Head of Department-Curriculum - Karen Newton
NAPLAN 2025 – YEAR 3 and YEAR 5
NAPLAN KEY NOTES for Parents
- Dates – 12 – 24 March (official testing dates)
- School Testing Dates: 17 - 20 March
- Download the Testing Window Infographic
- Send your child’s 3.5mm Jack Headphones to school now for testing (no Bluetooth Headphones please)
- Contact your child’s teacher if you wish to withdraw your child from NAPLAN Testing.
- Identified students will have been contacted by Aspley State School regarding reasonable adjustments to testing conditions – please ensure if you have been contacted that you respond to the communications.
- Visit the public demonstration site to view the online test environment (more information below)
NAPLAN INFORMATION for FAMILIES
The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is a literacy and numeracy assessment that students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 sit each year. It is the only national assessment all Australian students have the opportunity to undertake.
Practice tests
Recently, Year 3 and Year 5 students, and teachers, participated successfully in some NAPLAN Practice Tests. The Practice tests provided an opportunity for familiarisation of students and teachers with the test format, question types and online testing experience prior to the NAPLAN testing in March. These tests also supported us with our technical readiness checks. These practice tests are not saved, stored or marked. They simply provide us with a taste of what the online environment looks like and helps us to experience how to navigate the tests.
How is my child’s performance reported?
NAPLAN results are reported against proficiency standards. There is a standard for each assessment area at each year level. Proficiency standards provide clear information on student achievement. They are set at a challenging but reasonable level expected for the student at the time of NAPLAN testing, based mainly on what has been taught in previous years of schooling. Student achievement is shown against 4 levels of proficiency: Exceeding, Strong, Developing and Needs additional support.
A NAPLAN individual student report will be provided by us, Aspley State School, later in the year. If you do not receive a report, you should contact us so we can follow up and provide the correct report.
How are NAPLAN results used?
- Students and parents/carers use individual results to discuss progress with teachers.
- Teachers use results to help identify students who need greater challenges or extra support.
- Schools use results to identify strengths and areas of need to improve teaching programs, and to set goals in literacy and numeracy.
- School systems use results to review the effectiveness of programs and support offered to schools.
NAPLAN timetable – 12 - 24 March
The NAPLAN test window is 9 days. This is to accommodate schools that may not have the capacity to complete the tests in a shorter time frame. The NAPLAN test window starts on Wednesday 12 March 2025 and finishes on Monday 24 March 2025.
This year, due to the impact of Cyclone Alfred, Aspley State School, following advice from relevant Educational Authorities, rescheduled the tests to begin on the 17 March 2025. We are on track to complete the Writing, Reading, Conventions of Language and Numeracy tests, between the dates of the Monday the 17 and Thursday the 20 March. This adjustment to the schedule still sits within the established testing window for NAPLAN. Availability of school devices determines what times during the day the students participate in the different tests. Students may be participating in NAPLAN tests during first or second sessions on any given day. Catch-up testing for absent students can be scheduled at any time during the testing window.
The timeframes for the tests are as follows:
|
TEST |
Duration |
Description |
|
Writing |
Year 3: 40 min Year 5: 42 min |
Students are provided with an idea or topic called a “writing stimulus” or “prompt” and asked to write a response in a particular genre (narrative or persuasive writing) YR3 complete the writing task on paper. YR5 complete the writing task in the NAP online environment. |
|
Reading |
Year 3: 45 min Year 5: 50 min |
Students read a range of informative, imaginative and persuasive texts, and then answer related questions. |
|
Conventions of language |
Year 3: 45 min Year 5: 45 min |
Students are assessed on spelling, grammar and punctuation. |
|
Numeracy |
Year 3: 45 min Year 5: 50 min |
Students are assessed on number and algebra, measurement and geometry, and statistics and probability. |
What if my child is absent from school on NAPLAN test days?
During the NAPLAN testing window, if your child is unwell or is unable to attend school, please follow regular student absentee procedures or notify the school via QParents. Where possible, we will arrange for individual students who are absent at the time of testing to complete missed tests at another time during our testing schedule.
