Formal Assessment Task Policy

Seven Hills High Assessment Policy has been developed in consultation with all faculties.

All assessments should be:

• Completed on the school's proforma

• Detail task, time frame and criteria

• Notified one week in advance for all tasks in writing with the exception of Science Practical Tasks

• Notified 48 hours in advance for Science Practical Tasks in writing

• Detail the rubric to be used

• Notify that time management is an essential aspect of any assessment task

• Described in an overview of the unit at the beginning of the unit, including the number and type of assessment tasks

• In the advent of illness or misadventure a Doctors certificate needs to be supplied for all Stage 5 [Years 9 and 10] and a letter from parents for all Stage 4 assessments [Years 7 and 8].

• Late Submissions may be accepted but the student cannot receive the highest outcome detailed in the rubric. Time management is seen as an essential part of any assessment task and will be a characteristic of all rubrics. A student will be penalized a grade a day for late submission up to one week after the due date.

• For School Certificate Assessment Grades non-submission on the due date will receive a zero unless accompanied by a Doctor’s Certificate or by the Principal’s determination. This grade will be awarded after consultation with the Head Teacher.

• Late submissions one week after the due date will only be awarded an Elementary. Late submissions will not be entitled to resubmit work.

• N award letters will be sent to parents for all Stage 5 Assessment Tasks [this includes Additional [elective] subjects]. These letters will be sent for specific SC assessment tasks or at the time when Not Yet Achieved Letters are posted. The letters need to detail the specific tasks and a secondary due date.

• As Seven Hills High is focusing on Quality work and Quality educational outcomes for students, Pre-submission of tasks is acceptable.

• Resubmission is available for students who have submitted genuine efforts on the due date. This allows students to be successful and focus on producing the very best work of which they are capable. Unfortunately because of the nature of Examinations such as the Trial School Certificate, resubmission will not be possible.

• Teacher feedback is essential and will be given within 2 weeks of the due date. It will be in writing and aligned with the criteria provided to the students. Teacher’s comments should clearly show how students could further improve and demonstrate their learning. Comments, which are constructive and instructive, are essential.

• Each unit in the Vertical Curriculum will have a maximum number of five tasks per unit.

• It is desirable that Faculty Schedules for each term to be negotiated at the Executive level to eliminate overlap and stress for our students but at the same time allowing for flexibility within the faculties.

Some optional features of Assessments include:

·        Self Evaluation particularly focusing on the process of learning and strategies that might be employed by students to improve their learning outcomes

·        Notification of assessment tasks on the Internet and intranet. This is the responsibility of faculties.

·        Models provided to assist in the students understanding of the criteria.