What Is NAPLAN and Will My Test Scores Impact University Admittance?
Whenever NAPLAN season rolls around, parents and students start to get anxious. Studies have shown that students can feel extra stress around test time and that stress could cause problems for parents, care-takers, and siblings.
You know that students in certain years have to take a test, but you may not understand why it causes so much stress for people.
The truth is that NAPLAN is a very important test for Australian kids and teens, and you should be doing whatever you can to prepare for it.
Do you want to learn a little more about NAPLAN, how it can affect the future, and what you can do to prepare for it? If so, you’ve come to the right place.
Keep reading for a quick overview of the importance of NAPLAN and how you can prepare for this important test.
What Is NAPLAN?
The NAPLAN is a national test that’s given to measure student’s abilities in reading, writing, numeracy, spelling, and grammar. Right now, students are given the test in years three, five, seven, and nine.
Each academic domain is scored on a single scale. Scores can be compared across different school year levels, and it can help school systems and governments see how students are progressing.
The NAPLAN test has a variety of benefits for both teachers, students, and school systems.
The results from the Naplan can help policymakers and researchers better understand student performance so they can make the right changes to policies. It can serve as a way to justify the support of certain schools and better allocate funds to schools that need it the most.
The NAPLAN can also help teachers better teach their students. They can see which subjects they may have to spend more time on, and identify students that may be struggling to learn difficult concepts.
NAPLAN results can help parents make better decisions about where to send their children. They can easily look up Naplan averages in different areas and gauge how well schools are performing.
Overall, the NAPLAN test gives parents better resources in general to help their children. They’re able to see what subjects their children struggle with, and may be able to find tutoring help to aid their kids.
It’s important to note that Australia is far from the only school system that uses standardized tests for these purposes. Nearly every country has some form of testing they use to evaluate the progress of their students.
How Does NAPLAN Affect My Future?
As you can see, NAPLAN can have far-reaching effects beyond your personal scores. The NAPLAN scores of your district could affect the funding your school receives, and it may alter the ways teachers focus on some subjects.
It’s also possible for NAPLAN to have a more direct effect on your future in terms of where you go to college.
If you want to know if your scores affect your entrance to a university, you can breathe easy by knowing that the answer is generally now.
It’s very rare for universities to ask for any NAPLAN scores, and since most universities rely on you meeting certain application requirements tied to majors, you shouldn’t worry about scores slowing you down.
Your NAPLAN score may not affect your chances of getting into university, but that doesn’t mean that your scores should be ignored.NAPLAN scores can show where your lagging behind your peers. Low scores in certain disciplines may mean it’s time for a tutor.
It’s also important to point out that even though most universities won’t ask for your NAPLAN scores, there are plenty of high schools that will place a lot of weight on them.
There are plenty of specialty schools and private schools that have very strict rules around admission and NAPLAN scores. If you score too low on the test or in certain areas, you may not be able to get into the high school that you want.
How Can I Do Well On The NAPLAN?
Now that you can see how important it is to do well on the NAPLAN, you may be trying to think of ways you can improve your chances to get a high score.
Luckily for you, there are plenty of simple things you can do that can improve your test scores and help you prepare for the test the right way.
If NAPLAN season is close, there’s no need to worry. Make sure you follow these tips and you’ll pass with flying colours.
Honestly Assess Your Capabilities
It’s important to remember that you’re going to be your best advocate when it comes to your education. You know what subjects you’re strong in, and which ones you could use a little help with.
Are there certain sections you’re feeling nervous about? Have you been getting low grades in certain subjects? Do you feel like you have an idea of the subjects you need to work on?
Take a proactive approach before the test and take time to think about the subjects you’re strongest in, and which ones you could use help in. Going into test preparation when you have a clear understanding of your strengths and weaknesses can help you better prepare.
Take Practice Tests
The saying that practice makes perfect may be old, but it has some truth to it. If you’re concerned about doing well on the NAPLAN, taking a few practice tests before your actual test day can help you a lot.
Practice tests don’t just help you become familiar with the kinds of questions that will be on the test, it’ll also get you used to the test format. This can help clear up some questions that may pop up when you get to a certain question or exercise.
Taking a practice test can also help calm your nerves. You may feel more comfortable taking the test once you see what’s on it, and reducing your levels of stress can help you perform better.
Take a NAPLAN online practice test to see how well you’d do, or see if your school offers practice tests to students.
Master Exam Time Management
If you think that taking a test is just as simple as answering the questions in front of you, it’s time to rethink the way you approach test-taking. One of the best things you can do in school is to learn how to spend your time during an exam.
There are a variety of time management and question answering strategies you can learn that can help you become a better test taker.
Do you tend to do better answering multiple-choice questions? If so, you may choose to focus on tackling those questions first. When you focus on answering easy questions first, you give yourself more time to focus on questions that will challenge you.
Some people find that it’s helpful to set a time limit on how long they focus on a question. If you find that you’re dwelling on a question, it may be best to move on and try to focus on something different.
Practice Your Writing Skills
Sometimes writing isn’t all about proper grammar and structure. It isn’t uncommon for people with a strong grasp of English to struggle when they have to find something to write about.
Your NAPLAN may contain an essay or creative writing section. This is why it’s important for you to spend some time figuring out the best way to come up with something to write about.
You never know what the prompt will be ahead of time, so spend a little time learning how to do a quick brainstorming session. Figure out the best way for you to write down potential subjects, then think about the unique spin you can put on topics.
Take Care of Yourself
It’s important to study and prepare for the test, but sometimes one of the best things you can do to prepare is to focus on caring for yourself physically and mentally.
It’ll be hard to concentrate on your test if you haven’t had a good night’s sleep, or if you don’t eat a good breakfast. Be sure to treat yourself well and make good choices before you take your test so your mind and body will be ready.
Don’t be afraid to talk to someone if you’re still feeling stressed about taking your test. Sometimes talking to a trusted teacher, friend, or family member can help you work through your feelings.
Prepare For Success
The NAPLAN may be an important test, but there’s nothing to worry about if you want to get a high score. As long as you prepare for the exam the right way, you won’t have much to worry about.
Standardized tests are only one part of your education. There are plenty of other things you could be doing to excel in school and set yourself up for success in the future.
Do you want other academic tips or advice on how to choose the right university? We have a lot of helpful content on our website. Be sure to browse everything we have available so you can find answers to your most important questions.