Assessment and Reporting

At Jerrabomberra High School, our teachers use a variety of strategies to assess student learning and growth.

Assessment takes place both informally and formally throughout the year. Teachers observe students’ work in class and evaluate tasks aligned with syllabus outcomes to determine achievement and progress.

Parents and carers receive a written report twice a year, providing a clear overview of their child's achievements, what they know, understand and can do.

Reporting

• Years 7–10 use the common NSW grade scale.
• Years 11–12 use the Preliminary and HSC grade scales.
• VET courses are assessed through demonstrated achievement of competencies.

Students are provided with clear information about assessment expectations and complete a range of formal assessment tasks throughout their schooling.

Standardised assessments

Students also participate in state and national assessments, including:

• 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.
• Record of School Achievement (RoSA): 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.
• Higher School Certificate (HSC): an internationally recognised qualification awarded to students who successfully complete Years 11 and 12 in NSW.

New Metrics

Jerrabomberra High School is a proud New Metrics school, partnering with the University of Melbourne and other innovative schools across Australia and New Zealand.

What is New Metrics?
New Metrics is a research–practice partnership exploring new ways to teach, assess, and report on the complex competencies that learners need to thrive both in school and in life.

What are complex competencies?
New Metrics focuses on developing complex competencies, which combine knowledge, skills, attitudes and values. These include:

• Agency in learning
• Acting ethically
• Active citizenship
• Communication
• Collaboration
• Quality thinking

These attributes are increasingly important for future study, work, and life beyond school.

What does this mean for students?
Students at Jerra High are supported to develop these competencies alongside subject knowledge. Our teaching programs are designed to help students:

• think deeply
• work collaboratively
• act with purpose
• communicate effectively

This supports them to become confident, capable and motivated learners.

Why does it matter?
Employers, universities, and communities increasingly value complex competencies. By embedding them into teaching and reporting, we are preparing our students not only for academic success - but for meaningful futures beyond school.