Rethinking NAPLAN: Why Date Changes Could Lead to Better Learning Outcomes
Australia’s most talked-about standardised test, NAPLAN, has moved to March 15 — two months earlier than in previous years. But what impact will this have on students? Aussie Edu Hub Chief Learning Officer, Dr Selina Samuels, explains why this shift might actually be a positive step.
With only weeks to go before NAPLAN 2023, many students may already be feeling the pressure. However, Dr Samuels believes the earlier timing is a win for teachers and learners alike.
“By running NAPLAN earlier, teachers have more time during the school year to use the results to address individual learning needs. It makes the tests far more valuable as both a diagnostic tool and a benchmarking measure,” she says.
Other Key Changes in 2023
Alongside the new date, the NAP Sample assessments for Years 6 and 10 in science, civics and citizenship, and digital literacy will now run in Term 2 instead of Term 3. Over the next three years, these assessments will become annual and available as an opt-in for any school or system.
“These subjects are essential for preparing young Australians for the future,” Dr Samuels explains. “The data gathered helps set national benchmarks and highlights areas where more resources and attention are needed.”
Addressing the Stress Factor
Dr Samuels acknowledges that one of the biggest challenges with NAPLAN is ensuring students are prepared — both academically and emotionally.
“Stress and anxiety often come from a lack of preparation, particularly in younger students,” she says. “Giving them a few weeks to consolidate the literacy and numeracy skills NAPLAN assesses is crucial. It’s also about making sure they’re familiar with the test format so they can show what they know.”
She suggests students review past NAPLAN papers to get comfortable with:
- Navigating multiple-choice questions
- Structuring and editing written responses
- Breaking down multi-step maths problems
Familiarity with the style of questions not only reduces nerves but also builds confidence.
Aussie Edu Hub’s Approach
At Aussie Edu Hub, tutors integrate NAPLAN-style practice into lessons, offering feedback to strengthen literacy and numeracy skills that benefit students well beyond the test itself.
“Our goal is to give students skills for life, not just for NAPLAN,” Dr Samuels says.
Tips for Parents: How to Help Your Child Prepare
- Talk to teachers about the school’s NAPLAN preparation approach. Review past results for students in Years 5, 7, and 9 to spot focus areas.
- Identify skill gaps in literacy or numeracy and work on targeted improvement.
- Practise with NAPLAN-style questions to remove uncertainty.
- Teach exam strategies, such as finding “quick wins” in multiple-choice questions and not getting stuck for too long on one task.
- Encourage a growth mindset — treat NAPLAN as an opportunity to demonstrate progress, not as a pass/fail exam.
- Follow up on results — understanding where your child stands helps you take action, whether they need to catch up, keep up, or push ahead.
