Every year, roughly 1,000,000 students study hard and sign up for the National Assessment Program- Language and Numeracy (NAPLAN). NAPLAN is one of the most important exams students in Australia take.
NAPLAN scores are used as one of the selection criteria by some selective high schools when considering student applications. Recently New South Wales Department of Education offered places in Selective High Schools based on the NAPLAN score.
If you are a student or a parent of a student planning on sitting the exam, this article will provide you with all of the information that you will need to understand the NAPLAN and how it can affect future plans.
What is the NAPLAN?
NAPLAN is an annual national assessment for students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9that is conducted every May. The assessment measures the literacy and numeracy skills of students against national benchmarks.
It consists of four tests: reading, writing, language conventions (spelling, grammar, and punctuation), and numeracy. Each student receives a separate score for each test.
NAPLAN isn't a pass/fail test. All students who sit the NAPLAN receive a score. The results of the assessment are used to identify areas of improvement for individual students, schools, and education systems.
Do the NAPLAN Results Matter?
It's a question that has been asked by many parents, and one that is difficult to answer. There are a number of factors that influence placement in selective high schools, and NAPLAN scores are just one of them.
That being said, NAPLAN scores can be a useful indicator of a student's academic ability, and they may give you an indication of whether or not your child is suited for a selective high school.
However, it's important to remember that NAPLAN scores are just one part of the puzzle -they shouldn't be used as the sole deciding factor.
If you're considering applying for a selective high school (Year 7 to Year 11), talk to your child's teacher or school counsellor about what other factors will be taken into account. They'll be able to give you a more complete picture of your child's chances of success.
And remember, even if your child doesn't get into their first choice school, there are plenty of other great schools out there - so don't despair!
Does the NAPLAN Score Influence in Getting Placement in Selective High Schools?
The answer may surprise you! The NAPLAN score does but also doesn't have a significant influence on whether or not a student will be placed in a selective high school.
However, it is still an important test that students should take it seriously. Here's what you need to know about the NAPLAN score and how it affects placement in selective high schools.
The NAPLAN score is just one factor that is considered when placements are made into selective high schools. Other factors such as academic results, special talents, extracurricular involvement, and personal interviews are also taken into account.
This means that a student with a high NAPLAN score but low academic results is less likely to be offered a place than a student with strong academics and NAPLAN score.
So if you're aiming to get into a selective high school, focus on doing well in all areas - not just the NAPLAN score.
How Do You Prepare for the NAPLAN?
There's no one answer to this question since every student learns differently and what works for one person might not work for another. However, there are a few general tips that can help you prepare for scholarship tests.
First, make sure you understand the format of the test. The NAPLAN usually consists of multiple-choice questions, so it's important to familiarise yourself with this type of question.
Read the questions carefully and take your time in choosing the correct answer.Don't just go with your first instinct as sometimes the right answer isn't always obvious.
Next, do some practice questions. There are plenty of resources available online and in libraries that provide practice materials for the test. These can include complete practice exams that you can use to prepare yourself fully.
Doing some practice questions will help you get a feel for the types of questions and the format of the test, as well as giving you an opportunity to work on your time management skills.
Finally, try to relax and don't put too much pressure on yourself. The NAPLAN is important, but it's not the be-all and end-all. As long as you've prepared properly and given yourself the best chance to succeed, that's all you can do.
The day before the exam, try to use a few of the following techniques to feel relaxed ahead of the exam:
- Get a good night's sleep as your brain needs to be ready to go
- Eat a healthy and well-balanced breakfast such as porridge or eggs to give yourself sustained energy and try to avoid sugary foods as they will make you feel more sluggish
- Avoid cramming as you've already studied as much and as long as you could
- Take some time to yourself to relax by doing something that calms your mind and body such as yoga, exercise, or art
Remember, the NAPLAN is just one part of the selective high school admissions process.While a good score can help you get into your dream school, it's not the only thing that will be considered.
So do your best and don't stress too much!
Get Exam Ready Today!
So, what does this all mean for students and their families? In short, the answer is- it depends. Students who are interested in attending a selective high school should consider taking the HAST test offered by that school and try to receive a good NAPLAN score.
Prepare for selective tests by exploring different preparation methods, discovering what's effective for you, and consistently applying it, check out the services provided by NotesEdu and we may be able to help you! Good luck!
Disclaimer:
The information provided herein is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute advice, endorsement, or guarantee of successful admission into selective high schools. The process of admission and individual success may vary widely. NotesEdu is not responsible for any inaccuracies, effectiveness of the strategies mentioned, or any consequences resulting from the use of this information. Your reliance on the information and the results obtained are solely at your own risk.
