What does NAPLAN assess and why is now on an online format?
NAPLAN assesses literacy and numeracy – important skills that each child needs to succeed in school and life. All children in Year 7 or 9 participate in NAPLAN tests for reading, writing, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy. The NAPLAN tests are designed to help us make sure students are on track with their literacy and numeracy development over time.
Albany Creek SHS moved to NAPLAN Online in 2019, with the online assessment providing more accurate information about what students know and can do.
ICT skills are part of the school curriculum
Students do not need to be computer experts to take the NAPLAN test online. Ensuring students have computers skills is part of our school curriculum, and our teachers will ensure all children are familiar with the online format before testing. To see the types of questions and interactive features of NAPLAN Online, try out the tests on the public demonstration site, available on the NAP website. (https://nap.edu.au/nap-sample-assessments/the-tests)
Test integrity
To ensure test security and prevent student access to the internet and spell-check applications during NAPLAN Online, a locked-down browser is installed to each student’s device. For more information NAPLAN Online, visit the NAP website. (https://nap.edu.au/home)
NAP Lock Down Browser
For all families with students in Year 7 and 9, NAPLAN online this year (2023) will be completed by students using their iPads. Developing research around NAPLAN online suggests that the best environment for students to be tested, is with the device they are most familiar with, and for our students their iPad is their daily working tool.
Students will have an opportunity to become familiar with the online platform on their iPads during a practice test on March 1.
In preparation for both NAPLAN online and upcoming practice tests, we require all Year 7 and 9 students to download the NAP Lockdown Browser from the App Store. The app is free and it is a mandatory requirement for the app to be installed before the practice test dates listed above.
https://apps.apple.com/au/app/nap-locked-down-browser/id1086807255 (https://apps.apple.com/au/app/na p-locked-down-browser/id1086807255)
If you use the link provided above from your students device it will take you directly to the App Store or alternatively search for the app in the store.
Below is a preview of the application:
Students will also require the ability to alter some settings on their device in preparation for the exam. Please ensure you have not restricted their device down with screen time settings which can prevent changes to be made to the iPads setting.
If you have been using screen time to lockdown the device with strong parental controls, please note we do not recommend blocking the alteration of settings as it can prevent resolving issues and functionality of their device which they may have at school.
If you require assistance, please contact our school’s IT Technicians who will also support students in setting up their devices.