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.
- 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.
HSC minimum standard
All adults need reading, writing and maths skills to be successful in everyday life after school. HSC students are required to show a minimum standard of literacy and numeracy to receive their Higher School Certificate (HSC) from 2020. Students need to sit short online tests of reading, writing and maths for everyday life. At Bowral High School students have their first opportunity to demonstrate the minimum standard when they are in Year 10.
For more information, visit HSC minimum standard.
Assessment Schedules
Students and Parents can view assessment schedules and upcoming assessments for their subjects using the Sentral Portal.
HSC assessment
Students studying the HSC can view our Year 12 assessment and policy guidelines for 2022/23. This provides students and their parents/carers information on how the HSC is assessed, their rights and responsibilities regarding HSc assessment and an outline of the assessment schedules for their subjects.