The Importance of NAPLAN: Guiding Your Child’s Academic Journey

NAPLAN (National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy) is a vital tool for assessing a child's foundational skills in reading, writing, language conventions, and numeracy. As the only national standardised test in Australia, NAPLAN provides valuable insights into a student’s academic progress and helps schools, teachers, and parents identify strengths and areas needing improvement. At Step-By-Step Tutoring Moorebank, we specialise in NAPLAN tutoring, following the Australian Curriculum to ensure students build strong foundational skills through Explicit Teaching techniques.

How Schools and Teachers Use NAPLAN

Schools and teachers use NAPLAN results as a guide to assess where students are academically and to tailor their teaching strategies accordingly. The test helps educators identify gaps in literacy and numeracy, ensuring that students receive the necessary support to build a strong educational foundation. If left unaddressed, these gaps can lead to significant learning difficulties in later years, affecting a child's ability to keep up with more complex subjects. Through Step-By-Step Tutoring in Moorebank, we implement Explicit Teaching methods that align with the Australian Curriculum to help students excel in NAPLAN.

NAPLAN’s Role in School and Scholarship Applications

For students seeking entry into selective schools or applying for scholarships, NAPLAN results play a crucial role. Many schools consider NAPLAN scores alongside yearly school reports to determine eligibility for admission. High-achieving students may also use their results to apply for scholarships that waive tuition fees, making quality education more accessible. High schools often review NAPLAN results as part of their enrolment process, ensuring that incoming students meet academic expectations. Our NAPLAN tutoring at Step-By-Step Tutoring Moorebank focuses on the Australian Curriculum to prepare students effectively for these opportunities.

I recall a student I tutored many years ago who applied for a prestigious high school in Sydney. The admissions process was rigorous, requiring every report card since kindergarten, both Year 3 and Year 5 NAPLAN results, ICAS assessments he had done in the past, and two interviews before he was accepted. This was not for a scholarship—just for entry into the school! This highlights how crucial NAPLAN and other assessments are in determining a child’s academic capabilities and future opportunities.

Why NAPLAN is Important for Parents

NAPLAN is not just a tool for educators—it’s also essential for parents to understand how their child is performing compared to their peers. This is not about comparison for competition but about recognising if additional support is needed. If a child struggles with literacy or numeracy, early intervention can prevent foundational issues that may hinder future academic success. Identifying areas where extra help is needed ensures that the child receives targeted support before these challenges become more significant. At Step-By-Step Tutoring Moorebank, our tutoring programs are designed to identify and address these gaps, ensuring students master the Australian Curriculum.

Addressing Concerns About Pressure

Some parents and educators argue that NAPLAN puts too much pressure on children. However, assessments and exams are a natural part of the educational journey. Learning to manage test conditions helps students build resilience and test-taking strategies that are valuable for future exams in high school and beyond. Rather than viewing NAPLAN as stressful, it should be seen as an opportunity for students to demonstrate their learning and for parents and teachers to gauge their progress. Step-By-Step Tutoring Moorebank provides NAPLAN tutoring that supports students with the Australian Curriculum, using explicit teaching to reduce stress and boost confidence.

How Step-By-Step Tutoring in Moorebank Can Help

At Step-By-Step Tutoring Moorebank, we focus on building the foundational literacy and numeracy skills that students need to succeed in NAPLAN and beyond. Our NAPLAN tutoring follows the Australian Curriculum and incorporates evidence-based teaching methods to ensure that each child receives targeted support. By strengthening these fundamental skills, we open doors to better academic performance, scholarship opportunities, and long-term success.

Conclusion

NAPLAN is more than just a test - it’s a roadmap to understanding a child's academic strengths and areas for improvement. Schools, teachers, and parents all benefit from the insights it provides, ensuring that students receive the support they need to thrive. Rather than seeing it as a source of pressure, it should be embraced as a valuable tool for guiding a child’s education. With the right preparation and mindset, NAPLAN can help pave the way for a bright and successful future. Step-By-Step Tutoring Moorebank is committed to providing the best NAPLAN tutoring, following the Australian Curriculum and using evidence-based strategies to help students achieve excellence.

Written by Ms Rita - February 2025