The annual assessment has been undertaken in schools since 2008. Its primary objective is to assess skills in literacy and numeracy that are developed over time, through the school curriculum.

It is not a pass or fail type test, but rather shows how students are progressing against national standards for all Australian children.

NAPLAN provides valuable information that allows schools and governments to better target effort and support to help all students achieve their potential and acquire the basic skills to help them build successful and happy lives.

The testing focuses on fundamental skills rather than specific content, and as such is not a test for which students can study or drill.

An individual student NAPLAN report will be issued by the school later in the year.

Parents can use the information contained in the assessment to monitor how their child is progressing and to identify any areas of concern.

Parents may also wish to use their child's results to discuss progress with teachers.

More information is available at www.nap.edu.au