Assessment and reporting

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.

At Crescent Head Public School students are provided with a range of rich learning experiences to cater for higher achieving students. Enrichment groups are provided in Stage 2 and 3 in writing, numeracy and problem solving. The school successfully participates in the Macleay Educational Community of Schools Debating and Spelling Bees and has participated in the Premier's Spelling Bee since 2009.

Selected students from years 3-6 participate in the University of NSW Academic Competitions in English, Writing, Spelling and Mathematics and have received outstanding results with a high percentage of Credits and above. The Writing Enrichment group competes in numerous writing competitions and in 2011, 2 students won the Australian Young Writers Awards for short story and poetry. In 2011 a student also won the What Matters writing competition and has received ongoing accolades and rewards for this success.

Our school has been involved in the eGats program in the past and continues to give opportunity for students to apply for this enrichment activity.