|
Tuesday, 25 November 2008 11:17 |
|
Click the following link to see the latest installment of Hawick High School's own TV station. Click here |
|
|
Sunday, 24 August 2008 11:08 |
What a year 2007- 2008 |
|
Assessment - Questions & Answers |
|
Wednesday, 18 March 2009 18:30 |
What is assessment for?
Assessment is, first and foremost, for learning. That means that teachers use assessment to find out what pupils need to learn next in order to move forward; and pupils use it to build on their strengths and develop ways to improve. Assessment is also used to ensure that pupils choose courses which are right for them – and this comes when moving into S3 and into S5 or S6. Lastly, assessment is to gain qualifications and this is done mainly through the SQA’s exams.
How does the school assess pupils?
There are a number of ways that teachers build up a picture of a pupil: tests, homework assignments, projects, and performance in class – written, spoken (such as giving talks, answering questions, working with others) and practical.
Is the pupil involved in the assessment process?
Yes. At specific points throughout the year, pupils look over their work, identify what they have learned, what they need to work on, and ways they can improve on their learning. They then discuss this with the teacher individually or in groups. We call this personal learning planning.
Is there a record kept of the pupil’s personal learning planning?
Yes. The pupil’s Organiser has a double page for each subject. At each planning window, pupils, in consultation with their teacher, write in a summary of what they have done since the last window, and what they need to focus on for the next block of time. We would encourage you to read these and sign the bottom line of each box that your child has filled in.
Does the school send out reports?
Yes. These are of two kinds. In S1, S3 and S5/6 we send out four Tracking reports (see the specific year group page for timings). These are very brief reports indeed and are based on the belief, shared by the Parent Council, that information on progress is best given little and often. These Tracking reports need to be read together with the pupil’s planning summary in the Organiser.
In S2 and S4, we send out an Interim report in term 1 (similar to the Tracking report) and – since these are the years when choices have to be made - we send out a complete Report in term 2 with grades and teacher comments.
How does the school respond to the information in the Tracking reports?
Curriculum Principal Teachers, Guidance Teachers, and Senior Managers analyse the information given by teachers and, where pupils are not doing as well as expected, will discuss with the teacher, or when appropriate, with the pupil, how to improve the situation.
How can parents use reports to help their child’s progress?
The most helpful use of any report is to use it as basis for discussion. Each pupil will have summary of their personal learning planning for each subject in their organiser. Using these Tracking reports and the summaries in the Organiser, parents can get a picture of a pupil’s progress, strengths and areas for improvement.
What should parents do if they have concerns about Tracking or full Reports?
Contact the school and ask to discuss the situation with the pupil’s Guidance Teacher. This can then be passed on to Curriculum Principal Teachers and Teachers, and if required, a meeting can be arranged. |
|
|
|
|
Page 3 of 3 |
