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.
Teachers assess student learning throughout the year in all subjects. These assessments then inform teachers' professional judgements when compiling student reports. Students at New Lambton Heights Infants School receive two formal reports, one at the end of Term 2 and one at the end of Term 4.
Parent/Teacher interviews are conducted in Term 1 and then as needed for the remainder of the year.
Reporting in Kindergaten
Parents receive a statement of their child's learning activities completed in each Key Learning Area. The teacher will also provide feedback on student achievment through written comments in each subject. Information about student work habits and commitment to learning are also included.
Reporting in Years 1 and 2
Parents receive a report with students' grades from A to E and a comment in each subject. Information about student work habits and commitment to learning are also included. An overview of the A-E grading system is:
A: The student has an extensive knowledge and understanding of the content and can readily apply this knowledge. In addition, the student has achieved a very high level of competence in the processes and skills and can apply these skills to new situations.
B: The student has a thorough knowledge and understanding of the content and a high level of competence in the processes and skills. In addition, the student is able to apply this knowledge and these skills to most situations.
C: The student has a sound knowledge and understanding of the main areas of content and has achieved an adequate level of competence in the processes and skills.
D: The student has a basic knowledge and understanding of the content and has achieved a basic level of competence in the processes and skills.
E: The student has an elementary knowledge and understanding in few areas of the content and has achieved very limited competence in some of the processes and skills.
Please be aware that if your child received a ‘C' Grade, this means that your child is ‘on-track' for that subject area.