Our teachers use a variety of strategies to assess student learning. These include observing work in class and looking closely at 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. A written report using the common grade scale is sent home in the first half of the year, usually near the end of Term 2, and again in Term 4. This gives a clear picture of your child’s learning.
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.
- 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 and 5. 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 assessment for students in Year 6.
- Some students may elect to sit the opportunity class or selective high school placement tests. For more information, visit selective high schools and opportunity classes.
Assessment needs to provide opportunities for every student to demonstrate what they know, understand, and can do. Assessment at New Lambton South is based on a belief that all learners are on a path of development and that every learner is capable of making progress. Students bring a diversity of cultural knowledge, experience, language proficiency and background, and ability to the classroom.
Students receive written reports twice per year. Parent-teacher interviews are held several times throughout the year and we encourage you to attend.
Parent-teacher meetings
You will be given a formal opportunity to discuss your child’s progress at parent-teacher meetings held throughout the year.
However, if you have any concerns in the meantime, please contact the school office to make an appointment with your child’s teacher.
If you need an interpreter, ask us to call the interpreter service on 13 14 50. This service is free.