Assessment and reporting
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 each student’s achievements based on the outcomes described in the syllabuses of each subject.
In Years 7 to 10, we use the common grade scale in reporting. In Year 11, we use the Preliminary grade scale (opens in new window).
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) (opens in new window) – reading, writing, language conventions (spelling, punctuation and grammar) and numeracy tests for students in Years 3, 5, 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) (opens in new window) – online diagnostic science assessments for students in Year 8. Some schools also choose to sit the tests in Years 6 and 10.
- The Record of School Achievement (RoSA) (opens in new window) 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) (opens in new window) 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 (opens in new window).