SCHOOL HOMEWORK, ASSESSMENT AND REPORTING HOMEWORK The College policy is to set homework to help reinforce work taught in school. Homework may not always be a formal set task. It could take the form of completing work done during the class lesson, making sure a book is up to date, reviewing and learning work done in class that day, background reading, watching the news or a particular program on television. A note is required from parents if girls are unable to complete homework. Students in Years 11 and 12 should not be given any homework which could involve extensive research, etc two weeks before exams to enable them to do revision. Each student is to use the College diary for recording all given homework. This diary must not be considered private and should be regularly inspected by teachers and parents. Teachers are encouraged to use the diary to communicate with parents.
ASSESSMENT AND REPORTING The school follows continuous assessment procedures throughout the year. Reports to parents are given twice annually for Years 7 to 10 and Year 12. There is one interim and one end of Preliminary Year report. More frequent reporting will occur when it is felt that parents need to be aware of any difficulties encountered by the student either in a specific subject area or in her schooling in general. Parents who wish to make enquiries about their daughter’s progress may ring the College for an appointment with her teacher or teachers. Parents whose
daughters may be experiencing difficulty in Year 7 will be contacted. The procedures for arriving at a final mark vary with each subject. These include: Formal testing Essays Projects Objective tests Individual assignments Small group assignments Classroom responses Use of resource materials A tape recording Practical work in class. It is important to note that each student has the chance to achieve a satisfactory standard in each subject that she attempts, as we consider a sense of personal worth and achievement paramount.
SCHOOL CERTIFICATE In November Year 10 students will sit for tests in English Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Geography, History and Citizenship & Civics. Each test will be based on Board of Studies syllabuses and reported against standards achieved by students.
REPORTING OF SCHOOL CERTIFICATE RESULTS
The School Certificate Record of Achievement will comprise two parts: • the school-based assessment of each student's achievement in each subject studied for the School Certificate • the student's results in the external tests. In the external tests (English Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Geography, History and Citizenship & Civics), students will receive a mark indicating their own achievement in each test, together with their placement in a band of achievement.
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COURSE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTORS
Course performance descriptors for English Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Geography, History and Citizenship & Civics are to be used in the School Certificate to report on the school-based assessment of these subjects.
OTHER BOARD COURSES
A student’s grade will be based on the College’s assessment of the student’s performance in Stage 5 against performance descriptors. Grades will be awarded for 100 or 200-hour courses.
SCHOOL COURSES
The Course Performance descriptors describe the main features of a typical student’s performance at each level of achievement in that Course. They serve as a benchmark against which teachers will be able to match their assessment record and professional judgement in determining grades for particular students. The assessment tasks set by the College will be used to provide data to assist teachers determine which description best reflects the level of achievement of each student at the end of each course. The final decisions are made in relation to the “standard” reached, not in relation to performance relative to other students.
THE GENERAL PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTORS No predetermined percentage of students allocated to any grade.
Grade A Excellent Achievement • extensive knowledge and understanding • application of knowledge high level of competence • applied in new situations Grade B High Level of Achievement • thorough knowledge • competence in processes and skills • applied in most new situations
Grade C Substantial Achievement • attainment of main knowledge and skills • sound level of competence in process and skills Grade D Satisfactory Achievement • • acceptable level of knowledge and understanding • • basic level of competence in processes and skills Grade E Elementary Achievement • elementary knowledge and understanding • limited competence in processes and skills Not satisfactorily completed in one or more of: attendance participation effort and achievement goals.
Grade N • • • •
ASSESSMENT
1. Will be based on specified School Certificate tasks from both 100 and 200 hours courses. 2. Will cover the full range of knowledge and skills objectives and attainment of outcomes. 3. Tasks will allow students to show their maximum level of achievement and enable teachers to make accurate judgements. Affective objectives such as attitude and values will not be taken into account in School Certificate Grading. They will however receive emphasis in the individual student’s school reports. The Coordinator of each faculty will inform the students of the nature, relative importance and timing of assessment tasks. •
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the task is returned. Should a dispute arise the Coordinator, in consultation with the AP Curriculum, will make a decision. •
Informal observation may be used to assist in determining a student’s level of achievement, but will be only a minor contribution in the assessment process used for determining grades.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF SCHOOL CERTIFICATE STUDENTS
School Certificate students will be responsible for: • Doing each assessment task to the best of their ability. • Ensuring that any questions they have about the marks/grades/comments awarded for an individual piece of work are resolved at the time the work is handed back. • Demonstrating that through effort and achievement they have met all of the requirements of the course. • Specific advice relating to illness/ misadventure is available for staff and students in the School Certificate Assessment Manual.
