Assistant Principal

Semester 2 Academic Reports 

As the teachers prepare your child’s Semester 2 school report, I thought it would be a good time to go over a few ‘frequently asked questions” in regards to the reporting system 

What will the teachers be reporting on? 

The teachers will be reporting on the content that has been taught this Semester (Terms 3 and 4) using the common grade scale as determined by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). 

What is the common grade scale? 

Years 1 - 6 

The common grade scale used for Years 1 - 6 is the five level, A-E report grade. Rather than using the A-E vocabulary, Sydney Catholic Schools uses the terminology from each scale for reporting.

A - The student has an extensive knowledge and understanding of the content and can readily apply this knowledge. In addition, the student has achieved a very high level of competence in the processes and skills and can apply these skills to new situations.

B - The student has a thorough knowledge and understanding of the content and a high level of competence in the processes and skills. In addition, the student is able to apply this knowledge and these skills to most situations.

C - The student has a sound knowledge and understanding of the main areas of content and has achieved an adequate level of competence in the processes and skills.

D- The student has a basic knowledge and understanding of the content and has achieved a limited level of competence in the processes and skills.

E- The student has an elementary knowledge and understanding in few areas of the content and has achieved very limited competence in some of the processes and skills.

Kindergarten 

For Kindergarten, a three level grade scale is used  

Thorough - The student has a thorough knowledge and understanding of the content and a high level of competence in the processes and skills. In addition, the student is able to apply this knowledge and these skills to most situations. 

Sound - The student has a sound knowledge and understanding of the main areas of content and has achieved an adequate level of competence in the processes and skills.

Basic - The student has a basic knowledge and understanding of the content and has achieved a limited level of competence in the processes and skills.

What’s new this reporting period? 

This year we have seen the implementation of the new English and Mathematics syllabus Kinder - Year 6. Particularly in English, there are additional elements that the teachers will be explicitly reporting on. This will give you a good understanding of exactly how your child is progressing in each area for English. 

Has my child regressed in their learning if they receive a different grade compared to their last report? 

Often, parents may think that if their child received a certain grade in a previous report and then receive a “lesser” grade at the current report, that they have regressed in their learning. This is not the case. As mentioned the report is based on the students achievement and understanding of the content that they have been taught for that reporting period. As students progress through each grade and stage of their learning, the learning builds upon prior teaching and essentially becomes more complex and sophisticated. The biggest “jumps” that teachers note is the jump between each stage. It is very important not to think that a child has regressed, should they receive a different grade in a particular area but that they might require additional practice or support with the new content. 

What is a “Stage”? 

The NSW Curriculum is divided into Stages. Each stage, with the exception of Kindergarten, has content that is designed to be taught over a two year period. Kindergarten operates in isolation in a one year cycle 

Kindergarten is referred to as Early Stage One 

Years 1 and 2 is referred to as Stage One 

Years 3 and 4 is referred to as Stage Two 

Years 5 and 6 is referred to as Stage Three 

The jump between the stages refers to the time when a child moves from one stage to another. This “beginning of stage” period (Year 1, Year 3 and Year 5) is a time when a student is presented with content from a new stage and it may be more demanding for a student than in the previous year, hence why there may be an adjustment to their grade for that Key Learning Area. 

What assessment will the teachers use to determine my child’s grade for each Key Learning Area? 

The teachers will use a range of assessment tasks to inform their decision on a child’s grade. The assessments will be a range of formative (assessment as learning) and summative (assessment of learning) as well as teacher observations and daily class work and participation. Class teachers have had rigorous discussion with the schools Leadership Team about assigning grades to students and these have included an analysis of student data and work samples. 

The Parent/Teacher Interview 

There will be no formal opportunity to book in a parent teacher interview for this Semester however should you wish to make an appointment with your child’s teacher in regards to their report, please email info to arrange a suitable time.