Assessment and reporting

Assessment at Engadine High School

Assessment is a vital part of learning at Engadine High School. It helps teachers understand how students are progressing, informs classroom practice, and supports students to take ownership of their learning.

Assessment at our school is designed to be valid, purposeful and fair. Teachers use a range of assessment types to ensure students can demonstrate their knowledge and skills in meaningful ways. Assessment tasks are aligned to syllabus outcomes and are guided by principles of quality, consistency and academic integrity.

We use both formative and summative assessment:

• Formative assessment takes place every day in classrooms. Teachers use questioning, feedback, classroom activities and short tasks to gather evidence of learning. This ongoing assessment helps guide lesson planning and gives students regular feedback to improve. It also means that every lesson matters, as teachers are making informed, professional judgments over time.
• Summative assessment refers to formal tasks that are used to make judgments about student achievement at key points during the year. These tasks are mapped to course outcomes and are marked against clear criteria.

In Years 7 to 10, assessment is designed to reduce overload and support depth of learning. Students complete:

• No more than two formal tasks per subject in Years 7 to 9
• No more than three formal tasks per subject in Year 10

In Years 11 and 12, assessment contributes to formal credentialing through the Record of School Achievement (RoSA) and the Higher School Certificate (HSC).

• Each subject has a published assessment schedule that outlines task types, weightings and due dates
• Tasks are aligned with syllabus outcomes and NESA requirements
• Students are expected to meet deadlines, uphold academic honesty and engage meaningfully with feedback

All students in Years 10, 11 and 12 receive a printed Assessment Booklet, which outlines school expectations, task schedules and procedures for extensions, illness and misadventure. These are also available on our website and should be referred to regularly.

Managing illness, misadventure and leave

Students in Years 10, 11 and 12 who are unwell, affected by unforeseen circumstances or taking approved leave must follow the procedures outlined in the Assessment Booklet. This includes completing an Illness and Misadventure form and providing appropriate evidence. Early communication with the school is essential.

In Years 7 to 9, students who miss or have difficulty with a task should speak directly with their classroom teacher, who will manage alternative arrangements as needed.

All students are expected to submit work on time and follow appropriate procedures where issues arise. Full details are available in the year group Assessment Booklets.

Learning support and assessment adjustments

Students who require adjustments to assessment tasks due to diagnosed learning needs, disabilities or medical conditions are supported through the school's Learning Support Team. This includes provisions such as additional time, modified tasks or alternate formats, depending on individual needs.

Adjustments are designed to ensure all students can access and demonstrate their learning in ways that reflect their strengths. Families are encouraged to communicate with the school early to ensure these supports are in place.

Assessment at Engadine High School is not just about grades. It is a structured process that supports learning, builds independence and prepares students for future study and work. We are committed to delivering valid, inclusive and high-quality assessment that gives every student the chance to succeed.

Reporting to Parents and Carers

Engadine High School provides formal academic reports twice each year, at the end of Term 2 and Term 4, along with an interim report for Year 7 and Year 11 at the end of Term 1. These reports are designed to give families a clear picture of student progress, achievement and engagement at key points in the year.

Reporting at our school is based on a standards based approach. Students are assessed and graded against syllabus outcomes, not ranked against one another. Teachers use the NSW Department of Education’s Common Grade Scale to determine the grade (A to E) that best reflects each student’s level of achievement.

Each formal report includes:

• A grade for each subject based on performance against course outcomes
• Written comments or feedback that highlight strengths and areas for improvement
• A rating of your child’s effort, commitment and attitude to learning
• Attendance data for the reporting period
• A list of extracurricular activities your child has participated in

Reports are informed by both formal assessment tasks and classroom based learning. They are designed to be clear, constructive and useful for setting goals and supporting progress.

Following each reporting period, families are invited to attend parent teacher interviews to discuss progress and next steps. We also encourage parents and carers to use the Sentral Parent Portal throughout the year to track assessments, attendance and upcoming events.

If you have any questions about your child’s report, please contact their classroom teacher, Year Adviser or Deputy Principal.

Further Information on Statewide Assessment and Reporting 

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.

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