Assessment is used to analyse and interpret the knowledge, understanding, and skills that students demonstrate throughout the learning process. A standards-referenced approach is used to assess and report student achievement in NSW. This approach comprises two components:

• Syllabus outcomes and content describe what students are expected to learn; and
• How well students demonstrate achievement is described in performance standards such as the Common Grade Scale.

The Common Grade Scale summarises the standard (or quality) of achievement associated with each grade. The scale describes:

• The depth of knowledge and understanding; and
• The range of skills that students working at that standard typically show.

Feedback is any information that clarifies for students how their knowledge, understanding and skills are developing in relation to the syllabus outcomes and the content being taught. Teachers use feedback as an essential component of student learning as it enables students to recognise their strengths, areas for development, and how to make decisions with their teacher about the next steps in their learning. It is not an indicator of potential, but rather of how evidence from assessments and observations meet the assessment criteria.

Student performance is formally reported on towards the end of Term 2 (Semester 1) and again at the end of Term 4 (Semester 2). A school report is prepared in accordance with the CEDoW Assessment and Reporting Policy, providing information about student progress.

When reporting on student achievement, teachers refer to a variety of information about student progress and achievement in relation to the syllabus outcomes assessed and the content taught up to the relevant point in time. Students receive the grade that best matches the standard of their achievement they have demonstrated. Teachers are not limited to set numbers of each grade within their class or school. The Common Grade Scale is not required for reporting on student achievement in Early Stage 1.

Grades are one aspect of reporting to parents. Other important tools include:

• Teacher comments
• Parent-teacher interviews
• Information about student effort and application

Parent/teacher/student learning conferences are held in conjunction with the written student report. At other times during the school year, parents or teachers can request an interview to discuss student achievement.

The Common Grade Scale used when reporting to parents describes performance at each of five grade levels:

Extensive
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.

Thorough
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.

Sound
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.

Basic
The student has a basic knowledge and understanding of the content and has achieved a limited level of competence in the processes and skills.

Elementary
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.

For more information, visit the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) and the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) website.

BEST START ASSESSMENT

Our school takes part in the Best Start Kindergarten Assessment developed by early learning experts in the NSW Department of Education. The Best Start Kindergarten Assessment gives our teachers, and those teaching Kindergarten across all our Catholic schools in the Diocese of Wollongong, a common set of high quality assessment tools. We believe that the Best Start Kindergarten Assessment will build on the strengths of our teachers and give your child an even better start to school.