STRUCTURE OF THE COURSES IN THE SENIOR COLLEGE The syllabuses for Stage 6 (Years 11 and 12) have been divided into two parts, the Preliminary and the HSC Course.
PRELIMINARY AND HSC COURSE
1. Satisfactory completion of the Preliminary Course is a pre-requisite for entry into an HSC Course. 2. For examination purposes, the Preliminary Course is to be regarded as assumed knowledge, which has been covered by all candidates. Examination specifications ensure that the major focus of the HSC examination will be on the HSC course content. 3. All Preliminary Course work in a subject is to be completed to gain a
Year 11 Record of Achievement. The Principal will be required to certify satisfactory completion. While the material covered in the Preliminary Course is not specifically examined in the HSC (except for Mathematics), the course contains content, which is a prerequisite for the Year 12 HSC Course and, in that sense, the Preliminary Year 11 course is examinable for the HSC.
HSC AND PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT POLICY
The College's Assessment Policy aims to demonstrate justice, concern and a respect for the needs and rights of each student. Students follow a formal assessment program for both the Preliminary and HSC requirements and it is only the HSC marks which will be used in determining the assessment mark which is submitted to the Board of Studies at the end of the HSC year. The rules relating to HSC and Preliminary assessment are fully outlined in the Preliminary and HSC Assessment Manual. The Preliminary and HSC assessment will use a standards referenced approach. In standards reference assessment: • the achievements of a student are assessed and reported against specified standards of performance • the marks students gain in a subject w ill be aligned with descriptions of what they know, understand and can do • marks will reflect the standards actually achieved by students rather than just indicating a position in a predetermined distribution. Nature of preliminary and HSC assessment All assessment tasks will have: • a direct link with syllabus outcomes • marking schemes linked to standards and which also use the language of the syllabus outcomes.
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Design and notification of preliminary and HSC assessment tasks Teachers need to identify the outcomes and components to be assessed and then design an appropriate assessment. For preliminary and HSC assessment task notification, subject coordinators will ensure that all students have written notification at least two weeks before the scheduled date of the: • outcomes to be assessed • components and weighting of the task • nature of the task • marking scheme.
HSC EXAMINATION
At the end of Year 12, students sit for the Higher School Certificate in all Board Developed Courses. Students who study a Content Endorsed Course and/or a Board Endorsed Course, do not sit for an external examination at the end of Year 12. The results of their work in these courses are reported as an assessment mark on their HSC Testamur. Reporting HSC results: 1. Testamur – If a student meets all the requirements, she will be awarded a Higher School Certificate. This certificate shows her name and school. 2. Higher School Certificate Record of Achievement – If a student satisfactorily completes at least one Preliminary or one HSC course, she will receive a Record of Achievement. If a student is accumulating or repeating courses, her Record of Achievement will list all courses satisfactorily completed and her results in those courses. Courses that were studied but not satisfactorily completed are not
reported on the Record of Achievement. 3. Course Report – A Course Report will also be issued for each Board Developed HSC Course completed. It will show: • the student’s school assessment mark • the student’s examination mark • the student’s HSC mark (the average of her assessment and examination marks) • the performance band with a description of what a typical student knows and can do at that level of achievement, and • a graph showing where the student’s mark lies in relation to all candidates’ marks for the course. 4. If a student has completed requirements for one or more Board Developed VET Courses, she will also receive an AQF Certificate or Statement of Attainment. 5. If a student has completed requirements for one or more Board Developed Life Skills Courses, she will also receive a Profile of Student Achievement. 6. A University Admissions Index will be reported on a separate result sheet. Preliminary and HSC course work and assessment - some important considerations 1. Satisfactory completion - Preliminary Course: the Board of Studies has advised that students are not able to progress to the HSC Course unless, in the Principal’s view, there is sufficient evidence that the student has satisfactorily completed a Preliminary Course. To achieve satisfactory completion the student has to: • follow the course developed and endorsed by the Board
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apply herself with diligence and sustained effort to the set tasks and experiences provided in the course by the school achieve some or all of the course outcomes of the Preliminary Course.
