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 and Reporting at Ben Venue
Assessment of student progress across Key Learning Areas is carried out progressively throughout the year. Various forms of assessment are undertaken to provide consistent teacher judgement which forms the basis of parent-teacher interviews in June each year. Teachers moderate work samples and collectively judge performance against standards set by the Board of Studies and the DET.
Student Reports are issued twice each year as a formal record of student attainment and application. The National Assessment Plan (NAPLAN) is conducted in Year 3 and Year 5. Ben Venue uses the data from NAPLAN to inform and plan future programs. Results over time have reflected the commitment to quality teaching and excellent use of system-wide and school-based data to support student learning.
Parents are invited to seek progress reports of an informal nature at any time during the year by arranging an interview with the teacher or Principal. Mutually convenient times are advised for interviews rather than ad hoc meetings where issues can be considered and presented in a professional manner. Specific concerns will be dealt with promptly and can often be brought to the teacher's attention via a letter or phone call. Interviews can be organised by phoning the Front Office and the teacher will phone at a convenient time to organise a specific time.