Years 7-9

Years 7-9

Assessing student achievement is the process of collecting information on student performance in relation to the objectives and outcomes of a course. The type of assessment tool depends on the outcomes being assessed and the learning needs of individual students. 

Assessment is standards referenced and has two components: 

• what students are expected to learn, specified by the NESA syllabus
• how well they have achieved, described by the NESA A-E grade scale

At SDEHS Years 7-9 students are assessed in their course work and, in some courses only, assessment tasks.

• All assessment and reporting is based on syllabus outcomes, the Common Grade Scale (also known as General Performance Descriptors), and Stage 5 subject-specific course performance descriptors (Year 9).
• Weekly course work is graded against the descriptors. This grading identifies the maximum level of achievement that can be demonstrated in that work. All teachers are aware of the level of work that they set for students.
• Samples of student work are kept and compared to those provided on the Assessment Resource Centre website to clarify the standards described in the descriptors. 
• Reports are issued mid-course and end-course. Teachers make professional on-balance judgements to decide which grade description best matches the standards the student has achieved. Teacher judgement takes into account both the grade level of the work completed and how well the work has been completed.

Common grade scales

A

The student has an extensive knowledge and understanding of the content and can readily apply this knowledge. In addition, the student has achieved a very high level of competence in the processes and skills and can apply these skills to new situations.

B

The student has a thorough knowledge and understanding of the content and a high level of competence in the processes and skills. In addition, the student is able to apply this knowledge and these skills to most situations.

C

The student has a sound knowledge and understanding of the main areas of content and has achieved an adequate level of competence in the processes and skills.

D

The student has a basic knowledge and understanding of the content and has achieved a limited level of competence in the processes and skills.

E

The student has an elementary knowledge and understanding in few areas of the content and has achieved very limited competence in some of the processes and skills.

Descriptors

NESA Common Grade Scale

NESA Course Performance Descriptors - go to index page for the specific course.