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Hunter School of the Performing Arts

Hunter School of the Performing Arts

PERFORMING AT OUR BEST

Telephone02 4952 3355

Emailhuntperfor-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Information regarding Assessments & Reporting

Assessments and Reporting

 

Information Regarding Assessments & Reporting.

Dear Parents and Students

I am writing to let you know the school plans with respect to student assessment and reporting.

The change in the nature and delivery of teaching and learning during this period means that there will need to be alterations in some areas. It should also be noted that some subjects – especially those that use specialised technology, have large practical/performance components or mandate group/collaborative work – are more impacted than others.

Please note that our school holds the health and wellbeing of our students as the highest priority. We recognise that a world of rapid change and uncertainty can bring anxiety and difficulties in adjusting to new challenges. Our school will take account of the individual circumstances of students whose assessments are adversely affected. This process occurs through the illness/misadventure process, available on the HSPA website under ‘forms and notifications’. Students needing help submitting the necessary documentation should seek the assistance of their classroom teacher.

 

The current position is:

  • NESA advises that Years 11 and 12 students should continue as ‘normal’ and announced on 24th March that the HSC is going ahead. However, schools have been given more flexibility with the number, weighting and timing of assessment tasks. Faculties will make the adjustments just as soon as more clarification comes from NESA, who will meet tomorrow. I will let you know as soon as we are informed about their decisions. It is likely that significant changes will need to be made with respect to practical/major works, etc.
  • For Years 7 – 10, assessment tasks that are due in Term 1 still stand. We know the effort and hard work so many of our students have made with these and it is important that we recognise their efforts through our assessment processes.
  • Assessments for Term 2 for years 3 – 12 are being reviewed, and planning for a variety of possible scenarios considered. For example, if online learning extends significantly into Term 2 it will be more meaningful to use formative assessment (teachers assessing work of students and their learning progress during timetabled classes) rather than summative assessments (formal examinations).
  • Any changes to assessments will have implications for school reports. For example, some outcomes may not be reported upon and others have greater weight. Each faculty/subject will make the necessary adjustments.
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General Comment

It is impressive how so many students have adapted to the new and unusual learning circumstances. One of the aims of schooling is to assist students in their educational maturation, where success is measured by their progress from being dependant to independent learners. A positive outcome of the current arrangement is that so many students are exhibiting this growth.

May I conclude by thanking parent/caregivers for the support of your children’s learning and the support of our school’s aim to continue to provide an enjoyable and rigorous education.

Warm regards,

Jo