Our teachers use a variety of strategies to assess student learning. These include observing participation in online classes, marking online and written work, as well as other 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.
As a parent or carer of a primary-aged child, you’ll receive a written report using the common grade scale in the first half of the year, usually near the end of Term 2, and again in Term 4. 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.
All students entered for any HSC course in 2024 must read the HSC Rules and Procedures guide.
In signing your Confirmation of Entry, you are certifying you have read this guide.
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.
Our assessment guidelines explain the rules for assessment tasks at Southern Cross. Assessment schedules are also included to help students prepare and plan for assessment tasks throughout the year.
Students and supervisors should read our assessment guidelines for high school students.
Years 11 and 12
Carefully check your assessment schedule in the guidelines below and plan your work accordingly. Notify your teacher as soon as possible if you have a problem with any assessment task.
2024 – Year 11 assessment guidelines (PDF 1.19MB)
2024 – Year 12 assessment guidelines (PDF 1.36MB)
2024 – Compressed course assessment guidelines for Years 11 and 12 (PDF 1.1MB)
Years 9 and 10
Students in Years 9 and 10 are assessed formally and informally. They receive a course assessment schedule from each of their subject teachers at the start of the course.
2024 – Stage 5 assessment guidelines (PDF 499KB)
Years 7 and 8
Assessment in Years 7 and 8 is both formal and informal. Students may receive an assessment schedule from their class teacher. To be eligible for the Record of School Achievement (ROSA) in Year 10, students in Years 7 and 8 must complete all mandatory subjects.
2024 – Stage 4 assessment guidelines (PDF 249KB)
Assessment in vocational education and training
Visit NESA's vocational education and training pages for more information.
- VET Stage 6 for courses in Years 11 and 12
- VET Stage 5 for courses in Years 9 and 10
Record of School Achievement
Students are eligible for their ROSA from the end of Year 10. To learn more, read NESA's Record of School Achievement information.
Need more help?
Students can contact their subject teachers or head teacher of the faculty for detailed information about their courses. For general assessment information contact the curriculum head teacher.
Additional resources about external assessments and tests can be found through the links below.
- 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, 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) – 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) 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.