Being a parent is demanding. As a parent, you’re likely familiar with NAPLAN. Needless to say, the discussions about this don’t come in isolation. They’re accompanied by many other questions, such as what the purpose of the standardized test is. What’s considered a good score? What happens if you fail in NAPLAN year 7? But wait. Can your child really fail NAPLAN? The short answer is No. NAPLAN is not meant to be failed or passed. Then what’s the fuss over the exam?
Let’s find the answers to all your questions and make a better sense of NAPLAN as an exam and what role it plays in your child’s educational journey. In this blog, we’ll break down the purpose of the exam and help you interpret the scores for year 7. Let’s begin!
What is NAPLAN, and Why Does it Matter?
NAPLAN, which stands for the National Assessment Program –Literacy and Numeracy, is an annual test taken by students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9 across Australia. It’s designed to assess students' skills in literacy (reading, writing, and language conventions) and numeracy.
So, why is it important? Well, NAPLAN results provide a snapshot of how well your child is performing in these key areas compared to other students in their year group. It’s a helpful tool for schools and the government to identify trends in education, pinpoint areas where students might be struggling, and figure out where improvements are needed.
Purpose and Relevance of NAPLAN
NAPLAN serves several important purposes. First and foremost, it gives a clear picture of the quality of education across schools. By looking at how students perform in different areas, NAPLAN helps educators and policymakers understand where to focus efforts for improvement.
Secondly, NAPLAN is aligned with the Australian Curriculum, which means that it assesses skills that your child is expected to develop over the years. It helps identify areas of strength as well as areas that may need more attention. For instance, if your child scores lower in writing, it could highlight a need for extra support or resources in that area.
Moreover, NAPLAN results play a role in shaping educational decisions at both the school and national levels. They inform how schools develop their curriculum, provide additional support, and allocate resources to where they’re needed most.
Now that you’re aware of NAPLAN’s purpose, let’s dig deeper and get into the scores.
Also Read: 6 Tips on How to Prepare for NAPLAN Writing Component
What Do Year 7 NAPLAN Scores Really Mean?
It’s essential to understand that while these scores give a good indication of your child’s performance, they don’t impact their school grades or overall academic standing. Instead, they act as a measure of progress to see where your child is on their learning journey.
Understanding the NAPLAN Scale
NAPLAN scores are typically presented on a scale that helps you compare your child’s results to the national average and to the expectations for their year level. The scale ranges from bands that represent different levels of achievement.
For Year 7 students, the bands are designed to reflect the increasing complexity of skills as students progress through school. For instance:
-
Band 5 is typically where Year 7 students are expected to perform in literacy and numeracy.
-
Band 6 and above indicate students who are performing at a higher level than expected.
-
Band 4 and below suggest areas where your child might need more support or intervention.
By looking at where your child’s scores fall within these bands, you can get an idea of their academic strengths and areas for improvement. For a better understanding, check out this video by ACARA (Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority).
While the scores themselves are important, the real value of NAPLAN is in how schools use the results. For instance, schools may look at these scores to identify students who could benefit from advanced learning programs or extra support in specific areas. It’s about using the data to make informed decisions about your child’s learning path.
But wait, there’s more to NAPLAN than meets the eye. Like any other thing in the world, it comes with its own set of problems. Let’s look at them closely.
Also Read: History of NAPLAN: Everything You Need to Know About the Test
Concerns About NAPLAN Testing
While NAPLAN is generally seen as a valuable tool, it’s not without its criticisms. One major concern is the stress it can cause for both students and parents. The pressure of performing well on a national test can sometimes overshadow the learning experience, making it more about the test than about the learning itself.
Another challenge is that some critics argue NAPLAN scores don’t always reflect a student’s true learning. It’s possible that a student who performs poorly on the day of the test might actually be doing well in their studies overall. For this reason, NAPLAN should be seen as just one piece of the puzzle, not the final verdict on your child’s abilities.
Additionally, there are concerns about the over-reliance on NAPLAN results to make significant educational decisions. For example, some schools may place too much emphasis on NAPLAN scores when determining which students get additional resources or advanced learning opportunities.
Check out what people think about the standardized test in this Reddit thread.
Now, moving ahead to understanding how motivation plays a role in improving your child’s NAPLAN performance.
How Motivation Plays a Role in NAPLAN Performance
Research has shown that when students are given incentives, their performance can improve, particularly in areas like writing. It’s not about bribing students but rather using motivation in a healthy, productive way to boost their efforts.
Studies have found that when Year 7 students were given financial or social rewards for improving their NAPLAN scores, they showed a noticeable improvement. This might involve praise from teachers, certificates, or even a fun reward at home. The idea is that motivation can play a huge role in how hard your child works and how much effort they put into their studies, especially in subjects that require long-term development, like writing.
By now, you must have gotten a clear picture that your child can’t really fail NAPLAN. However, there are always ways to improve their performance.
Also Read: NAPLAN: How Should Students and Parents Prepare
Tips to Prepare Better for NAPLAN
As the NAPLAN test approaches, it’s natural to feel a bit anxious about how your child will perform. With a little preparation, your child can approach the test with confidence. Here are some practical tips to help your child prepare for NAPLAN in a stress-free and effective way.
-
Understand the NAPLAN Format
Familiarize your child with the NAPLAN test format. The test covers reading, writing, language conventions, and numeracy. Knowing what to expect will help your child feel more comfortable and confident on test day.
-
Practice with Past Papers
Using past NAPLAN papers will give your child a feel for the test structure and question types. Practicing under timed conditions can help them manage their time better during the actual test.
-
Create a Study Schedule
Plan a balanced study schedule with short, focused sessions. Spread out the study sessions to avoid cramming, and review key concepts regularly to reinforce learning and build confidence.
-
Focus on Basic Skills
Help your child strengthen core skills like reading comprehension, writing, and basic math. Regular practice with these skills will ensure they’re well-prepared for the test.
-
Minimize Test Anxiety
Encourage your child to stay calm by practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing. Remind them that NAPLAN is just one test, and their best effort is what matters most.
-
Get Enough Rest and Nutrition
Ensure your child gets enough sleep and eats nutritious meals before the test. Proper rest and hydration will help them stay focused and energized.
-
Practice Time Management
Teach your child to pace themselves during the test. Practice time management with timed exercises to ensure they complete all sections within the allotted time.
-
Encourage Regular Breaks
Don’t overburden your child with non-stop studying. Regular breaks are necessary for maintaining focus and reducing stress, so encourage them to relax between study sessions.
Final Thoughts
Understanding NAPLAN and what it means for your child can seem like a lot to take in, but once you break it down, it’s easier to see how it fits into their overall learning path. NAPLAN scores provide a useful snapshot of your child’s progress in literacy and numeracy, but they don’t define your child’s academic abilities. Remember, the test is designed to help schools identify areas where support might be needed, and it doesn’t determine a student’s worth or future success.
If you're looking for extra support to help your child feel fully prepared for NAPLAN, consider enrolling them in the FunFox Program. Our all-in-one prep program is designed to guide students every step of the way, with extensive self-paced learning modules covering reading, language conventions, and writing.
We also offer live revision sessions to reinforce key skills and provide expert tips to boost exam readiness. Plus, with our adaptive practice tests that replicate the NAPLAN format, students can get comfortable with the test’s layout and practice efficient navigation.
Still unsure? Book a free trial first to see if it works for your child. Enroll today!
