Key Points

  • Tests and assessments are used to identify 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.  

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. 

Kindergarten Development Check (KDC)

The Kindergarten Development Check (KDC) is designed to assist teachers monitor the development of kindergarten students and identify those at risk of not achieving expected developmental outcomes. The Check provides information to support teachers educational planning and referral to allied health professionals when required. 

For further information, please contact your child’s school. 

Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT) 

Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT) are used across Tasmania Government schools to monitor student progress in reading and mathematics from Prep to Year 10. 

For further information on the assessment visit the Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT) website. 

National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN)

NAPLAN is undertaken by all Australian school children in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 in March each year. The tests 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.  

NAPLAN is made up of tests in the four areas (or ‘domains’) of: 

  • Reading 
  • Writing 
  • Language Conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) 
  • Numeracy 

Further information is available from:  

National Assessment Program – Sample Assessments

The NAP Sample Assessments test students’ skills and understanding in Science Literacy, Civics and Citizenship and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Literacy

  • Randomly selected groups of students in Years 6 and 10 participate in these sample assessments, which are held on a rolling three-yearly basis.  
  • Further information is available from the NAP sample assessment webpage.  

Other Assessments

The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (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. Further information is available from the TIMSS website

The Programme for International Student Assessment (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. Further information is available from the PISA website

The Progress in International Reading Literacy (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. Further information is available on the PIRLS Website.