What students learn in Prep-Year 10
The Prep–Year 10 Australian Curriculum is the basis of teaching and learning in most Queensland schools.
The curriculum for each learning area specifies what should be taught and assessed. These learning areas are:
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- The Arts
- Health and Physical Education
- Languages
- Technologies.
How students are assessed in Prep-Year 10
Assessment plays an integral role in improving student learning and informing teaching.
Teachers of Prep-Year 10 students develop assessment programs that give students the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, understanding and skills in a variety of contexts.
Academic integrity
The QCAA’s Years 7–9 academic integrity toolkit provides teachers with age-appropriate teaching and learning resources and information they need to promote academic integrity.
NAPLAN
The National Assessment Program — Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) assesses literacy and numeracy skills that students are already learning through the school curriculum. The tests are used by governments, education authorities and schools to determine whether young Australians are meeting important goals in literacy and numeracy.
All students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 are expected to sit the NAPLAN tests, which are held in May each year.
NAPLAN gives a snapshot of how children are performing in reading, writing, spelling, punctuation, grammar and numeracy. It complements other effective classroom assessment and reporting practices.
The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) develops the tests and marking standards. The QCAA coordinates the administration, marking, and reporting of NAPLAN tests in Queensland.
FAQs
How can I help my child prepare for the tests?
NAPLAN assesses literacy and numeracy skills that students are already learning through the school curriculum. Teachers will ensure students are familiar with the test formats and will provide appropriate support and guidance. If you have any questions about your child’s preparation for NAPLAN, you should make a time to speak to the teacher.
The best way you can help your child prepare for NAPLAN is to reassure your child that NAPLAN tests are just one part of their school program, and to urge them to simply do the best they can on the day.
What additional support can schools provide for students with special needs?
All students are encouraged to participate in NAPLAN tests. Students with disability may qualify for adjustments which reflect the support normally provided in the classroom. Students who have a temporary injury may also be reasonably accommodated.
A formal exemption may be granted for a student with significant intellectual disability and/or significant co-existing conditions. Similarly a formal exemption may be granted for a student who has recently arrived in Australia and is from a non–English speaking background.
Your school principal can provide you with more information on special provisions or the process for a formal exemption.
What happens if my child is absent from school on test days?
Wherever possible, schools will organise for individual students who are absent at the time of testing to complete missed tests at another time during testing week
Will I receive a report on my child’s performance?
A NAPLAN report will be issued by your school later in the year. The same report format is used for every student in Australia. The school will notify you when the reports are being sent home. If you do not receive a report, you should contact the school. Individual student results are strictly confidential.
More information
- Visit the Prep-Year 10 section.
- View the Australian Curriculum parent information, including FAQs.
- View the information for parents/carers on the NAP website, including FAQs.
- Last updated:
- 29 February 2024
