Assessment and Reporting
- Student Assessment and Reports
- Appeals
- Parent Teacher Meetings
- Year 10 Certificate
- Information Communication Technologies
- High School Record
- References
- College Enrolment
- Homework
- The ACT Assessment Program (ACTAP)
Student Assessment and Reports
All aspects of students’ work are considered for assessment.
Individual student reports are prepared twice a year, in June and December. These semester reports provide detailed information on each student’s achievement level of the learning outcomes for individual courses as well as outcomes related to participation and organisation. For students in all years, grades (A - E) are awarded for each subject studied. More detailed assessment procedures are given in the course outlines for each area.
At the commencement of each unit of study, students are given a unit outline, which has precise details of unit outcomes, content, excursions, equipment needed and assessment requirements.
In addition, all students receive a Progress Report twice a year (at the end of terms 1 and 3), which comments on achievement and attitude in all courses. Parents are given an indication of any specific concerns and invited to meet with teachers at parent-teacher meetings, or by phone or email contact.
All reports are issued personally to the students to take home.
Appeals
Students may lodge an appeal against any grade if they or their parents believe that the grade awarded is incorrect. In the first instance, they should speak with the classroom teacher to resolve the problem. If this is unsuccessful they may discuss the problem with the executive teacher of the faculty. The Principal may set up an Appeals Panel to consider the appeal if these measures have been unsuccessful.
Parent - Teacher Meetings
One scheduled Parent Teacher Night is held each year, usually in the last week of term 1. Prior to this Parent Teacher meeting, students are issued with Progress Reports, giving an indication of achievement and effort in all courses studied. Parents of students who receive reports identifying the need for remedial action are strongly urged to attend the Parent Teacher meeting so that appropriate action may be discussed. A booking sheet for the scheduled Parent Teacher meeting is included with the Progress Report and sent home with students. This gives parents the opportunity to book interviews with the teachers whom they wish, or have been requested, to consult.
At the end of term 3, each student and their parents/carers attend a half hour interview to plan future learning. At this three way interview the student, teacher and parents/carers will review the year to date but more importantly identify future learning needs and set goals in the areas of academic and social success.
Year 10 Certificate
An ACT Year 10 Certificate is awarded to each student who completes four years of schooling beyond Year 6 level, and who has satisfactory conduct, attendance and progress. These conditions are requirements determined by the ACT Department of Education and Training.
The Year 10 Certificate lists the grades awarded in all courses undertaken in Years 9 and 10 at Melrose High School. The school accompanies this with a portfolio containing school awards received and additional information about the student's extracurricular activities, such as participation in sporting teams, competitions, school musicals, Peer Support Leadership Program and the SRC.
Information Communication Technology Competencies
Throughout Years 9 and 10 students are given opportunities in all learning areas to demonstrate their competence with the ICTCs. At the end of Year 10, if students have demonstrated proficiency with all 15 competencies they will receive a certificate for the Information and Communication Technologies Competencies. Students who attain competencies in less than 15 competencies will receive a statement indicating the competencies they have achieved. Information is circulated throughout the year to students and parents.
High School Record
The High School Record is available to Year 9 and 10 students who leave the school before the end of Year 10. All Year 9 and 10 semester results are placed on this record, which is a statement of academic attainment.
References
As the majority of Year 10 students continue their studies at local colleges, school references are only provided for those students who are seeking full time employment. Students who want a reference must apply through the Student Services Coordinator using a special reference form. If, at a later date, students require a reference, application can be made to the Student Services Coordinator.
College Enrolment
Students in Year 10 planning to move on to Year 11 must select a college for their post Year 10 studies. Completion of an online enrolment form must be done before the advertised cut off date, usually towards the end of term 2. Once this form has been submitted, students are advised of their college placements. Students who have been granted placement in the college of their choice must then formally accept this offer.
Homework
Homework is any schoolwork that is required to be completed outside of normal class time. The purpose of homework is to:
- encourage students to organise their own time in relation to school work
- develop and encourage sound study habits
- develop student interest in various subjects
- provide reinforcement for work done at school
- develop the concept that learning takes many forms and does not occur only in the classroom.
Melrose High School believes that homework is an integral part of a student’s school study program.
The ACT Assessment Program (ACTAP)
This program involves all students in Years 7 and 9 completing a range of assessment tasks to provide information on their level of literacy and numeracy compared to all ACT students in the same year group. The testing usually occurs during the first week of August at the school. Individual student ACTAP reports are distributed at the end of the year.
