Year 5 NAPLAN: A Summary

Need a quick recap of Year 5 NAPLAN? This summary covers key points on test content, scoring, and preparation to ensure your child is ready.
A smiling child balancing books on their head, with open books and supportive hands in the background.

Year 5 NAPLAN key takeaways

NAPLAN Year 5 is an important assessment that helps track your child’s progress in Year 5 literacy and numeracy. However, it’s not just about the test—it’s about building strong foundational skills that will support them beyond NAPLAN.

The key to success is consistent practice, a positive mindset, and a healthy balance between preparation and regular learning.

NAPLAN Year 5 common challenges and how to overcome them

1. Test anxiety and stress management

It’s normal for students to feel nervous before a big test, but too much stress can impact performance. Here’s how you can help:

  • Normalise the test – Remind your child that NAPLAN doesn’t affect their school grades. It’s just a way to see how they’re progressing.
  • Avoid last-minute cramming – This can increase stress. Stick to regular practice in the weeks leading up to the test.

Read widely – Our Year 5 Reading List has great recommendations at the perfect level.

2. Maintaining motivation

Some students lose interest in preparing for NAPLAN, especially if they see it as just another test. Keep them motivated by:

  • Making practice fun – Use interactive websites, apps, and games instead of just worksheets.
  • Setting small goals – Break preparation into manageable tasks (e.g. “Let’s do 10 minutes of reading and one maths problem today”).
  • Creating a reward system – Offer small rewards for effort, such as extra playtime, a special snack, or a sticker chart.

3. Balancing NAPLAN preparation with regular schoolwork

Since NAPLAN is just one part of your child’s education, it’s important not to neglect their regular schoolwork. Here’s how to maintain balance:

  • Prioritise homework first – Ensure your child completes their school assignments before NAPLAN practice.
  • Use NAPLAN practice as reinforcement – If they’re learning fractions at school, focus on fraction-related questions in their NAPLAN prep.
  • Keep preparation short and effective – 15–20 minutes per day is enough. Quality is more important than quantity.

Additional resources

Want to help your child feel fully prepared? Download our free Year 5 NAPLAN Practice Test, which includes:

  • Full-length tests covering all NAPLAN sections – Reading, Writing, Language Conventions, and Numeracy.
  • NAPLAN-style questions to help your child get familiar with the test format.
  • Answers and explanations so you can guide them through tricky questions.

Get extra practice with our FREE Year 5 NAPLAN practice test!

Free Year 5 NAPLAN Mock Test Download

Get test-ready and practise questions modelled on the NAPLAN test.

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