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Writing Marker information

2025 General information to schools

In 2025, NAPLAN will be held during March in Term 1 from Wednesday 12 March to Monday 24 March.

In early September 2024, the VCAA will seek applications from qualified people who wish to be considered for appointment as markers for the NAPLAN writing task for 2025. Successful applicants will be notified in January 2025 to begin marking in March to April 2025. Approximately 300,000 writing scripts will be marked on screen.

What is the NAPLAN writing test

In Victoria and across the nation, all students in years 3, 5, 7 and 9 are asked to undertake the NAPLAN writing test. The writing task targets the full range of student capabilities expected of students from Years 3 to 9. The same marking guide is used to assess all students' writing, allowing for a national comparison of student writing capabilities across these year levels.

The Australian Curriculum: English requires students to be taught a variety of forms of writing at school. The three main text types (previously called genres) that are taught are imaginative writing (including narrative writing), informative writing and persuasive writing. In the writing tests, students are provided with a ‘writing stimulus’ (sometimes called a prompt – an idea or topic) and asked to write a response in a particular text type. Students are tested on either narrative writing or persuasive writing. Informative writing is not yet tested by NAPLAN.

For more information see the ACARA website.

Should you prepare students for the NAPLAN writing test?

Students who have read, written and created a range of texts in a range of classroom activities, are well prepared for the NAPLAN writing test.

Test practice that aims to familiarise students with NAPLAN test conditions is recommended as a useful support strategy. However, over-preparation and focus on any particular genre is inconsistent with the approach to teaching and learning described in the Victorian Curriculum F-10 and the National Curriculum. Over-preparation may also increase anxiety levels in students and lower performance levels under test conditions.

How do students respond to the NAPLAN writing test?

Persuasive writing

Students write to convince a reader of their opinion and structure their writing with an introduction, body and conclusion.

Students approach the NAPLAN persuasive writing test in different ways. Some students develop and justify their ideas, drawing on personal knowledge and experience or on more detailed general knowledge about a particular subject or issue. Some choose to present one side of the argument and may also include opposing arguments in order to rebut. Others seek to persuade by exploring both sides of the topic, before arriving at a clear and conclusive position.

Students also write in different forms. Most students present their argument in the form of an essay. Others choose to present their argument as a letter to the editor or as the text of a speech. Students may also use anecdotes or references to narratives such as films or novels to help convince their reader. Students cannot, however, present their entire response as a narrative (a story), or as a dramatised dialogue in which two characters argue.

Narrative writing

Students write a narrative or story that develops events, settings and characters to entertain, move, inform or enlighten readers. The structural components of the narrative are the orientation, the complication and the resolution.

Students develop events, settings and characters in different ways, using first or third person narrators and past or present tense action. They may draw directly on personal experience and observation, for example, family or school events; or they may construct scenarios from multiple secondary sources such as shared stories, urban myths, books, films and computer games.

Students develop their stories imaginatively in a variety of narrative types or sub-genres, including fantasy, horror, quest and ‘teen literature’. They use language appropriate to their chosen narrative type, and arrange dialogue, description and action to support or progress their story.

Students support their reader by providing a sense of time and/or place (an orientation); they engage their reader by injecting tension or drama into their story through, for example, a problem or unexpected occurrence (a complication); and they provide their reader with a sense of completion (a resolution) by ending their story in an appropriate way.

Do schools get to see their own NAPLAN student writing test responses?

Victorian schools can access scanned images of their students’ NAPLAN writing test responses, which coincide with the release of NAPLAN reports in Term 3.

Please refer to the following documents regarding the use of NAPLAN writing test responses.

General information for markers

Victorian NAPLAN writing marker information

The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) is responsible for the administration and marking of the Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) tests.

Each year, the VCAA appoints suitable individuals to mark student responses for the NAPLAN writing tests, drawing from the pool of re-applicant markers and recruiting new markers.

The primary objective of the marking operation is to reliably mark student responses according to the national rubric. Markers gain valuable professional experience and are paid for their marking. Marker training will also contribute to the continuing professional development requirements for teacher registration.

What genre is the NAPLAN writing test?

The genre for the Writing test is either narrative or persuasive. The genre is not disclosed prior to the test day and students are not able to choose the genre in which they write their response. The genre is the same for all year levels and is not made known to students, teachers or markers prior to the test. The writing topic for Years 3 and 5 is different from that for Years 7 and 9. This is to ensure maximum engagement and fairness for all students for the test.

When do marker applications open?

In November 2024, the VCAA seek applications from qualified people who wish to be considered for appointment as markers for the NAPLAN writing task for 2025. Successful applicants will be notified in January 2025. Marking is scheduled to run from March through to April 2025. Approximately 330,000 writing scripts will be marked on screen.

What is the commitment expected of markers?

