At Tuart Forest, assessment has a four-fold purpose. It is formative, it provides feedback on learning to the student, it informs teaching and it provides information for parents and the wider community on progress and achievement.
For assessment to be valid, valuable and fair, students are provided with clear information on what type of assessments will be used in their learning, when it will happen and the purpose. Multiple kinds of assessment data are collected by the school to assist teachers to make accurate and informed judgments about your child’s performance.
Reporting processes and practices are a vital part of maintaining relationships between the school and parents. Tuart Forest Primary School aims to:
- Reflect a broad range of communication strategies
- Provide opportunities for parents to discuss their children’s assessments with their teachers
- Ensure that parents are informed as soon as possible when their children are experiencing difficulties
Our teachers use a variety of tools and resources to assess student achievement. Twice a year, our teachers formally assess each student’s achievements based on the outcomes described in the Australian Curriculum. An electronic copy of your child’s report using the grade scale is sent home via email at the end of Term 2 and Term 4. This gives you a clear picture of your child’s school performance. The report provides written information that clearly shows your child’s achievement in the learning areas studied.
Students at Tuart Forest Primary School undertake a number of assessments.
On Entry Testing in Pre-Primary: The students complete On Entry Testing assessments in literacy and numeracy. This assists teachers to identify the learning needs of your child at the commencement of the school year.
National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN)
NAPLAN assesses students’ skills in numeracy, reading, writing, spelling, punctuation and grammar. All students in Years 3 and 5 sit for these tests in May. NAPLAN results help teachers meet the individual literacy and numeracy needs of students. You will receive a detailed written report of your child’s achievement in these tests.
Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT) are conducted on Reading and Maths at the start and end of each school year for students in years 1-6. These tests help teachers determine progress and achievement in key areas. They also assist teachers in diagnosing areas that require re-teaching.
