Assessment and reporting

Our teachers use a variety of strategies to assess student learning.

Teachers observe students' work in class and look closely at tasks throughout the year. They also formally assess a student's achievement based on the outcomes described in the syllabus of the subject.

As a parent or carer, you’ll receive a written report twice a year. It gives you a clear picture of your child’s achievements – what they know and can do.

In Years 7 to 10, we use the common grade scale in reporting. In Year 11, we use the Preliminary grade scale.

Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses are assessed on achievement of competencies.

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.

• National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) – reading, writing, language conventions (spelling, punctuation and grammar) and numeracy tests for students in Years 7 and 9. 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 assessments for students in Year 8. Some schools also choose to sit the tests in Year 10.
• The Record of School Achievement (RoSA) is awarded to eligible students who leave school before completing their Higher School Certificate. The RoSA records a student’s grades between the end of Year 10 and when they leave school.
• The Higher School Certificate (HSC) is an internationally recognised qualification awarded to students who successfully complete Years 11 and 12 in NSW.
• Some students may apply for placement in a selective high school. For more information, visit selective high schools and opportunity classes.

The awarding of external credentials such as the Record of School Achievement (RoSA) and the Higher School Certificate (HSC) is a worthy goal for students from Years 10 through 12.

These credentials can be used as a means of accessing post-school training and other career opportunities. It is for these reasons, and to maintain the integrity of the system, that National Educational Standards & Assessment (NESA) has put in place for all schools – State and Catholic and Independent – strict guidelines regarding students’ satisfactory completion of courses. If a student is not meeting the requirements they are given what is termed a Non Award Warning (or N Award). A copy is also posted home, which outlines, 1. any issues of concern or outstanding work, and, 2. a date by which students should redeem the outcomes of the missed work.

The community’s confidence in valuable school-based credentials (RoSA and HSC) can only be maintained if high standards are consistently and equally applied to all students, regardless of their school. The N Warning system is therefore explained to students in detail. We are also aware that parents may appreciate some clarifying points in relation to this system:

• NESA requires two warnings for a student in order for an N Determination to be made by the Principal at the end of a course.
• A warning is not issued for disciplinary reasons. It is not intended as a ‘stain’ on a student’s character or record.  Simply, it is a concern that the student is not meeting course outcomes and that he/she may be in danger of not satisfactorily meeting Course requirements.
• A warning is not issued for work that may be below the standard of which a student is capable. Teachers apply a grading system (A – E) associated with benchmarked standards to individual student work. It is, however, unfortunate if a student’s credential does not represent a level commensurate with their ability.
• A warning is typically given if a student does not submit, or is absent for, an assessment task, and/or, has not demonstrated sustained diligence and application in class.
• A student may not be showing sustained diligence and application for reasons such as disengagement in class activities, not completing required class or homework and/or not making a serious effort to achieve outcomes. A teacher will make this assessment over a period of weeks.
• An N Warning can also be issued for a non-serious attempt (e.g. a frivolous or inappropriate response).
• A student will be awarded zero if they do not submit or are absent for an assessment task.
• Extensions are usually not granted for tasks. Legitimate misadventure is only granted, for example, if a student has a doctor’s certificate and this has been presented to a Head Teacher at the time of or immediately following the missed task. If approved, the Head Teacher will arrange an alternative assessment.
• A zero mark for a significant assessment task (see booklet/grid) may have an impact on a student’s rank order and overall grade awarded at the end of the course.
• Redeeming a task (e.g. submitting after it was due) is required by NESA as evidence that a student has satisfied the requirements of a course.
• Redeeming a task supports ongoing learning and demonstrates that a student can achieve the intended outcomes.
• Redeeming a task does not, however, withdraw or rescind the warning, or credit the student with marks above zero if thewarning is for a missed assessment task.
• Students may appeal if they believe the appropriate process has not been followed. They cannot, however, appeal on the basis of a disputed mark.  The ppeal process is outlined in their Assessment Booklet.
• Teachers do their best to avoid an N Determination for any student. hence, warnings are given. Unfortunately, N Determinations are occasionally made due to a student’s unwillingness to comply with the requirements outlined above. This upholds the currency of, and faith in, the system for all students