Our teachers use a variety of strategies to assess student learning.
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.
Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses are assessed on achievement of competencies.
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.
- National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) – reading, writing, language conventions (spelling, punctuation and grammar) and numeracy tests for students in Years 7 and 9. The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) holds the tests in May each year. Results and student reports are released in August.
- Validation of Assessment for Learning and Individual Development (VALID) – online diagnostic science assessments for students in Year 8. Some schools also choose to sit the tests in Year 10.
- The Record of School Achievement (RoSA) is awarded to eligible students who leave school before completing their Higher School Certificate. The RoSA records a student’s grades between the end of Year 10 and when they leave school.
- The Higher School Certificate (HSC) is an internationally recognised qualification awarded to students who successfully complete Years 11 and 12 in NSW.
- Some students may apply for placement in a selective high school. For more information, visit selective high schools and opportunity classes.
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.
Twice a year teachers also assess each student's achievements based on the outcomes described in the syllabuses of each subject.
A written report using the common grade scale is completed to give you a clear picture of your child's achievements. Reports are printed and provided to parents at the Parent Teacher Evenings held twice a year. Parents who are unable to attend can also collect the written reports from the school office. Written reports from previous semesters are published and made available to students and parents through the Mount Austin High School Student and Parent Portal. Your child can show you how to login to this site.
We provide detailed information to students about what is expected from them throughout the year and how their work will be assessed.
Students have a number of assessments in high school:
All students in Years 7 and 9 sit for four tests in May that are known as the National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN). NAPLAN assesses students' skills in numeracy, reading, writing, spelling, punctuation and grammar.
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 the tests.
- VALID Science - for Year 8 students.
- Higher School Certificate - Years 11-12 students complete courses applicable for this assessment.
Parent - teacher meetings
You will be given a formal opportunity to discuss your child's progress at a parent-teacher meeting. However, if you have any concerns, don't wait for a parent-teacher meeting. Please make an appointment to discuss these concerns as they arise with the relevant teacher.
If you need an interpreter, ask us to call the interpreter service on 13 14 50. This service is free.
Related information
- Learning at our school
- Mount Austin High School Student and Parent Portal
- Curriculum, assessing and reporting to parents K-12 policy
- What is NAPLAN? video (also in community languages)
- NAPLAN parent information (also in community languages)
- Written reports (also in community languages)
- Written reports for English as a second language students (also in community languages)
- Assessment resource centre