Banner Photo

Curriculum

Gareth Snow | Assistant Principal

Understanding Assessment at Skye: Finding Growth, Progression and Next Steps

As we come to the end of our assessment period, we want to share with our community what this process looks like at Skye and why it is such an important part of understanding each child’s learning journey.

At Skye Primary School, assessment is all about growth, progression, and uncovering each student’s unique strengths and next steps. Using the Victorian Curriculum as our guide, teachers carefully analyse a range of evidence to determine where each student is currently working and how far they have progressed over time.

How We Assess

Our teachers draw on multiple sources to build a full picture of student learning, including:

  • Formal assessment tools such as: DIBELS, PAT (ACER), LLARS, and moderated writing samples
  • Classroom work samples
  • Teacher observations
  • Conversations with students about their learning

These pieces come together like a puzzle, helping teachers make accurate judgements about each child’s progression points and overall achievement against the curriculum.

Connecting Learning to the Curriculum

Every judgement we make is deeply connected to the Victorian Curriculum. Our teachers meticulously map student work against the curriculum standards to ensure that students are progressing and developing the knowledge and skills expected at their year level. This ensures that every student’s growth is recognised and celebrated—even when that growth looks different from their peers.

The Popcorn Metaphor: Students ‘Pop’ at Different Times

At Skye, we know that progress is not a race. Just like popcorn, students “pop” at different times and in different ways. Some students show rapid bursts of growth, while others develop steadily over longer periods. What matters most is that every child is moving forward—bit by bit, skill by skill.

Our assessment processes are designed to recognise this individuality. We celebrate every small win, every improvement, and every step that students take in their learning journey.

Where to Next?

Assessment is not the end of learning—it guides where we go next. The insights we gain help us plan targeted teaching, support students’ needs, extend their strengths, and continue working in partnership with families to help each learner flourish.

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to nurture the growth of every student at Skye Primary School.

 

Have great weekend!

 

Mr Snow