The main aim of assessment is to improve, and report on, the pupil's performance. On a continuous basis progress is measured,weaknesses are diagnosed and strengths are built upon. This assessment is communicated to parents in various forms of reporting such as discussion with parents, written reports, profiles of achievement and the results of tests or examinations.
The assessment of pupils is moving away from the awarding of marks and the reporting of pupils' performance in comparison to their peers. Newer systems measure what a pupil can do, how well a pupil can use a particular skill and how much understanding of a topic they can demonstrate. Much of the information for assessment is built up continuously by testing upon completion of a unit of work and by observation and discussion during class work.
In the first two years there is a formal examination towards the end of S2 for departments who find it necessary. Reports are issued during each year. As the National 5 - 14 initiative develops, with the identification of a progressive curriculum through from primary to S2, assessment will be recorded on an A to E scale of common definition. In line with Regional policy, National Testing in English and Mathematics will take place at appropriate times during S1/S2.
There is a further assessment of pupils in S1 and S3 using Cognitive Abilities Tests. These tests inform us of pupils’ potential, their learning strengths and weaknesses and provide us with a baseline for future teaching and monitoring.
In S3, pupils begin courses which culminate in their presentation for Standard Grades in S4. The certificate obtained takes into account performance in the examinations set by the SQA and the school's own assessment of the pupils. Similarly the national certification of modules by SQA makes use of teacher's judgements.
Assessment and Reporting Schedule
- October early warning letter S2
- October settling in report S1
- November early warning letter S3/4
- Nov / Dec preliminary exams S4
- January report S4
- February preliminary exams S5/6
- Feb/March report S5/6
- February assessments S2
- March report S2
- April / May exams S3
- May reports S1
- May reports S3
Standard Grade awards are available at three levels:
- Credit, General and Foundation, as shown below
- Credit level Grade 1 and Grade 2
- General level Grade 3 and Grade 4
- Foundation level Grade 5 and Grade 6
- The award of Grade 7 means that a pupil has completed the course.
Written reports are issued once in S3 and once in S4. The end of S3 signals an assessment of progress by formal examination in most subjects. In S4 the Preliminary Examinations are held in December. The final SQA exams commence in May. In S5 and S6 Preliminary examinations are held in February and performance is subsequently reported to parents. As the new Higher Still curriculum evolves there will be initiatives which will allow staff and parents to track pupil progress throughout the year. Advice is always available through Guidance staff.