NAPLAN
NAPLAN Practice Tests
On Monday 23rd and Tuesday 24th March, Year 7 and Year 9 cohorts will participate in the 2020 NAPLAN Online Practice Tests. There are two practice tests: a 45 minute omnibus test (includes questions from domains of Reading, Conventions of Language and Numeracy) and a 45 minute Writing test.
The practice tests will allow students to become familiar with types of questions asked and the interface used to deliver NAPLAN Online. Test responses are anonymised and no results from the practice tests will be made available to schools or students.
NAPLAN Online
The NAPLAN online testing window available to schools is Tuesday 12th - Friday 22nd May (Term 2, Weeks 3 and 4). Initial test sessions for all tests at SJPC have been scheduled for Week 3. Catch up tests for students who are absent from any test will be held at various times throughout the testing window.
| Year Group | Date | Test |
| Years 7 and 9 | Tuesday 12 May | Writing |
| Years 7 and 9 | Wednesday 13 May | Reading |
| Years 7 and 9 | Thursday 14 May | Conventions of Languages |
| Years 7 and 9 | Friday 15 May | Numeracy |
Student equipment requirements
Students will be required to complete both the practice tests and the NAPLAN Online tests using their iPad or any other approved computer device. Students will be given time at school to install a ‘locked-down browser’ (NAP app) to their device. This browser will not impact the usual functionality of their device and can be easily uninstalled after completion of the tests.
For both the practice test and the NAPLAN tests students will need to bring the following items to school:
- A fully-charged device with the NAP locked down browser installed
- A set of headphones/earbuds*
* Some questions require students to listen to individual words or a question. Students who do not bring their own headphones/earbuds on test days will have a set issued at a cost of $2 each.
Preparation for tests
In addition to participating in the practice tests, it is recommended that students take further time to familiarise themselves with the question types in the lead up to the NAPLAN 2020 tests in Term 2. Sample questions for all test domains are available for practice at any time via the NAPLAN Online Public Demonstration Site. The site can be viewed here:
Disability adjustments and exemption
Applications for disability adjustments and exemption from the tests are made through the College. If your child accesses disability provisions in 2019, or is exempt from regular assessment tasks at school, they may be eligible for similar adjustments for the NAPLAN tests. The College will contact parents of children who regularly access these provisions at school. If you require more information please contact Mrs Cathy Conroy via email at cathy.conroy@lism.catholic.edu.au
Withdrawing
It is expected that all students in years 7 and 9 participate in the tests; however, parents may choose to withdraw their child.
Please note that all of the special considerations outlined above require parent or carer consent forms to be completed. Please contact Mr Paul Hewitt (paul.hewitt@lism.catholic.edu.au ) if you would like to discuss your child’s participation in NAPLAN. Alternatively, information and forms are available from the National Assessment Program website.
The HSC Minimum Standards Online Testing - Year 10
From 2020, students in NSW need to demonstrate a minimum standard of functional literacy and numeracy to be eligible for the HSC award. The online tests in reading, writing and numeracy are available to each student FOUR times per year in Years 10, 11 and 12 and up to five years after they start their HSC. Each of the three tests are of 45 minutes duration. Students must achieve a level 3 in each test in order to meet the HSC minimum standard. This aligns with level 3 of the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) which is considered the level required to function in everyday life, for work and further study beyond school.
Current Year 10 students will have their first opportunity to sit the online tests in Week 8 of this term unless they are exempt from testing or withdrawn by a parent / carer.
If you do not wish for your child to participate in the online tests please contact Paul Hewitt at paul.hewitt@lism.catholic.edu.au
