NAPLAN Explained: A Guide for Parents and Students

Published on

December 26, 2024

As an English tutor, I’ve seen the impact NAPLAN has on students and families alike. For many, it is more than just a test- it is an opportunity to reflect on academic progress and set goals for the future. Let’s break down what NAPLAN is, why it matters, and how we can support students in achieving their best. 

What is the NAPLAN?

The NAPLAN (National Assessment Program- Literary and Numeracy) is an annual standardised testing program in Australia. It assesses essential literary an numeracy skills for all students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. 

For year 7 and 9 students, NAPLAN consists of five assessments over three days. In 2025, the NAPLAN test window begins on Wednesday, 12 March and ends on Monday, 24 March

The tests evaluate key skills in the following areas:

  1. Language Conventions (spelling, grammar, punctuation)
  2. Writing (imaginative, informative, or persuasive tasks)
  3. Reading (comprehension and interpretation of various text types) 
  4. Numeracy (calculator and non-calculator tasks)

The Purpose of NAPLAN

NAPLAN provides valuable insights into learning progress and areas for improvement—not just for individual students but also for schools and the broader education system. Here’s how the results are used:

  • Students and Families: Gain a snapshot of performance in literacy and numeracy.
  • Schools: Evaluate teaching programs and address learning gaps.
  • Governments: Monitor national education standards and outcomes.

The Three English Areas of NAPLAN

The English components of NAPLAN assess a student’s ability to communicate effectively and understand written texts. Here’s what each area involves:

  1. Language Conventions: Focuses on spelling, grammar and punctuation to test foundational literacy skills. 
  2. Writing: Students are tasked with crafting an imaginative, informative or persuasive text based on a given prompt. 
  3. Reading: Tests comprehension and interpretation of various text types including fiction, non-fiction, and visual texts.

Preparing for NAPLAN

While it is natural to want to prepare for NAPLAN, it’s important to understand that this test is designed to reflect a student’s current abilities rather than something to be “studied” for in a targeted way. Since the content changes each year, the best approach is to focus on developing well-rounded English skills that will benefit students long beyond the test itself.

At Gold Standard Academy, we focus on nurturing foundational and advanced English skills through personalised lessons tailored to the NAPLAN and high school curriculum. Our aim is not only to help students achieve excellent results but also to instill confidence and a genuine passion for English. If your child is looking for support to build these skills, we’re here to help them thrive!

Download Your Free Resource 

Click the link below to download your free 100 Essential Words for Year 7 NAPLAN. Use it as a study tool or as part of your everyday practice to build lifelong language skills!

At Gold Standard Academy, we believe in providing resources that make a real difference. For more tailored support, contact us to learn how we can help your child excel in English.

Resources

FAQs

What age groups or year levels do you tutor?

We provide specialised English tutoring for students in Years 7 to 12, ensuring they build strong foundational skills and excel in their senior studies.

Are your lessons aligned with the NSW syllabus?

Yes, all our lessons are carefully aligned with the NSW syllabus to ensure students are prepared for school assessments, exams, and their HSC requirements.

How do you personalise tutoring to meet individual student needs?

We start by assessing each student’s strengths, weaknesses, and learning style. Our tutors then tailor lesson plans to address specific goals and areas of improvement, ensuring targeted and effective learning.

Do you offer one-on-one or group tutoring sessions?

All our classes are one-on-one. This allows us to accommodate different learning preferences, ensuring each student receives the attention and support they need.

Can you help with specific assessments, exams, or assignments?

Absolutely. Our tutors are experienced in guiding students through preparing for specific assessments, exams, and assignments, providing targeted feedback and strategies to help them succeed.

Do you provide resources and practice materials?

Yes, we provide weekly content, comprehensive resources, including practice materials, worksheets, and model responses, to help students consolidate their learning and practice independently.

How long is each tutoring session, and how often should a student attend?

Typically, each session is 60 minutes. Our termly courses are at least once a week, but the frequency can be tailored based on their needs and academic goals.

Do you offer online tutoring options?

Yes, we offer both in-person and online tutoring to accommodate different preferences and ensure flexibility in learning.

Do you offer trial lessons for new students?

Yes, we offer new students trial lessons with no obligation to continue for the entire term to help them experience our teaching approach and determine if it’s the right fit for their learning needs.

How can we contact you?

You can contact us either through our email at tutor@goldstandardacademy.com or call us at 0481 336 988

Unlock your full potential with expert, personalised tutoring in HSC English. At GSA, we specialise in building skills, confidence, and success for students across NSW. Achieve excellence with our tailored programs and proven results.
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