To ensure test validity and accuracy in the marking of student responses for the 2025 NAPLAN writing tests, markers will need to:

  • complete scheduled mandatory marker training sessions - up to two days experienced marker/three days new marker
  • mark for the duration of the marking operation inclusively: approx. 35 days.

Marking timeline

2025 Marking dates

This will be updated when 2025 Marking timeline is available.

NAPLAN writing test

In 2025, NAPLAN tests will be held from 12 March. This means marking of NAPLAN scripts will be from 16 March until approximately 26 April 2025.

Each year, the VCAA appoints suitable individuals to mark student responses for the NAPLAN writing tests, drawing from the pool of experienced markers and recruiting new markers.

The primary objective of the marking operation is to accurately mark student responses according to the national rubric.

Markers gain valuable professional experience and are paid for their marking. Marker training will also contribute to the continuing professional development requirements for teacher registration.

Selection criteria for markers

What qualifications do you need to mark NAPLAN writing?

You need to be in your final year of studying a relevant teaching degree or have a teaching degree specialising in English. It is also helpful to have experience teaching English. Relevant and recent marking experience is also taken into consideration. Current and retired English teachers are encouraged to apply.

Do you need a Working with Children Check (WWCC)?

You do not currently need a Working with Children Check to mark NAPLAN writing scripts as there is no contact with students.

Do you need a Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) registration?

You do not need a valid VIT registration.

The VCAA does, however, seek to employ a quota of active teachers from across Victoria, to ensure knowledge of marking NAPLAN scripts is held by teachers in schools. Marking NAPLAN scripts is valuable professional development for teachers.

If you do have a VIT registration you will not need to go through the NCRHC (National Criminal Record History Check) process as this check is covered by your teaching registration.

Do you need a National Criminal Records History Check (NCRHC)?

Yes. As of 2021, all casual employees of the VCAA need either a NCRHC or a VIT registration as a condition of employment. The NCRHC must be obtained through the VCAA.

When do I need to obtain the National Criminal Records History Check (NCRHC)?

You will be directed by the VCAA when and how to obtain the NCRHC upon appointment if you do not have a current VIT registration.

How long does your last NCRCH last?

Once you have obtained a NCRHC through the VCAA, it is current for a two-year period.

How are markers selected each year?

The selection of markers each year is influenced by a combination of requirements that include:

  • maintaining a pool of experienced markers
  • the number of markers required to complete marking within the given timeframe
  • opportunity for employment of new markers who have been successful in the marker recruitment
  • opportunity for employment of a number of markers from outside the Victorian metropolitan area
  • employment of a number of current practicing Victorian teachers (marking provides a significant individual professional development opportunity)
  • employment of teachers from as many Victorian schools as possible (schools benefit from their teacher's experience as a marker)
  • individuals who have a relevant and appropriate educational background
  • the applicant's performance in previous marking operations (quality and consistency of marking, pace of marking, receptiveness to receiving feedback, and ability to apply any feedback provided)

What are the selection criteria?

  • Relevant qualifications and experience: the applicant has a relevant teaching degree and experience teaching primary literacy or secondary English.
  • Prior NAPLAN 2008 – 2024 marking: accuracy and speed.
  • Other relevant marking experience.

Markers are chosen by a panel, based on the need to reflect these requirements.

No guarantee can be provided as to whether an applicant will be employed as a marker in any given year.

Offers of appointment are emailed in January. Unsuccessful applicants are also emailed to confirm the status of their applications.

Training

How are markers trained?

In 2025, it is envisaged that the majority of NAPLAN marking training will be delivered remotely via online training modules and online workshops. It is envisaged that this training will take the equivalent of up to two days for experienced markers, three days for new markers. Information will be provided when it becomes available.

What materials are used to assess NAPLAN writing?

When reviewing writing results, please refer to the appropriate marking guide:

Further information regarding the assessment of writing can be found on the NAP website.

Please note that NAPLAN markers undergo intensive training and supervised marking before gaining competence in the interpretation of marking guide descriptors. The marking guides are provided online for information, but it is recommended that marker training be undertaken or that assistance from trained markers be sought before the guides are used to assess student practice tests in schools.

How are new markers trained?

New markers will be trained in the use of the most current ACARA Writing Marking Guide.

New markers will be required to participate in new marker training sessions and submit practice scripts post-training.

New applicants must satisfy the following criteria:

  • hold a teaching degree specialising in English
  • show a demonstrated understanding of assessment based on criteria and standards
  • have the ability to apply a prescriptive marking model
  • acquire satisfactory achievement in the marking of student compliance scripts after participating in the new marker training.
  • be available for training and for the duration of the marking operation (approximately five weeks).

How are returning markers trained?

Re-applicant markers, including group leaders and professional leaders, need to apply to mark in 2025 if they are hoping to be appointed again.

