As we approach the end of term, it is an important time in our reporting and assessment cycle with written reports going home on the last day of term.
In the past, there has been some confusion around the grading of our students. This can cause quite a lot of anxiety amongst students and families alike when at times it may not be warranted, particularly around the allocation of a ‘C’ grade.
Please read the information below as outlined in the ‘Department for Education — Written Reports for Primary and Secondary Students — Parent Information’ document. Please also speak to your child’s teacher should you require any further information regarding their educational progress.
Teachers plan, teach, assess and report students’ learning using the Australian Curriculum. The Australian Curriculum sets high standards for what all young Australians should be taught and what they should know and be able to do as they progress through school. Each learning area has achievement standards. These standards describe in plain language what students should typically know, understand and be able to do, by the end of each year level.
You are encouraged to read through the standards for each subject area and year level, and when students are expected to achieve them, on the Australian Curriculum website: www.australiancurriculum.edu.au. The website also includes helpful examples of student work at different levels of achievement.
What do A-E grades mean?
A–E grades or word equivalents are used by teachers to report students’ achievement against the Australian Curriculum achievement standards. The grades describe a range of achievement from minimal to excellent.
The following table describes each grade in words:
| In relation to the achievement standard, your child … | |
| A | is demonstrating excellent achievement of what is expected at this year level. |
| B | is demonstrating good achievement of what is expected at this year level. |
| C | is demonstrating satisfactory achievement of what is expected at this year level. |
| D | is demonstrating partial achievement of what is expected at this year level. |
| E | is demonstrating minimal achievement of what is expected at this year level. |
• An ‘A’ grade indicates that the student has shown a thorough knowledge and understanding of a topic and can apply that information in unfamiliar situations.
• Typically a ‘C’ grade means a student is achieving what is expected of them at that point in their learning. This is a considerable achievement because of the high expectations built in to the achievement standards.
• An ‘E’ grade means the student is just beginning to work towards the achievement standard.