Teaching & Learning

Throughout the school year, we collect a variety of data to track student growth. Our teachers gather important information that guides our teaching methods and helps identify areas needing review or reteaching. As we approach our end-of-year assessment program, we dedicate significant time to evaluating key areas of the curriculum. This assessment cycle is a major effort across the entire school, with assessments conducted in both whole-class and one-on-one settings.

As part of this cycle, we use standardised assessments that are research-based, providing data on student growth and identifying the next steps in each individual's learning journey. We are fortunate to facilitate opportunities for our teachers to meet one-on-one with their students, assessing their development throughout the year.

We also analyse areas where we can grow and improve as a school, identifying important strategies to help us progress and set our students up for success in 2025. At Sacred Heart, we use checklists, observation notes, student work samples, and assessments to inform our teaching of English and Mathematics.

Our English data collection focuses on reading and writing. In reading, we analyse data based on the five pillars of reading: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Writing assessments evaluate fluency, content, conventions, syntax, and vocabulary. Writing samples are assessed across various purposes and text structures to provide a comprehensive picture of a student's writing performance.

Our Mathematics data collection incorporates a range of assessment techniques, including both formative and summative approaches. Teachers regularly use rich formative assessments, such as exit tickets and think-pair-share activities, to provide immediate feedback, address misconceptions and check for understanding helping students deepen their understanding of mathematical concepts. Summative assessments, including PAT Maths, Westwood 1-Minute Assessments, Essential Assessment and Acadience Assessments, ensure a thorough evaluation of student progress and achievement.

Kate Stroud & Louise Donnelly