Curriculum and Learning

Assessment as a Learning Tool

With our Year 12 cohort concluding their Assessment Block this week, and boys across all year groups having commenced, or about to commence, their Term 1 assessment tasks, it is timely to reflect on the important role assessment plays in supporting learning.

Traditionally, assessment has focused on measuring and reporting student performance. While this remains an important aspect of schooling, and one familiar to many parents, carers and staff from their own school experiences, it represents only one dimension of the broader purpose of assessment.

The work undertaken by our boys through their assessments, whether through smaller ‘check-ins’ during the learning process or through completed tasks, provides valuable insight into their developing knowledge, understanding and skills. When this information is used by both teachers and students to inform next steps, it becomes a powerful tool for learning. Often referred to as assessment for learning and assessment as learning (Black & Wiliam, 1998; Earl, 2003), the principle is straightforward: assessment provides feedback that helps guide future learning.

I encourage all students to view their Semester 1 assessments as an opportunity for learning by carefully engaging with the feedback they receive and reflecting on both their strengths and areas for improvement. By actively using this feedback to guide their next steps, students can ensure that assessment becomes more than just a measure of performance, instead becoming a meaningful part of their learning process.

Year 10 Music Soiree 

On Monday 9 March, Year 10 music students presented a wonderful evening of performances at the Duffy Music Centre for the Year 10 Soiree. The concert featured a diverse range of styles and instruments, highlighting the students’ musical progress and dedication. Performers included Jayden W on piano performing The Entertainer, Isaac M on guitar and voice performing Folsom Prison Blues, Nathaniel H on drums performing School Days, Ethan J on guitar performing Dream a Little Dream of Me, and Lucas N on guitar performing So What. Congratulations to these students for having the courage and confidence to share their talents and perform in front of a live audience.

James Martin 

Director of Curriculum