A student who is not making satisfactory progress will receive an official warning letter. The letter will indicate the areas of concern and the students will be given time to show improvement. If satisfactory progress is not shown, then the Principal will apply a “N” award which indicates unsatisfactory completion in that subject. In most cases, this will prevent a student from entering the HSC Course in this subject. The subject teacher and the Subject Coordinator will be asked to confirm that the student has met all three of the above requirements. Perhaps the most important of these is the requirement that students apply themselves with diligence and sustained effort not only to the set Preliminary Tasks but to the experience of learning. Students who are late to class, fail to complete homework or class work and who behave in a manner which does not (in her teacher’s judgment) reflect diligence, run a real risk of being classified unsatisfactory. It is also important to note that a student has to demonstrate sustained effort. This means that she has worked diligently throughout the whole of the Preliminary Course. 2. Satisfactory Completion – HSC Course: the same rules apply to the HSC Course. There must, in the opinion of the Principal, be sufficient evidence that a student has followed the course developed by the Board of Studies, applied herself with diligence and sustained effort to all set tasks and experiences provided by the course and the school, and achieved an appropriate number of course outcomes. It is not sufficient to simply complete the Assessment Tasks.
In a case of unsatisfactory progress a student and her parents would be formally advised in a warning letter. If, after warning, satisfactory progress was not made, the Principal would advise the Board of Studies of a “N” award and the subject would not appear on the student’s Record of Achievement. In some cases, if the required pattern of study/units were then inadequate, the student would be ineligible for the award of the HSC that year. Such a student would need to repeat the course or undertake another course within the five years' accumulation period to be eligible for an award of the HSC.
TEACHER RESPONSIBILITIES
• Students will be given a Preliminary/ HSC notification form detailing: - task - outcomes - assessment criteria - timing. This is to be given at least 10 school days before the date of the task. • If a student has a valid reason for not attending an excursion/field study which is a mandatory part of her assessment program for a particular subject, the College would explore possibilities of the student completing all the assessment requirements in her own time, including the submission of a written report. If there is no valid reason for the student’s absence, the student will receive a zero. • In the case of proven dishonesty in the completion of at task, a zero mark will be given. • In the case where a subject teacher is absent on the day that a task is to be submitted, the task is to be handed into the relevant subject coordinator or, in their absence, the AP Curriculum. • In the case where a subject teacher is absent on the day that a task is to be completed in class, the matter will be referred to the relevant subject coordinator or, in the event of their absence, the AP Curriculum. Whenever possible, alternative
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arrangements will be made to ensure that the students are able to complete the tasks on the scheduled day. • Any changes made to the assessment schedule should be discussed with the AP Curriculum. If the change is approved, it must be given to the students in writing at least 10 days before the date of the task. The AP Welfare must also be advised if there is to be a change in timing. • If a student is absent from an assessment task, it is the responsibility of the class teacher to advise the subject coordinator. The subject coordinator is then required to lodge an absentee form with the AP Curriculum. • Please refer to Preliminary and HSC Assessment Manuals.
RETURNING STUDENTS
1. If a student transfers to Year 12 at St Mary's College from another school after 30 June, she remains an HSC candidate of her previous school. 2. If a student transfers into Year 12 at St Mary's College before 30 June, when determining the student's mark/ranking for any given subject, advice from ACE Manual page 42, Section 11.9.3, should be used.
APPEALS APPEALS ABOUT ASSESSMENT TASKS
If a student believes that the procedures used in conducting the Assessment Task disadvantaged her in some way, she should complete the HSC Assessment Request for Review form and submit it to the AP Curriculum. If the appeal results in a re-mark, the Subject Coordinator/and or independent marker will review the task. The AP Curriculum makes the final decision in all matters relating to appeals.
