Curriculum
Gareth Snow | Assistant Principal
Everything NAPLAN
Each year, students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 across Australia participate in NAPLAN (the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy). NAPLAN provides a snapshot of student achievement in key areas of literacy and numeracy and helps schools understand how students are progressing over time.
NAPLAN is just one part of our broader assessment approach. It does not replace teacher judgement, classroom assessments or ongoing formative assessment practices that provide us with rich, daily information about student learning.
When is NAPLAN?
In 2026, NAPLAN will take place during the national assessment window:
Wednesday 11 March – Monday 23 March 2026
Students complete their assessments online (with paper adjustments where required). Each school schedules the tests within this window.
What Do Students Complete?
Students complete four assessments:
- Reading – Understanding, interpreting and analysing a range of texts.
- Writing – Responding to a stimulus with either a persuasive or narrative piece.
- Language Conventions – Spelling, grammar and punctuation.
- Numeracy – Applying mathematical knowledge, skills and problem-solving strategies.
The tests are designed to assess skills students develop over time through the curriculum, not content that requires specific test preparation.
How We Use the Data at School
NAPLAN results provide valuable information that helps us:
- Identify strengths and areas for improvement across year levels.
- Track student growth over time, not just achievement at one point.
- Compare our school’s performance with similar schools across Australia.
- Inform whole-school improvement priorities.
- Refine teaching practices and curriculum planning.
Support targeted intervention and extension programs.
Importantly, we use NAPLAN data alongside classroom assessments, teacher observations, and other diagnostic tools to build a complete picture of each student’s progress.
Supporting Your Child
The best preparation for NAPLAN is:
- Regular school attendance
- Reading at home
- Practising writing
- Developing automaticity in number facts
Maintaining a calm and positive attitude
We encourage families to reassure children that NAPLAN is simply an opportunity to show what they already know and can do.
If you have any questions about NAPLAN, please contact either myself (gareth.snow@education.vic.gov.au) or the school.
Mr Snow