN, especially since most of the test is now online (gotta make sure the tech works!). That means your child will already get exposure to the format - so no need for extra drilling at home.

If you want to do some extra practice with your child, keep it relaxed. The best prep isn’t cramming, it’s general test-taking skills, like:

• reading questions carefully

• managing time wisely

• skipping tricky questions and coming back later.

Everyday activities work, too! Playing word puzzles, reading a mix of fiction and nonfiction, or even chatting about interesting topics can reinforce literacy skills naturally.

And if your child enjoys online learning, educational apps and school-provided NAPLAN samples can be a fun, low-pressure way to get familiar with the test format.

Test Day Tips for a Smooth Experience

A positive test-day experience starts the night before.

On the day, make sure your child has everything they need:

• a fully charged device if their school requires one for online testing

• a water bottle

• any school-approved or requested items.

Anxious or Struggling Kids: What to Know

Some kids get nervous about NAPLAN, and that’s completely normal.

If your child expresses worry, here’s how you can help:

• Acknowledge their feelings – Let them know it’s okay to feel this way and reassure them that NAPLAN doesn’t define their abilities.

• Keep communication open – If anxiety is significant, talk to their teacher. Knowing how your child is feeling allows them to offer reassurance and support in the classroom.

• Normalise test-taking at home – Keep discussions light, praise effort over results, and model a relaxed attitude toward assessments.

• Know your options – While participation is expected, parents can withdraw their child from NAPLAN if necessary. If you’re considering this, speak with your child’s teacher to make an informed decision.

At the end of the day, NAPLAN is just a small moment in your child’s learning journey.

What truly matters is their curiosity, perseverance, and love of learning - things no test score can measure.

Your child’s well-being matters most.

Encourage confidence, take a relaxed approach, and remind them: they’ve got this!

At Attain Education, we’re always here to help. You can book a no-obligation call or simply send us an email at info@attaineducation.com.au and we’ll let you know how we can help your child.