Returning markers will have up to two days mandatory training involving an online module, an online workshop and a component of practice marking. This is a compulsory requirement set by ACARA.

All markers will be required to have good computer literacy and must meet the VCAA's minimum IT requirements on their home PCs or personal laptops.

What training will I be required to complete as a marker?

In 2025 mandatory marker training will include an ACARA online NAPLAN writing marking course and a component of online training for markers.

Group leaders and professional leaders will also be required to attend role specific training in the lead up to the marking operation.

Specific training dates and requirements will be updated when available.

FAQ

Where do you mark?

All marking will be done remotely (in your home) for 2025. You will need to ensure you have the minimum technical requirements on your home computer. When marking begins there will be a helpdesk to assist with any platform issues.

All markers will be required to have good computer literacy and must meet the VCAA’s minimum IT requirements on their home PCs or personal laptops.

What are the IT requirements needed at home?

Markers need to supply their own personal computer or laptop with reliable internet connection. 

How many hours a day do you need to mark?

For marking to remain consistent and accurate we need daily marking from each marker. Whilst marking, you are supported by a group leader who monitors you in real time each shift. While you may miss the odd day over the five-week marking period, it is planned that you will meet the hourly minimum requirement each day.

How long does marking go for?

Marking goes for roughly 35 days, based on all markers contributing their daily minimum commitment.

How many scripts a day are you expected to mark?

It is estimated you will mark between 8-10 scripts an hour when you get comfortable with the marking criteria. Scripts are randomised (Years 3,5,7 and 9) and markers mark all year levels, without knowing which year level they are marking.

The day shift operates from 8.30pm-4pm and the evening shift operates 3.30pm-10pm.

What sort of quality control is in place during the marking?

Markers are monitored by group leaders. All markers are double marked at least 10-15%. Scripts are monitored and algorithms are used to ensure markers stay within national protocols.

What is a group leader and how are they chosen each year?

Each year, there is a need for new group leaders. Group leaders are paid at an hourly rate.

The role of group leader is a highly important one in the NAPLAN marking operation. The role of the group leader is to ensure the accuracy of their team of seven or eight markers. To this end the group leader is required to:

  • facilitate the training of their group on training days
  • provide assistance to their group throughout the marking operation
  • backread approximately 10‐20% of their group members' marking
  • retrain group members when required.

Payment and professional development

Payment

Pay for time spent in a training session is based on $58.21 per hour.

When marking begins, markers are paid a rate of $5.35 per script.

Are markers paid for any travel associated with training?

VCAA does pay markers for time spent in training sessions based on the VPS4 hourly rate (see above). The VCAA does not pay for any travel expenses incurred for the marking project.

Does NAPLAN writing marking count as hours for professional development?

The training and marking of student responses contributes to the continuing professional development requirements for teacher registration. For further information please see the VIT website.

Applying to be a marker

How do you apply to be a marker?

Application for markers opens in mid September 2024 and closes in late November 2024.

If you are interested, please continue to view this website for further updates.


How do you apply to be a group leader or a professional leader?

All group leaders and professional leader need to be appointed as markers first. Applicants who wish to be considered for the position of group leader or of professional leader, need to select this option when applying to be a marker through SSMS.

Once markers have been appointed, selection of group leader or professional leader roles will take place in January. Previous marking experience is taken into account in the selection process for these roles.

What do I need to logon to SSMS?

If you have an SSMS user account and you know your username and password

  • You can log in to your SSMS user account and complete your application.

If you have an SSMS user account but you have forgotten either or both of your username and/or password

  • Go to the 'forgotten your…' links provided in the 'Log into your account' area. Once you have recovered your username and reset your password, you can log in to your SSMS user account and complete your application.

If you do not have an SSMS user account then you can apply as a new applicant

  • Go to the 'Don't have an account' area and click on the 'new applicants' link. This will take you to the application process.

Where do you go if you need more information?

For any technical difficulties, email Human Resources Unit or call 1800 718 320.

For NAPLAN queries, email VCAA NAPLAN Helpdesk or call 1800 648 637.

Do I have to be a registered teacher?

No. You do need a teaching degree specialising in English and have either a VIT (Victorian Institute of Teaching) registration or do a NCRHC (National Criminal Records History Check) through the VCAA.

Using SSMS (Seasonal Staff Management System)

Can’t access SSMS?

Please email Human Resources Unit or call 1800 718 320 if you:

  • can’t remember your VCAA ID or password.
  • want to change your marker type/commitment after you have submitted your marker application

If you have changed address/email/telephone number: You can log in to SSMS at any time with your VCAA ID and password and update your details. Please check that your details are correct and up-to-date at all times.

Contact

If you require further assistance or questions, please email the VCAA NAPLAN helpdesk.