APPEALS ABOUT RANKING IN A COURSE
If a student believes that her ranking in a course is inaccurate because:
the Board weightings are not adhered to • the stated policies were not adhered to • there was a computational/clerical error, she should complete the Board of Studies HSC Assessment Request for Review form and submit it to the AP Curriculum. •
APPEALS ABOUT THE MARKS RECEIVED
If a student thinks a numerical error has been made in the addition of her marks on a particular task, she must return her paper to her class immediately. Additions cannot be checked after the lesson is over. If a student wishes to discuss the marking of her paper she must speak to the marker on the day the papers are returned.
EXAMINATION POLICY FOR ACCELERANTS YEAR 11 STUDENTS COMPLETING HSC YEAR EXAMS
Half-yearly and trial exams • Students will be treated as Year 12 students on the day of the exam. • Students will be able to come to school just for the exam and return home after the exam. • Students may elect to attend other Year 11 classes on that day - it will be their prerogative. If this is the case, school uniform must be worn. • It is the responsibility of students to notify home room and subject teachers that they will be absent from class due to exam commitments. • Should there be a clash of assessments, students should notify teachers concerned as soon as possible. HSC exam study days • Students will be allowed one private study day per unit, ie a 2 Unit subject
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will be allowed two private study days. It is the responsibility of students to notify the Year Coordinator, home room and subject teachers that they will be absent from school on study days. Students must attend classes if assessment tasks have been scheduled. Students must complete assessment tasks as required if that task is due on the day the student elects to take as a study day.
HSC exam • Students will be treated as Year 12 students on the day of the exam. • Students will be able to come to school just for the exam and return home after the exam. • Students may elect to attend other Year 11 classes on that day - it will be their prerogative. If this is the case, school uniform must be worn. • It is the responsibility of students to notify home room and subject teachers that they will be absent from class due to exam commitments. • Students may accumulate HSC courses towards the Higher School Certificate over up to five years. Students at St Mary’s College undertaking the Pathways/accelerated approach may request consideration for flexible attendance at school. This is in keeping with the spirit of the Pathways/ acceleration provisions which are an attempt to meet the needs of individual students with regard to completion of the HSC. • Pathways/accelerant students requesting consideration for flexible attendance must complete an application form available from the AP Curriculum. Applications will be considered by all relevant staff members and parents in the best interests of these students before consent is given.
YEAR 10 STUDENTS COMPLETING END OF PRELIMINARY YEAR EXAMS
• • •
Students will be treated as Year 11 students on the day of the exam. Students will be required to come to school just for the exam and return home after the exam. Students may elect to attend other Year 10 classes on that day - it will be their prerogative.
JUNIOR STUDENTS • •
•
Junior students usually complete exams within the normal period time. When a cross form exam in an accelerated subject is held at a special time, students will sit for the exam at the designated time. It is the responsibility of students to notify home room and subject teachers that they will be absent from class due to exam commitments.
REPORTS Reports are completed by each teacher by finalising their coded comments and giving these and marks/ranks to the Registrar. A draft of the class report is printed and returned to the subject coordinator. It is the subject coordinator’s responsibility to check comments and marks. Reports requiring amendment are returned to the Registrar. Home room teachers enter their comments which should reflect aspects of the student other than academic achievement. These should include punctuality, uniform, courtesy, activities in the College, service, etc. The final print of the report should be signed by the home room teacher, year coordinator and/or Principal. All reports are posted to parents and should be brought to parent/teacher interviews.
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ASSESSMENT CALENDAR This is a term calendar which gives information regarding assessment tasks, exams and excursions to parents and students. It does not replace a notification of assessment but it does help students to plan their work and study as well as allow better communication with our parents. The calendar is compiled by the AP Curriculum in cooperation with the subject and year coordinators.
ASSESSMENT MAPPING YEARS 7 TO 10 This is a term/weekly calendar which gives approximate timing regarding School Certificate tasks, cross form exams and subject assessments. The assessment mapping is compiled by the AP Curriculum in cooperation with the subject and year coordinators.
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