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.
Year 7 Assessment Schedule Booklet for 2025
Year 8 Assessment Schedule Booklet for 2025
Year 9 Assessment Schedule Booklet for 2025
Year 10 Assessment Schedule Booklet for 2025
Year 11 Assessment Schedule Booklet for 2025
Year 12 Assessment Schedule Booklet for 2025
The Year 11 and 12 Assessment policy has been updated in 2025 to reflect NESA guidelines and provide greater transparency for students and parents.
Please be sure to review the new policy. A summary of changes is available in this powerpoint.
If you are a student in Years 7-12 and are unable to attend an assessment or hand in a task on time you will need to fill in a Misadventure/Illness Form and submit it to the faculty Head Teacher with your supporting documents. The correct procedure for submitting a misadventure/illness appeal should be followed using this flowchart.
Students appealing decisions made regarding assessments in cases of malpractice or invalid tasks should use the Assessment Appeals form and follow the processes outlined in the Assessment booklet policy.
Use the Portal to see assessment dates
- Parents and Students can check on Assessment Tasks due by going to the Parent and Student Portal website.
- Instructions for Parents to register for the Portal can be found at Parent and Student Portal here on our school website.
- Students use your DEC username and password to log in to the portal.
Further information about assessment during high school
- 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.