Assessment and Reporting
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.
Medical Certificate
Medical Certificate - the school's official medical certificate is used to support an application for extension or illness/misadventure on the basis of illness or injury. This document provides additional information that best support the application in comparison to a generic medical certificate provided by most health professionals. Please note that:
- Stage 4 students do NOT need to use this form
- Stage 5 students are encouraged to use this form
- Stage 6 students MUST use this form
Assessment Forms
The following assessment forms are for use by students in all grades and courses at The Ponds High School:
Assessment Task Reschedule Application Form - to request a change of date for an assessment task that clashes with another school activity in which the student is directly involved.
Assessment Task Extension Application Form - to request a change of date for an assessment task with genuine reason, such as illness or misadventure, prior to the due date.
Illness/Misadventure Application Form - to justify the inability to submit or complete an assessment task due to illness and/or misadventure on the day of the task AND/OR to justify an absence the day before any formal assessment task is due.
Assessment Appeal Application Form - to appeal a decision when:
- An application for rescheduling, extension or illness/misadventure has been rejected
- A student has been found guilty of assessment malpractice
- An assessment task result appears significantly inaccurate