Rethinking NAPLAN: Why the date change could lead to more effective learning

NAPLAN – the standardised test loved by some and dreaded by others – will now take place on March 15, two months earlier than in previous years. But what impact will this have on students? Dr Selina Samuels from Aussie Edu Hub shares her insights.

With just weeks to go until NAPLAN 2023, many students may be feeling more anxious. However, Dr Samuels, Chief Learning Officer at Aussie Edu Hub, believes the earlier date is actually a positive step.

“The benefit is that teachers now have more time throughout the year to use the data gathered to address students’ needs and support them in improving where necessary,” she explained. “This makes the tests more relevant both as a diagnostic tool and a benchmark.”

Another major change for NAPLAN 2023 is that the triennial NAP sample assessments for Years 6 and 10 in science, civics and citizenship, and digital literacy will move from Term 3 to Term 2. In addition, new annual assessments in these subjects for these year groups will be introduced as optional tests for any school or system, rolled out over the next three years.

“The NAP sample assessments are designed to set benchmarks in critical and fast-growing areas of knowledge nationwide,” Dr Samuels said. “They provide a clear picture of what is being taught and highlight areas that require more attention and resources. Including these subjects alongside literacy and numeracy in NAPLAN reflects their importance in preparing students for the future.”

One of the main challenges with NAPLAN, according to Dr Samuels, is ensuring students do not go into the exams unprepared. “Stress and anxiety often come from a lack of preparation, especially for younger students,” she noted.

She recommends giving students ample time to consolidate the literacy and numeracy skills tested in NAPLAN, ideally starting preparation a few weeks in advance. NAPLAN is not just about testing—it’s about mastering the foundational skills needed for further learning. Familiarity with the test structure can also help students perform at their best.

Dr Samuels advises students to work with past NAPLAN papers to practise navigating multiple-choice questions, structuring and editing written responses, and breaking down complex maths problems. “The format can be unfamiliar, so practising with similar questions is the best way to reduce anxiety and build confidence. At Aussie Edu Hub, we ensure students get plenty of practice with NAPLAN-style questions, combined with feedback. Our aim is to strengthen literacy and numeracy for life, not just for the test.”

How to Prepare for NAPLAN Effectively

• Ask your child’s teachers about the school’s approach to NAPLAN preparation. For Years 5, 7, and 9, review past results to identify which literacy or numeracy skills need attention.
• Identify learning gaps and build essential skills such as time management, reading multi-step questions carefully, and planning responses.
• Get familiar with NAPLAN-style questions to reduce uncertainty before the test.
• Encourage students to look for quick wins in multiple-choice sections and avoid getting stuck on a single question for too long. Promote a growth mindset and see NAPLAN as an opportunity to demonstrate progress rather than a pass-or-fail test.
• Follow up if results show unexpected weaknesses. The more you understand your child’s current level, the better you can support them to catch up, keep up, or excel.

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