Our teachers use a variety of strategies to assess student learning. These include ongoing formative assessment, such as observing work in class and looking closely at work presented, and summative assessment tasks such as standardised tests.
Parents are invited to attend a parent/teacher interview during the first semester to discuss their child/ren's progress and future learning goals. Parents are also welcome to contact their child’s teacher at any point throughout the year to discuss their child’s academic progress and wellbeing.
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.
Some assessments may include:
- Best Start – one-to-one assessment that identifies a student’s literacy and numeracy skills at the beginning of Kindergarten. These assessments occur during the first couple of weeks of Term 1 each year.
- Check-in assessment - The check-in assessment is a NSW DoE online reading and numeracy assessment available to support schools to assess and monitor student learning in Years 3-5. The check-in assessments supplement existing school practices to identify how students are performing in literacy and numeracy and to help teachers tailor their teaching more specifically to student needs.
- National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) – reading, writing, conventions of language (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 Term 1 each year. Results for each subject will be reported against four proficiency standards (exceeding, strong, developing, needs additional support) and student reports will be provided to parents.
- Validation of Assessment for Learning and Individual Development (VALID) – online diagnostic science assessment for students in Year 6.
- Some students may also elect to sit the opportunity class or selective high school placement tests. For more information, visit selective high schools and opportunity classes.