Teaching & Learning

Student Progress

Judging the level of student progress is an essential part of the professional work of teachers, and requires high levels of curriculum knowledge and pedagogical understanding. St Bede’s College uses an evidence based, developmental approach to assessment, feedback and reporting. This means that teachers make on balance judgements based on the level of knowledge and skill a student shows in particular areas, as well as across a range of tasks . In addition, processes for benchmarking and/or moderation are being introduced across curriculum areas to ensure consistency and reliability in our judgements.

We welcome open communication with parents with respect to St Bede’s assessment, feedback and reporting processes. We understand that from time to time parents/carers may wish to discuss a particular task or subject result with a teacher. If a need arises to better understand how a teacher arrived at a particular judgement, we encourage parents to do so as partners in learning, as outlined below.

First, we encourage students to approach subject teachers to clarify expectations of a task, asking for practical ways to improve. Ideally this is done prior to assessment. Where there is a rubric, this should be referred to as a clear roadmap for skill and knowledge acquisition.
If a parent/carer feels it necessary to seek further clarification the most effective way to do this is through a telephone conversation with the teacher. The College hours are 8.30 am - 4.30 pm. Please allow 48 hours for teachers to respond.
If further communication is necessary, please contact the Learning Area Leader for a particular subject.

St Bede’s College values its partnership with parents as co-educators of students. We also recognise that education is a changing landscape and that parents/carers are navigating an area which is markedly different from their own experience of school. We aim to foster rigorous, respectful and inclusive practices in assessment, feedback and reporting and appreciate the support of all members of the St Bede’s Community.

Maria Haggett

Deputy Principal

Teaching and Learning