Our teachers use a variety of strategies to assess student learning.
Teachers observe students' work in class and look closely at tasks throughout the year. They also formally assess a student's achievement based on the outcomes described in the syllabus of the subject.
As a parent or carer, you’ll receive a written report twice a year. 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.
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.
At Rooty Hill High School assessment will be used to assist students, their parents and their teachers to evaluate student performance, achievement and progress. It will be used to assist students to plan for improvement and for future educational and career decisions. End of semester reports will show student grades against the whole cohort enrolled in a particular course (eg Year 7 English) and each course will be required to undertake cohort assessment at least once per semester to moderate marks and grades in each class.
Assessment will also be used to provide information to assist teachers to improve the quality of teaching and learning programs.
In particular the school's assessment policies, practices and procedures will be designed and implemented to ensure consistent practice and implementation across the school. Individual faculties and teachers must adhere to this requirement. The school's assessment policy and the associated procedures should be read in conjunction with the Assessment Information Documents provided to students.
- National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) – reading, writing, language conventions (spelling, punctuation and grammar) and numeracy tests for students in Years 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 Year 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.
Reporting
Reporting about student achievement and progress to students and parents is a critical responsibility of schools and teachers. In addition, reports may be provided (in line with privacy guidelines) to other schools, employers and training organisations. Rooty Hill High School uses the mandatory A – E grades required by the government for all schools in NSW. In addition, exam marks and positions in courses are shown for students undertaking studies towards the HSC.
Reporting takes a variety of formal and informal forms including:
- Formal academic reports issued
- at the end of Terms 2 and 4 for Years 7-10,
- at the beginning of Term 4 for Year 11 and
- at the end of Terms 1 and 3 for Year 12.
- A one page academic summary for Year 7 &11 issued at the end of Term 1.
- Parent/Student – Teacher interviews held in Terms 1 and 3.
- Portfolios issued at the end of each year, containing records of student participation in the life of the school as well as a summary of their merit and significant achievement awards.
- Results provided to the Board of Studies for Year 10, 11 and 12 tests and to ACARA for NAPLAN in Years 7 and 9.
- Assemblies, letters of commendation, merit awards and other forms of recognition (see below).
- Contact with parents by letter or telephone.
- Class Meetings.
- Personalised learning interviews and discussion of GPSa (Grade Point Averages).
In the formal academic reports issued at this school student achievement will be reported against selected outcomes, (both subject and competency) in academic studies, against the school's values and against the school's and DEC standards for behaviour and other non-cognitive domains. Teachers will ensure that reporting informs parents, and assists students to improve their performance. Teachers will ensure that reporting, including the writing of report comments, is handled in an ethical, fair and professional manner.
Reports for Years 7 – 11 will indicate a grade (A – E) for each course. The number of students in each grade for each course will be retained by the faculty and will be produced for parents wishing to know grade details.
End of semester reports will show student grades against the whole cohort enrolled in a particular course (eg Year 7 English) and each course will be required to undertake cohort assessment at least once per semester to moderate marks and grades in each class.