In their day-to-day teaching, teachers place a high priority on identifying and addressing the learning needs of individual students (including high-achieving students).
Teachers:
In monitoring students, teachers collect data from both standardised and formative assessments which are specifically scheduled at various times throughout the year. They then analyse the data and set targets for individuals based on relative growth.
Through the use of data collection, teachers interpret and monitor the progress of individual students, groups of students and whole school cohorts. Teachers also discover the “value added learning” that is occurring for each student due to the programs that are delivered to them. Student growth is analysed against the Australian Curriculum and current student performance, long term school trends and how much “value added learning” is identified. This then allows for a differentiated curriculum to best meet the needs of all students to be built accordingly.
The collection of student data also supports teachers to reflect on effective teaching practises.
The College has an ongoing process of reporting student progress and achievements to parents. This process takes many forms.
Assessment Week
Prep students will be given a one hour appointment for an assessment in the first week of school. This will provide teachers with individual information regarding each child's abilities. Information regarding appointment times for your child’s assessment will be sent to parents before the end of Term 4.
Information Evening
This evening is held early in the school year and is an opportunity for Home Group Teachers to outline their curriculum plans and objectives for the year, as well as describe the day-to-day routines and expectations within the classroom. It is also a time for parents to ask any questions about the year ahead.
Parent Teacher Interviews
A formal parent / teacher evening is held in Term 1 and Term 3. These meetings are an opportunity for teachers to discuss a student’s progress with parents and to chart areas for improvement, both at home and at school. However, parents are most welcome to make an appointment to discuss their child’s progress at any time. Teachers may also request an interview at a mutually convenient time.
Student Portfolios
As part of our commitment to the parent community our students prepare assessment portfolios of their work. Portfolios are a record of a child’s learning and growth throughout the year. These are sent home at the end of Term 2 for parents to view and comment on and again at the end of Term 4 for keeping. The Portfolios provide evidence of assessment and support the written reports.
Written Reports
Written reports are a means of formally acknowledging and recording a student’s developing academic ability and personal qualities, as demonstrated through their interaction with peers and staff in the school environment. Reports provide an avenue for feedback to students on their progress and achievement in:
In 2017, the College moved to a system where parents can access information regarding student progress in a more dynamic and ongoing way. Over time, parents will able to view results for key assessments, as well as progress and participation indicators, without waiting until the end of semester. This is known as Continuous Online Reporting.
The online reporting information is not designed to replace the end of semester reports, but rather to complement them by building a more detailed and comprehensive picture for parents over time. Each term, snap shots of subject’s information will be provided to parents in order to indicate student’s achievement in specific skill or development areas
The benefits of Continuous Online Reporting
In addition to the Continuous Online Reporting, parents will receive a Semester Statement of Results at the conclusion of each Semester. Each subject is reported across a five point scale and personal comment provides a brief summary of qualities such as organisation, engagement in learning, attitude to learning and socialisation.
Curriculum / Reporting Days
Each year there are a designated number of curriculum days and one report writing day. These are for the professional development of staff and for staff to write student reports. Students do not attend school on these days.
Celebration of Learning Mornings
Parents are invited to attend Celebration of Learning morning twice throughout the year. These sections provide an invaluable opportunity for parents to visit their child’s classroom and participate with them in a subject or specialist lesson.