It's not just knowing the answers.
Students also need to be able to read carefully, think clearly, manage their time and apply what they know under test conditions.
That takes practice, not just knowledge.
Year 3 NAPLAN PreparationNAPLAN is this year. Start preparing now.
If your child is currently in Year 3, NAPLAN is coming up in Term 1. The January school holidays are an ideal time to begin preparation, before the school term becomes busy and the test gets closer.
Our NAPLAN preparation helps Year 3 students build the Maths, Reading, Language Conventions and Writing skills they need to approach NAPLAN with confidence.
- January holiday preparation
- Term 1 classes
- Built on ME or METS
NAPLAN is This Year. Start Preparing Now.
If your child is currently in Year 3, NAPLAN is coming up in Term 1.
The January school holidays are an ideal time to begin preparation, before the school term becomes busy and the test gets closer.
At Markitup, our NAPLAN preparation helps Year 3 students build the Maths, Reading, Language Conventions and Writing skills they need to approach NAPLAN with confidence.
For most students, Year 3 is their first NAPLAN, so becoming familiar with the question types and test conditions can make a real difference to their confidence.
Don't wait until NAPLAN is just around the corner.
January Holiday Preparation + Term 1 Classes
- NAPLAN is completed in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9
- Held in Term 1, generally in March
- January holidays: an ideal time to begin
- Term 1 NAPLAN Preparation Classes
- Foundations through ME or METS
- Maximum 8 students per holiday class
What is the NAPLAN Exam?
NAPLAN stands for the National Assessment Program, Literacy and Numeracy.
It is a national assessment that measures important literacy and numeracy skills as part of a student's schooling.
Students in Year 3 complete four areas:
- 1Reading
- 2Writing
- 3Conventions of Language: spelling, grammar and punctuation
- 4Numeracy
NAPLAN is aligned with the Australian Curriculum and assesses students' literacy and numeracy skills across these areas.
Importantly, NAPLAN is not a pass-or-fail exam. Student achievement is reported across four proficiency levels: Exceeding, Strong, Developing and Needs additional support.
Year 3 NAPLAN: Key Dates
NAPLAN is now held in Term 1, generally in March. For example, the 2027 NAPLAN test window is 10–22 March 2027.
That leaves a short window between the January holidays and the test.
- January school holidaysAn ideal time to begin preparation
- Term 1NAPLAN Preparation Classes leading into the assessment
- MarchSit Year 3 NAPLAN (2027 test window: 10–22 March 2027)
Don't wait until NAPLAN is just around the corner.
What Does NAPLAN Actually Test?
Reading
Students read a range of texts and answer questions about them.
Reading questions can require students to:
- Locate and connect information
- Make inferences
- Identify main ideas
- Understand unfamiliar vocabulary
- Interpret an author's perspective
- Connect ideas across a text
The complexity of texts increases as students move through the year levels.
Writing
Students are given a writing prompt and asked to produce either a narrative or persuasive text.
Students need to demonstrate their ability to organise ideas, use appropriate language and structure their writing effectively within the time available.
Conventions of Language
This assessment focuses on:
- Spelling
- Grammar
- Punctuation
The test includes separate spelling and grammar/punctuation sections.
Numeracy
Numeracy assesses how students apply mathematical knowledge, skills and processes. This includes areas such as:
- Number
- Measurement
- Statistics
- Probability
- Algebra
- Space
So How Should You Prepare for NAPLAN?
The official NAPLAN guidance makes an important point:
The best preparation for NAPLAN is teaching the curriculum.
- 1Build the foundations
- 2Apply the knowledge
- 3Introduce NAPLAN Preparation
NAPLAN questions are based mostly on literacy and numeracy skills students are expected to have developed through their previous years of schooling.
That's why we don't believe the answer is simply to give your child hundreds of NAPLAN papers. Instead, we take a three-step approach.
Our NAPLAN Preparation Approach
Build the knowledge first, then practise and apply it, then add targeted exam preparation.
- 1
Build the foundations
Start with our ME or METS Program.
Before your child starts preparing specifically for NAPLAN, they need a strong understanding of the Maths and English concepts they're expected to know.
Our ME and METS programs follow the Australian Curriculum, giving students regular teaching and practice across their core Maths and English skills.
