Minister sends best wishes ahead of NAPLAN

• Queensland students from Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 sitting NAPLAN
• The testing window is from Wednesday 13 – Monday 25 March 2024
• Students are encouraged to relax, stay calm, and just focus on doing their best

Around 280,000 Queensland students in Year 3, 5, 7 and 9 will complete their NAPLAN testing online from tomorrow (13 March) through to Monday 25 March.

Students from the more than 1 800 state and non-state schools will complete this point-in-time assessment which is only one aspect of the school assessment and reporting process.

NAPLAN testing is just one of the tools designed to help provide information about how students are progressing in the development of core literacy and numeracy skills.

It provides information about how students’ progress in the development of core literacy and numeracy skills and to assist with future targeted resourcing.

Queensland’s amazing teachers and school staff work with students every day to assess, identify and provide intervention for students requiring additional support.

The results parents see on their children’s report cards remain the most powerful data available about student performance.

We’ve seen a five percent increase in the last two years in the numbers of Queensland state school students getting an A or B in English or Maths and we have also had the best results on record for students getting their Queensland Certificate of Education.

These are remarkable results that reflect the progress we are making as well as the hard work and dedication of our students, teachers and school communities. 

Quotes attributable to Minister Farmer:

“All the best wishes to our Year 3, 5, 7 and 9 students ahead of NAPLAN.

“It’s normal to feel a bit nervous before a test, so make sure you sleep well, relax and do your best.

"Remember, you are not expected to study for NAPLAN, it is not a test that is meant to be studied for like your other tests.

"It just lets your school and teachers know where you are at in English and Maths and if any extra support is needed.

“It is a point-in-time assessment and only one aspect of school assessment and reporting, and provids important information about how your progress in the development of core literacy and numeracy skills, so resources can be allocated or re-allocated as early as possible.

“A big thank you to all the teachers and school staff that are working hard every day to teach students fundamental language and numeracy skills.

“And of course, we can’t forget the parents, carers and the wider school communities that are supporting our students in being their very best.”

Explainer/fast fact and or further information:

• The NAPLAN online test window is nine days, allowing schools some flexibility in scheduling.
• The content of NAPLAN tests is informed by the Australian Curriculum and assesses literacy and numeracy skills that students learn at school every day. It is not a test that can be studied for and students are not expected to do so.
• The Department works with the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA), which is the lead agency for NAPLAN, and the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) to ensure appropriate guidance and support is provided to school staff and students.
• For more information visit https://education.qld.gov.au/parents-and-carers/school-information/naplan 

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Media contact: Tim Auguston 0427 090 563