Our teachers use a variety of strategies to assess student learning. These include observing work in class and looking closely at tasks throughout the year.
Twice a year, teachers formally assess a student’s achievement based on the outcomes described in the syllabus of each subject. A written report using the common grade scale is sent home in the first half of the year, usually near the end of Term 2, and again in Term 4. This gives a clear picture of your child’s learning.
Assessments
We provide detailed information to students about what we expect from them throughout the year and how their work will be assessed. Students have a number of formal assessments throughout their schooling.
- Best Start – a mandatory, one-to-one assessment that identifies a student’s literacy and numeracy skills at the beginning of Kindergarten.
- National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) – reading, writing, language conventions (spelling, punctuation and grammar) and numeracy tests for students in Years 3 and 5. The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) holds the tests in May each year. Results and student reports are released in August.
- Validation of Assessment for Learning and Individual Development (VALID) – online diagnostic science assessment for students in Year 6.
- Some students may elect to sit the opportunity class or selective high school placement tests. For more information, visit selective high schools and opportunity classes.
Student Assessment is a continuing process and occurs throughout the school year. The results of continuous assessment throughout the year together with a more formal half yearly and yearly testing program, are combined to lead toward the teacher's final assessment ratings for each child.
How are children assessed?
Observation, The Class testing Program, Anecdotal Records, Samples of Pupil's Work,Feedback, Formal and lnformal Assessments , Diagnostic test Results, lnformation from Interviews, Support Teacher and School Counsellor Information, and Achievement of Outcomes as deemed suitable for particular grades/levels. Please speak to your child’s teacher about the For, Of and As Assessment for learning strategies they use.
Ongoing input from both staff and parents is encouraged throughout the year. Informal interviews may be requested at any time. Students are constantly assessed through a variety of daily activities.
Overview of reporting
- Term 1 – initial interview to meet parents re: both parent and teacher expectations. Best Start Assessment for Kindergarten students.
- Term 2 – NAPLAN Test for Year 3 and 5 in English and Maths. Written report with the option of an interview.
- Term 3 – University of NSW – English, Science and Maths competitions Years 3-6.
- Term 4 – written report with the option of an interview.