Assessment and Reporting are integral parts of the teaching and learning program at Pascoe Vale South Primary School. Assessment & Reporting combine to support students to achieve high standards and to provide the basis for guiding further learning, as well as informing parents about their child’s achievement.

At Pascoe Vale South Primary School, a variety of assessment tools are used both to improve student learning outcomes, and to monitor student progress by providing important evidence of improved learning outcomes i.e. assessment 'for' and assessment 'of' learning.

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Assessment for learning is designed to enhance teaching and improve learning. At Pascoe Vale South Primary School, we believe that assessment is an essential and integrated part of teaching and learning and that a range of assessment approaches are necessary to identify what a student knows and can do. By accurately pinpointing “where to next” students are supported with personalised learning goals to extend their learning. ​

Assessment refers to all the ways we gather information about progress in a student’s learning. Assessment tasks should reflect the objectives and criteria and be meaningful and relevant. They may include tests, observations, peer discussions, work samples, presentations/performances and projects. Assessment is ongoing and helps teachers to shape high quality teaching practices and appropriate learning experiences which will develop students' knowledge, skills and understandings and promote effective learning. Through professional learning teams, the results of assessment also contribute to the continuing development of a whole school approach in support of improved student learning outcomes.

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Assessment outcomes allow teachers to report effectively to parents on their child's progress in an ongoing manner. Reporting is the process used to communicate knowledge gained from assessing student learning.  The purpose of reporting is to provide relevant information about a student’s progress to students, parents, support staff and other teachers.

At Pascoe Vale South Primary School we report to parents and students both formally and informally. Early in Term 1, our teachers invite parents and carers to school for a Meet the Families information meeting with each family to enable all stakeholders of our students to get to know each other and discuss anything important that may contribute to their success over the coming year.

At the end of Term 2 – Semester 1, parents and carers are provided with a Mid-Year summative report on student achievements over the Semester. These detail student’s progress in the areas of their learning including a level of achievement, attitudes towards learning, improvements and where to next.
 

During Term3 – the beginning of Semester 2, another formal opportunity for families to come in and meet with the teacher through a student led 3-Way Conference. This enables students to reflect on the year so far with their learning journey and progress, and plan further learning and goals for Semester 2. This is guided by their classroom teacher and discussion around how students along with their parents and carers can assist in achieving personal and learning goals.

At the end of Term 4 – Semester 2, again parents and carers are provided with a written End of year summative report on student achievements over the Semester. These detail student’s progress in ther areas of their learning and again include a level of achievement which shows their progression from their last report in the level of achievement and attitudes towards learning.

At any time, parents and carers may request a confidential discussion with the classroom teacher to discuss any wellbeing or academic concerns if they are concerned about their child’s social and/or emotional wellbeing, curriculum or progress within their learning. As well, our teachers will also contact parents if they feel they have concerns regarding a student’s social and/or emotional wellbeing, curriculum or progress within their learning.

National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN)

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Students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 participate in the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN), which tests literacy (reading, writing and language connections) and numeracy skills. The results of these tests, in conjunction with a range of data from other assessment strategies and data collection, give you information on how your child is progressing and where s/he could benefit from greater challenges or extra help.

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National assessment and reporting are the responsibility of the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA). In Victoria, NAPLAN is administered by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA). For more information, see www.nap.edu.au, call 1300 895 563 (ACARA) or email info@acara.edu.au. Alternatively, see www.vcaa.vic.edu.au, call 1800 134 197 (VCAA) or email .

Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA)

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The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) sets the guidelines for what students learn from Prep to Year 12 in all Victorian schools. The VCAA is responsible for the administration in Victorian schools of the Victorian Curriculum, the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL), Vocational Education and Training (VET) certificates and the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN).

For more information see www.vcaa.vic.edu.au