Why Parents Should Start Preparing for NAPLAN Early: The March Exam Change

If you’re a parent, you may have heard that the NAPLAN exam has been moved from the middle of the year to March 2023. This timing shift can have a significant impact on how well your child is prepared. As the school year typically starts at the end of January in Australia, this leaves only about a month and a half of classroom learning before the NAPLAN tests. With this limited time, it’s crucial to consider when to begin NAPLAN preparation to give your child the best chance of success.

Why March Matters

In past years, NAPLAN took place mid-year, allowing students to cover a considerable portion of their grade-level curriculum before the assessment. Now, with the exam set for March, students are essentially tested on skills and knowledge from the previous year. This timing raises a question for parents: When is the best time to start preparing for NAPLAN?

The Case for Starting Preparation in the Previous Year Since NAPLAN now happens so early in the year, waiting until the school term begins might not allow enough time for thorough preparation. By starting your child’s NAPLAN preparation towards the end of the previous year, you give them the chance to reinforce what they’ve learned and address any areas where they need improvement. Here’s why starting early makes sense: Retaining Last Year’s Knowledge: Much of what is tested in NAPLAN draws on skills developed in the previous school year. Preparing over the summer holidays helps keep those skills fresh, rather than starting from scratch once the term begins. Easing into the New School Year: The first month of a new school year typically includes introductory activities and foundational lessons, which means students may not dive deeply into curriculum content right away. By beginning NAPLAN practice ahead of time, you ensure that your child isn’t solely reliant on the short time available at the start of the term. Reducing Stress with Gradual Preparation: Early preparation allows for a more relaxed and steady approach. You can introduce practice exams, reading comprehension exercises, and other NAPLAN-style questions over several weeks, rather than cramming in a shorter period. This not only helps with retention but also reduces the stress associated with last-minute studying.

How to Start Early and Make It Count

Early preparation doesn’t have to mean intensive study sessions. Here are a few practical ways to help your child get ready in a balanced and effective way:

• Utilize Online Practice Exams: Online practice exams are a great resource to familiarize your child with the format of the NAPLAN test. These digital tools can simulate the actual testing experience, helping students feel more comfortable with the question styles and the online format, which is now standard.

• Focus on Core Skills: Use the early preparation time to strengthen your child’s literacy and numeracy skills. Practising reading comprehension, vocabulary, basic grammar, and arithmetic during the holidays can help maintain and build on what they learned in the previous year.

• Set a Study Schedule: A regular, manageable study schedule—such as a couple of hours a week—can make a big difference without overwhelming your child. This steady approach ensures they are consistently engaged and ready for NAPLAN when the new school year begins.

• Engage with Learning Resources: There are many interactive learning tools and educational games that can make early preparation enjoyable. Find activities that relate to NAPLAN topics, so your child is building skills in a more relaxed setting.

Making the Most of March

With NAPLAN now set for March, starting early is key to ensuring your child is well-prepared. By beginning the preparation at the end of the previous year, you’re giving your child the advantage of time, allowing them to approach the exam with confidence. Early preparation helps reinforce important skills, reduces the pressure of last-minute cramming, and allows for a smoother transition back to school.