Assessment and reporting
Years 7-9 assessment
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 NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) syllabus outcomes, the Common Grade Scale and Determining Stage 5 grades in Year 9.
The 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 March each year. Results and student reports are released in August.
The Validation of Assessment for Learning and Individual Development (VALID) – online diagnostic science assessments for students in Year 8.
Years 10 - 12 assessment
Assessment booklets
These booklets provide an overview of the assessment program for each course at Sydney Distance Education High School, including policies and procedures that the school follows to ensure the assessment program is administered in accordance with NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) requirements.
You should also read the additional assessment information that will come to you from your teachers about the particular courses you are studying.
Years 11 and 12
If you wish to make an illness or misadventure or extraordinary circumstances application, or appeal against an assessment task result, use the following form.
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.
All students need to reach a minimum standard of functional literacy and numeracy to receive the HSC. Students must demonstrate the standard in the NESA online literacy and numeracy tests. Students can start attempting to meet these standards in Year 10. Students who need to re-sit any of these tests will be given up to four opportunities per year.
Who needs to demonstrate the HSC Minimum Standard?
If your intention is to complete the HSC in 2025 the testing needs to be completed by 28th of November 2025 to be eligible to receive your Higher School Certificate credential.
What the online tests involve
- Reading test - 45 multiple choice questions (maximum of 45 minutes)
- Numeracy test - 45 multiple choice questions (maximum of 45 minutes)
- Writing test - one question based on a visual or text prompt – maximum 500 words
The reading and numeracy tests use a computer adaptive test (CAT) model, so each test is tailored to the individual student’s responses to previous questions. The questions presented to a student closely match their ability, so no two students will receive exactly the same test.
If you require more information go to HSC minimum standard or contact Sue Cooksley on 9383 0304 or susan.cooksley@det.nsw.edu.au
Published when finalised.
- 2026 Year 12 Final Assessment Tasks Timetable
- 2026 Year 11 Final Assessment Task Timetable
Reporting to parents and carers
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.
Have a question about assessment and reporting?
Our friendly office team can help you get in touch.
Learning
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