Testing and Reporting

Your child may undertake a number of national or international assessments throughout their school years.

These tests are used to identify areas where children and schools are going well and also where they might need some assistance.

The results of tests are used to identify how students are learning in Tasmania and across Australia.

Some are also used to see how our students compare to those in the rest of the world.

Students should not worry about the tests and should be encouraged to do their best.

Results will be kept confidential and your child should not feel pressured or stressed.

What tests are there?

  • National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) – NAPLAN is undertaken by all Australian school children in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 in May each year.  The assessments gauge your child’s strengths and areas for improvement in numeracy, reading, writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation.  You will receive an Individual Student Report outlining your child’s achievements in their NAPLAN assessments.
  • National Assessment Program (NAP) sample assessments – NAP sample assessments test students’ skills and understanding in Science Literacy, Civics and Citizenship and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Literacy. Only selected groups of students in Years 6 and 10 participate in these sample assessments (Year 6 only for Science Literacy), which are held on a rolling three-yearly basis.
  • Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) – PISA is conducted every three years with a random sample of students aged 15 years in a representative sample of schools across Australia.  It is a test used around the world and enables Australia to monitor student performance in comparison to students in other countries.
  • Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) – TIMSS is conducted every four years and tests students in Year 4 and Year 8, in a random sample of schools, in maths and science. It enables us to compare the performance of Australian students in maths and science with that of students in other countries.
  • Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) – PIRLS is conducted every four years for students in Year 4 and tests literacy in a random sample of schools. It allows Australia to compare literacy performance to that of other countries.

Does your child have to sit the tests?

  • Testing is a good way for you and your child’s teacher to see how your child is progressing. Test results also help teachers to identify ways in which to improve their teaching.
  • If you are concerned or have any questions please contact your child’s teacher or principal.

How can you help?

  • You can help by making sure your child:
    • has a good night’s sleep before a test
    • eats a good breakfast
    • stays calm, and just does their best.

Where can I get more information?