What students learn in Prep-Year 10
Queensland schools use the Australian Curriculum for Prep to Year 10. This curriculum sets out what students should learn and how they are assessed.
The curriculum for each learning area outlines what should be taught and assessed.
These learning areas are:
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- The Arts
- Health and Physical Education
- Languages
- Technologies.
Find out more about the Australian Curriculum by visiting the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) website.
How students are assessed in Prep-Year 10
Assessment helps improve student learning and guides teaching.
Teachers create assessment programs that let students show their knowledge, understanding and skills in different ways.
Academic integrity
Academic integrity means doing your own work honestly. The QCAA provides teachers with resources to help students understand and practice academic integrity.
View the Academic integrity toolkit for junior secondary students to learn more
NAPLAN
What is NAPLAN?
The National Assessment Program — Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) tests the literacy and numeracy skills students learn at school. The tests are used by governments, education authorities and schools to determine whether young Australians are meeting important goals in literacy and numeracy.
All students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 are expected to sit the NAPLAN tests, which are held in March each year.
NAPLAN gives a snapshot of how children are performing in reading, writing, spelling, punctuation, grammar and numeracy. It complements other effective classroom assessment and reporting practices.
The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) develops the tests and marking standards. The QCAA coordinates the administration, marking, and reporting of NAPLAN tests in Queensland.
How to help your child prepare
NAPLAN assesses what students are already learning at school. Teachers will ensure students are familiar with the test formats and will provide appropriate support and guidance.
The best way to help your child is to:
- reassure them that NAPLAN is just one part of their school program
- encourage them to do their best on the day.
If you have any questions about your child’s preparation for NAPLAN, you should make a time to speak to their teacher.
Support for students with special needs
All students are encouraged to participate in NAPLAN. Students with disability may receive adjustments that match the support they normally get in class. Students who have a temporary injury may also receive support.
If a student has a significant intellectual disability and/or significant co-existing conditions, a formal exemption may be granted. A formal exemption may also be granted for a student who has recently arrived in Australia and is from a non–English speaking background.
Talk to your school about special provisions or exemptions.
If your child is absent
Schools will try to arrange for students who are absent to complete missed tests during the testing period.
Understanding your child's performance
Your school will send you a NAPLAN report later in the year. All Australian students receive the same report format. Student results are confidential.
If you do not receive a report, you should contact your child’s school.
More information
- Australian Curriculum parent/carer information
- NAPLAN for parents and carers
- NAPLAN resources
- NAPLAN parent video from the Queensland Joint Parent Committee
- Advice from Dr Judith Locke — practical tips to support your child
- Last updated:
- 17 July 2026
