Semester 1 Academic Reports

As the teachers prepare your child’s Semester 1 school report, I thought it would be a good time to answer 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 1 and 2) 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 -

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 syllabi across 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

The parent/teacher interview will be an opportunity for you to discuss your child’s Semester 1 report and then set realistic academic and behavioural goals for Semester 2. It is important to celebrate your child’s achievements and discuss strategies for improvement in areas where they may need further development.

Your child’s Semester 1 Academic Report will be made available on Compass on Friday June 28. In Week 10 (July 1 - 4) the school will host parent/teacher interviews. Please book in to a meeting with your child’s teacher via Compass.

Bondi Westfield Performance - Thursday June 27 at 2.00pm

We hope you are able to come along to Bondi Westfield next Thursday at 2pm to support our dance and choir eisteddfod students. The students will be performing on Level 4, near M.J. Bale.

NAPLAN Results - Years 3 and 5

Printed NAPLAN 2024 individual student reports (ISR) and additional student reports (ASR) will be dispatched to schools at the start of Term 3 for schools to distribute to parents/carers.

School Counsellor

Chanel Cortesano