Preparing for assessment

We are now past the half-way mark of the term and many students will be working towards assessment. Parents are encouraged to work with their students to develop appropriate homework and study plans – the Record Book is a helpful tool for this purpose. A Homework Study Planner is included for each term (see p.44 and 45 for Term One). A monthly or term overview for your child’s study location at home is also a good strategy.
Parents can access upcoming assessment dates for their children via Sia. Each student has a “Due Work Calendar” that shows upcoming dates for checkpoints, drafts, and exams. To access this calendar for your child in the Sia Smartphone Application please select “My Shalom” and then “Due Work”. On the webpage, an option to select Due Work will show under your child’s photograph on the home page.

Learning Area Coordinators have assigned tasks in each faculty area and class teachers adapt these to specific days/lessons when applicable. Please be aware that some tasks with multiple components may be duplicated in the Due Work Calendar.

Academic Policies and Procedures

It is important to be aware that student assessment is regulated by Shalom’s Academic Policies and Procedures which can be found in the Student Record Book from page 13 to 26. This includes issues surrounding drafting, academic integrity, and non-submission.

Flowcharts outlining the processes required for students who miss an exam or wish to request an extension are on page 15 and 16. Please be aware that extensions need to be applied for in advance of the due date. Drafts are compulsory. Non-submission of a draft may lead to a student being asked to attend a Supplementary Session on Tuesday afternoon. Of particular importance is the requirement for evidence (eg. a medical certificate) for exams missed in all year 11 and 12 subjects.

Please contact the Middle School Coordinator Megan Munckton megan_munckton@shalomcollege.com or Senior School Coordinator Larissa Scoles Larissa_Scoles@shalomcollege.com  with any questions regarding assessment submission.

NAPLAN

Year 7 and 9 students completed the last of the NAPLAN practice tests last week. This was a Writing Test undertaken in their English classes.

NAPLAN testing will take place in March on the following dates:

• Wednesday 15 March – Writing
• Friday 17 March – Reading
• Monday 20 March – Conventions of Literacy
• Wednesday 22 March – Numeracy

More detailed timetables will be published closer to the testing.

We ask that all students try their best in the testing so that we have accurate information. The results from testing are used in conjunction with other data to assess individual and cohort strengths as well as areas to improve on. We review existing initiatives and develop teaching programs to support students based on the data.

Earphones (not Bluetooth) are compulsory for NAPLAN testing. Students who present to the test session with bluetooth earphones or without earphones, will be sold a set - $6 charged to the students’ account. We urge all students to keep the earphones in their pencil case ready for testing sessions. The uniform shop has a small supply of earphones for $6. Earphones must have a 3.5mm standard jack. See images below. Wireless/bluetooth earphones (e.g. Apple air pods) are not compatible.

If you wish to withdraw your student from NAPLAN testing, please contact Megan Munckton, Middle School Coordinator, megan_munckton@shalomcollege.com

Mrs Patricia Allen
Acting Assistant Principal – Curriculum
allenp@shalomcollege.com