From tomorrow, March 12, 2025, nearly 1.3 million students across Australia, including those from the Snowy Mountains region, will sit for the annual NAPLAN assessments. Conducted by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA), this national testing evaluates literacy and numeracy progress in students from Years 3, 5, 7, and 9.
PHOTO: Monaro High School – Cooma
Stephen Gniel, ACARA CEO, noted, “NAPLAN is just one aspect of a school’s assessment and does not replace ongoing assessments made by teachers about student performance, but it can provide important additional information about a student’s educational progress.”
This year’s testing marks the second cycle under the new proficiency levels and the shifted testing period from May to March. This adjustment allows for more time within the school year to integrate the results into educational planning. Schools will receive preliminary results early in Term 2, with full reporting, including writing assessments, expected by June 2025.
PHOTO: NESA have handy tip for students and parents to handle exam stress CREDIT: NSW Education Department
Preparations have been extensive, with ACARA developing over 2,500 test questions. Yet, it’s acknowledged that the stress associated with such assessments is significant. The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) and other educational bodies recommend several strategies to help manage exam stress.
Encouraging students to maintain a balanced study schedule with adequate breaks is crucial in preventing burnout. Exercise, such as running or swimming, can help reduce stress by utilising excess adrenaline and cortisol. Parents, teachers, and students should be reminded that while exam results are important, they are not the “be all and end all” of academic life or future success.
For more details, visit NAPLAN website.