- 2
Apply the knowledge
Year 3 is a great time to make sure your child can apply what they have learned, rather than simply recognise a concept in a classroom lesson. For example, can they:
- Take a mathematical concept and apply it to an unfamiliar problem
- Read a more complex passage and work out what the author is implying
- Write clearly when given a specific topic and time limit
- 3
Introduce NAPLAN Preparation
Add targeted exam preparation when the time is right.
Our dedicated NAPLAN Preparation Class is an additional class specifically designed to help students become familiar with NAPLAN-style questions and work under timed, exam-style conditions.
When Can Students Join NAPLAN Preparation?
Students can join this additional preparation at these times:
Term 1
Our main NAPLAN Preparation period leading into the March assessment.
Expression of interest: put your name down on our waiting list.
Term 4
We may offer an earlier NAPLAN Preparation class for students moving into Year 3, depending on demand.
Expression of interest: put your name down on our waiting list.
School Holidays
We also run NAPLAN preparation classes during selected school holiday periods.
This allows students to get additional practice without relying entirely on their regular school or tutoring lessons.
Avoid disappointment. Book your child's spot now.
What Happens in Our NAPLAN Preparation Class?
The focus is on practice, revision and exam conditions. Students work through:
- NAPLAN-style questions
- Timed sections
- Reading practice
- Writing practice
- Spelling, grammar and punctuation revision
- Numeracy practice
- Applying knowledge to unfamiliar questions
- Reviewing mistakes
- Building confidence under exam conditions
The goal isn't to memorise a particular paper.
It's to help your child become comfortable using what they know when the clock is running.
When Should My Year 3 Child Start?
You don't need to wait until the weeks immediately before NAPLAN.
A successful pathway:
- 1Build knowledge through ME/METS
- 2January holidays: begin NAPLAN preparation
- 3Term 1: NAPLAN Preparation Class
- 4March: sit Year 3 NAPLAN
The dedicated NAPLAN Preparation Class is additional to your child's regular program.
It isn't designed to replace the teaching of Maths and English fundamentals.
NAPLAN School Holiday Preparation
Want to give your child some additional preparation during the school holidays?
Our holiday NAPLAN classes focus on:
- Timed practice
- Exam-style questions
- Revision
- Reviewing mistakes
- Building confidence
Maximum 8 students per class. Places are limited to 8 students per school holiday class.
Secure your child's spot before the class fills.
Not Ready for NAPLAN Preparation Yet?
That's completely okay.
The most important thing may simply be building strong Maths and English skills before adding dedicated exam preparation.
Our ME and METS programs provide that foundation. Come in, experience the classroom and see how your child responds to our teaching.
Ready to prepare for Year 3 NAPLAN?
Build the foundations. Apply the knowledge. Practise under exam conditions.
Whether your child needs to strengthen their core skills or you're looking for dedicated exam preparation, we can help you choose the appropriate pathway. Book a FREE trial lesson and let our lesson experience speak for itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does my Year 3 child sit NAPLAN?
NAPLAN is held in Term 1 of Year 3, generally in March. For example, the 2027 NAPLAN test window is 10–22 March 2027.
When should we start preparing?
The January school holidays are an ideal time to begin preparation, before the school term becomes busy and the test gets closer. Our main NAPLAN Preparation period runs in Term 1.
Does the NAPLAN Preparation Class replace ME or METS?
No. The NAPLAN Preparation Class is additional to your child's regular program. It isn't designed to replace the teaching of Maths and English fundamentals.
What does NAPLAN test?
Students complete four areas: Reading, Writing, Conventions of Language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and Numeracy.
Is NAPLAN a pass-or-fail exam?
No. Student achievement is reported across four proficiency levels: Exceeding, Strong, Developing and Needs additional support.
How many students are in a NAPLAN holiday class?
Places are limited to a maximum of 8 students per school holiday class.
Can my child trial a lesson?
Yes. Free trial lessons are available for our ME and METS programs. Come in, experience the classroom and see how your child responds to our teaching.
Have another question? Ask Miu.
Miu can answer questions about Year 3 programs, NAPLAN classes, centres and fees, any time of day.
- Which class suits my child?
- What are the class times?
- Which centre is closest?