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NAPLAN, OC and Selective: plain answers for families
What the tests are, what the people who run them say, and how to help a child feel ready without overdoing it. Every post cites its sources and says when it was checked.
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Start here · OverviewNAPLAN, OC and Selective: which test is which?NAPLAN is a national check of literacy and numeracy that every child in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 sits at school. The OC test (Year 5 entry) and the Selective High School Placement Test (Year 7 entry) are separate NSW tests that families choose to apply for. Different purpose, different dates, different preparation.4 min read · Checked 19 October 2026All posts
9 posts shown
- NAPLANDo you need to prepare for NAPLAN?What ACARA says about preparing for NAPLAN, when the 2027 tests are, and the calm, low-key practice that actually helps a child feel ready.4 min read · Checked 19 October 2026
- Selective testDoes coaching help for the Selective test?The NSW Department of Education says coaching is not necessary for the OC and Selective tests. What that means for families, and what helps instead.4 min read · Checked 19 October 2026
- NAPLANFree NAPLAN practice tests: what is out thereA plain list of free NAPLAN practice options in Australia: the public demonstration site, school practice tests, past papers and what each is good for.4 min read · Checked 19 October 2026
- NAPLAN writingNAPLAN writing: what markers look forNAPLAN writing is scored on 10 criteria, from audience and ideas to spelling. What each one means in plain English, for narrative and persuasive tasks.5 min read · Checked 19 October 2026
- OC and SelectiveOC test and Selective test comparedHow the NSW Opportunity Class test and the Selective High School test differ: entry year, sections, minutes, weighting and the curriculum they draw on.4 min read · Checked 19 October 2026
- NAPLAN resultsSame NAPLAN level as two years ago: no progress?Your child got 'Developing' in Year 3 and 'Developing' again in Year 5. Does that mean no progress? ACARA explains why the answer is often no.4 min read · Checked 19 October 2026
- Selective testSelective test is on a computer: how to practiseThe NSW Selective High School Placement Test is sat on a computer. What that means for the four sections, the writing task and how to practise the format.5 min read · Checked 19 October 2026
- Test daySick on test day: NAPLAN and Selective rulesWhat happens if your child is sick or away on the day of NAPLAN, the OC test or the Selective test, and what to do, with the real deadlines.4 min read · Checked 19 October 2026
- NAPLAN writingYear 3 NAPLAN writing: why it is on paperYear 3 children write the NAPLAN writing test on paper, not on a computer. Here is how it works, how long it is and how to help your child prepare.4 min read · Checked 19 October 2026
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