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.
- 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.
YEAR 12 (HSC) ASSESSMENT BOOKLET 2024
The purpose of school assessment is to:
- assist student learning
- evaluate and improve teaching and learning programs
- provide information on student learning
- provide evidence of satisfactory completion of courses
- provide multiple opportunities for students to demonstrate their achievements.
Student performance in the Higher School (HSC) is assessed in two days - the HSC examinations and the internal (school) assessment. In some subjects there are also external assessable components.
The HSC examinations are conducted by the NESA during October and November each year. The internal assessment mark is based on achievement in a range of tasks developed by the school according to syllabus components and weightings. The tasks allow students to demonstrate the breadth and depth of their knowledge, skills and understanding in a variety of ways e.g., research, oral/aural, practical work and experiences appropriate to the outcomes in each course studied. Marks awarded for each task will be appropriate to the quality of the response; work that shows more complex development and higher order achievement will receive more marks than work that demonstrates a more basic level of achievement.
The final HSC assessment mark is a combination of the mark gained in each HSC exam 50 per cent and the moderated school assessment 50 per cent.
The internal (school) assessment for the HSC will commence after the Preliminary course during Term 4.