What can I do to support my child?
Students are not expected to study for NAPLAN. You can support your child by reassuring them that NAPLAN is a part of their school program and reminding them to simply do their best. Some explanation of NAPLAN is useful to help students understand and be comfortable with the format of the tests; however, it is not necessary for parents/carers to do this. Teachers will ensure students are familiar with the types of questions in the tests and will provide appropriate support and guidance.
Take a look at the Tests
The public demonstration tests show the types of questions students will answer and the functionalities that are available in NAPLAN tests. The following links will take you to these test examples.
After clicking on the link below, choose the type of test you would like to see and then select “Standard Test”. Continue to click the “next” button until the example test appears. Even if prompted, you do not need a PIN to access this public demonstration site just click “next”.
Classroom News
Prep B
This term in Prep B we have been practising our routines within the classroom as we settle into life at Aspley. We have been reading a variety of fiction texts in class, including Alexander’s Outing and Mrs Wishy Washy and discussing what we have read. Prep B have been working to segment and blend words we hear and when writing. In maths, we have been building and recognising numbers to 10 and learning how to collect and represent data.
1B
In English, 1B have been exploring the character of Mean Jean in The Recess Queen, describing her personality and the changes she undergoes through the story. Students have shared their opinions about Mean Jean, explaining why they feel that way about her. They have also considered the reasons behind her actions and how they impact others on the playground.
2B
In 2B students have been learning how to state an opinion about the Big Bad Wolf character and respond to others using accountable talk. We have been practicing our presenting skills of using eye contact, loud and clear voices and facial expressions to make sure we are interesting and heard. The more we practice the less nervous we are!
3B
This term, 3B has been honing their map reading skills in mathematics, developing their ability to interpret and understand different types of maps.
In English, they’ve delved into some Australian imaginative texts, by author Jackie French, and discovered some unique aspects of our natural history.
After exploring these literary texts, 3B students have been sharpening their speaking skills while expressing thoughts and opinions about the “author craft” contained in these stories.
It’s been an exciting term of learning and creativity!
4B
For term one science, year four have been learning about weathering and erosion, and how these change the earth’s surface over time. Students have enjoyed discussing and observing the effects of weathering (which is the breaking down of rock material) around the school grounds. We agreed that the big paperbark tree up near the netball courts was a great example of plant weathering, because its roots were exposed, and the soil was loose surrounding that area. In more recent talks, ex cyclone Alfred became a hot topic, as we analysed the devasting outcome that wind and water had on our beaches. This prompted a revisit to our lesson we had on erosion prevention strategies. Students concluded that more grass should be planted on the sand dunes, as the roots will help hold the soil together. They further added that something stronger and longer lasting, like a rock wall should be put in place in the most affected areas.
Below is simulation on how rubbing sandpaper on a rock can have a similar effect that the wind has on the earth’s surface. Students make predictions, observe, analyse, and compare their findings.
5B
Survival in the Environment - Many living creatures have a variety of unique structural features and behavioural adaptations that ensures its survival in their environment. In term one, students of 5B are developing their scientific knowledge and understanding by investigating the correlation between plants and animals and how they survive in their harsh and competitive ecosystem. As shown in these images, students of 5B have been actively engaged in various scientific activities to broaden their general knowledge of various animals and the factors that influence their survival in extreme environments. Eventually, the students will design a creature with specific adaptations that will enable it to survive in prescribed environments for their science assessment.
6B
History - Australia in the Past - In this unit, students have explored the inquiry question: How have key figures, events, and values shaped Australian society, its system of government, and citizenship? They examined the key figures, events, and ideas that led to Australia's Federation and the creation of the Constitution. Students also recognised the contributions of individuals, such as Henry Parkes, to the nation's development since Federation. As part of their learning, they have located, collected, and interpreted information from primary and secondary sources and sequenced key events and the lives of significant individuals in chronological order. This unit is providing valuable insights into Australia's past and its lasting influence on society today.
