Callaghan College Waratah Campus

Collaborating to empower learners

Telephone02 4968 1939

Emailwaratah-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Assessment and reporting

Teachers observe students' work in class and look closely at tasks throughout the year. They also formally assess a student's achievement based on the outcomes described in the syllabus of the subject.

As a parent or carer, you’ll receive a written report twice a year. It gives you a clear picture of your child’s achievements – what they know and can do.

In Years 7 to 10, we use the common grade scale in reporting. In Year 11, we use the Preliminary grade scale.

Assessments

We provide detailed information to students about what we expect from them throughout the year and how their work will be assessed. Students have a number of formal assessments throughout their schooling.

Our teachers use a variety of strategies to assess each student's work. This includes observing their work in class and looking closely at the work they produce throughout the year. They also formally assess students' achievement based on the outcomes described in the syllabus of the subject. 

Early in Term 1 families will be provided with an Assessment Booklet which outlines our Campus Examination and Assessment Policy and each Faculty's assessment schedule for the year.

It is each student's responsibility to check their assessment schedule. The schedule will contain:

  • How and when students will be assessed
  • The weighting system applicable to components of each course
Families can also recieve notifications of upcoming assessments and view assessment marks via the secure online platform, Canvas Parents. 

State and National Assessments

Student progress is also assessed by external examinations set and marked outside the campus. The exams are: 

• Years 7 and 9 – NAPLAN (Numeracy and Literacy)

• Year 8 and 10 – VALID (Science)

The results of these assessments are analysed carefully and used to plan programs and strategies to assist students in areas of need. Families receive a copy of these results.

Learning portfolio presentations


One of our major assessments at Waratah is each student’s Learning Portfolio. Each student prepares and presents an individual portfolio to a panel of a staff member, student peers, and sometimes a community member in Semester 2.

This process gives you an opportunity to demonstrate your achievements in learning throughout the year, reflect on areas of strengthand development, and share your growing competence in the future learning skills of collaboration, creativity, critical thinking and communication.

Students will receive further information about Learning Portfolios and Presentations throughout the year.

Reporting

Callaghan College Waratah Campus has three formal methods of reporting on our students' progress.

  1. Interim reports: these are issued towards the end of Term 1. They provide a general overview for families about how your child is performing.
  2. School reports: issued at the end of Terms 2 and 4. These reports provide a comprehensive summary of your child's progress for Semester 1 and Semester 2. Reports are posted online on the Sentral Parent Portal.
  3. Parent/Teacher interviews: held at the beginning of Term 3. This provides an opportunity for parents and carers to meet with individual teachers to discuss their child's progress. Students are welcome to attend these interviews as well.

We use a common grade scale in reporting and assessing.

Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses are assessed on achievement of competencies.

Our Stage 4 (Year 7 and 8) EXCEL elective courses are assessed on achievement in the Future Focused Learning capabilities of Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking and Creativity. 

Links