Assessing and Reporting

Our Assessment Process

Our teachers use a range of strategies to assess student learning, such as observing classwork and reviewing tasks completed throughout the year.

Twice a year, teachers formally assess each student’s progress against the outcomes outlined in the syllabus for each subject. A written report, using the common grade scale, is sent home mid-year (usually at the end of Term 2) and again at the end of Term 4. These reports provide a clear overview of your child’s learning and achievement.

Common Grade Scale

The student demonstrates extensive knowledge of content and understanding of course concepts, and applies highly developed skills and processes in a wide variety of contexts. In addition, the student demonstrates creative and critical thinking skills using perceptive analysis and evaluation. The student effectively communicates complex ideas and information.
The student demonstrates thorough knowledge of content and understanding of course concepts, and applies well-developed skills and processes in a variety of contexts. In addition, the student demonstrates creative and critical thinking skills using analysis and evaluation. The student clearly communicates complex ideas and information.
The student demonstrates expected knowledge of content and understanding of course concepts, and applies skills and processes in a range of familiar contexts. In addition, the student demonstrates skills in selecting and integrating information and communicates relevant ideas in an appropriate manner.
The student demonstrates a basic knowledge of content and understanding of course concepts, and applies skills and processes in some familiar contexts. In addition, the student demonstrates skills in selecting and using information and communicates ideas in a descriptive manner.
The student demonstrates an elementary knowledge of content and understanding of course concepts, and applies some skills and processes with guidance. In addition, the student demonstrates elementary skills in recounting information and communicating ideas.
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Passport for Learning

For students in the Support Unit, an inclusive assessment approach - Passport for Learningis used to monitor and assess learning progress within seven categories across four main domains including Cognitive, Receptive, Expressive and Social Skills.

The Passport for learning was developed to ensure learning is scaffolded for all students, especially those needing support to establish strong language skills.

Passport for learning consists of four learning domains, known as CRES (Cognitive, Receptive, Expressive and Social skills). There are 7 colour groupings which outline the main focus for each of the different groups students may fit into when the observations and assessment has been completed. The Passport groups are Awareness, Anticipation, Intentional, Imitation First/then, Categorisation, Simple problem solving and Simple critical thinking.

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Assessments Throughout the Year

At Milperra Public School, students will undergo regular school-based and mandatory Department of Education assessments to track their academic progress, identify areas of strength and areas needing improvement, and tailor teaching strategies to support individual learning needs. These assessments provide valuable data that help teachers monitor student growth over time, inform classroom instruction, and ensure students are meeting curriculum standards.

Milperra PS Assessments

Literacy:

  • InitiaLit + SpellEx - Progress Monitoring & Cumulative Reviews
  • Comprehension Assessments
  • Writing Assessments
  • Reading Fluency Checks
  • PM Benchmarking

Numeracy:

  • Pre-test & Post tests
  • InitialMaths Assessing (K-1)
Department Assessments

  • Best Start Kindergarten Assessment:
    Conducted at the start of Kindergarten to assess children’s early literacy and numeracy skills.

  • Phonics Screening Check:
    Administered to Year 1 students to assess their understanding of phonics, supporting early reading development.

  • NAPLAN (National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy):
    Held annually for students in Years 3 and 5, assessing reading, writing, language conventions, and numeracy.

  • Check-In Assessments:

    An annual online assessment for students in Years 3 to 9 focusing on reading and numeracy, with an additional writing task for Year 6 students. This guides teaching by identifying student performance.

  • Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT):
    Used in many schools to assess literacy and numeracy skills across primary year levels.

  • Opportunity Class and Selective High School Placement Tests:

    Optional placement tests for Year 4 (entering Year 5) and Year 6 (entering Year 7) students seeking entry into opportunity classes or selective high schools.

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NSW Department of Education Annual Assessment Dates

For more information regarding NSW Department of Education mandatory annual assessment dates, please visit Assessment Dates.

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