Assessment is the ongoing process of gathering, analysing and reflecting on evidence to make informed and consistent judgements to improve future student learning. Assessment for improved student learning requires a range of assessment practices to be used with three overarching purposes:
- Assessment FOR learning – occurs when teachers use inferences about student progress to inform their teaching
- Assessment AS learning – occurs when students reflect on and monitor their progress to inform their future learning goals
- Assessment OF learning – occurs when teachers use evidence of student learning to make judgements of student achievement against goals and standards
Reporting is the process of communicating comprehensive information about student achievement and learning at a point in time. Reporting will be in different forms, will be tailored to meet the needs of a range of audiences and will be used for a variety of purposes. Reporting to students, parents/ guardians and teachers helps decision making for future student learning.
Progress Reports
Progress Reports will be issued through Compass three times per semester at 6-7 week intervals. Teachers will report on Achievement, Effort, Homework and Organisation and Behaviour using the descriptors: Excellent, Very Good, Good, Acceptable or Needs Attention.
Teachers will make an on-balance judgement of each student’s overall understanding and application of content and skills taking into account any assessment (formative and summative) during the reporting period.
Following the first cycle of Progress Reports each semester, Parent-Teacher interviews will be held during Terms 1 and 3 so that purposeful discussion can be conducted between teachers, parents/ guardians and students.
Students are encouraged to reflect on their progress, ask their teacher questions and seek advice on how they can further improve.
Common Assessment Tasks (CATs)
Common Assessment Tasks (CATs) are the compulsory Learning Tasks that all students in the subject/ unit will complete. They include tests and exams, oral presentations, assignments, essays, group work, practical work, performances and folios.
After students submit/ complete the CAT teachers assess the work and report on their performance through Compass Learning Tasks as follows.
The purpose of end of semester examinations is to promote excellence in learning and encourage students to consolidate their knowledge and apply their skills. Students should begin to take responsibility for their own learning and teachers should explicitly teach study and revision techniques, particularly in Years 9 and 10. Examinations are also undertaken to prepare students for formal examinations in VCE and beyond.