iServi News | 12 June 2020 | Term 2, Week 7
Assessment
As many families would be aware, our senior school students are currently completing their Semester 1 exams as part of their WACE course. We acknowledge the positive approach that students have made to their exams, particularly given the circumstances around COVID-19. We are also thankful to our dedicated staff for the industrious way that they have worked with their students in preparation for the exams.
Whilst the notion of exams does often generate feelings of stress and anxiety, we aim to promote a positive philosophy around assessment. Assessments form an important part of learning for students. Assessments provide the opportunity for students to reflect upon what they have learnt and the strategies they have adopted in learning. Assessments also support students and staff to interrogate the gaps that exist in what has been learnt.
At Servite we acknowledge the concept of ‘assessment for, of and as learning’.
Assessment ‘for’ learning is the ongoing assessment that allows teachers to monitor students on a day-to-day basis and modify their teaching based on the students’ learning requirements. Teachers “use evidence about students’ knowledge, understanding and skills to inform their teaching” (NESA 2020). Sometimes referred to as ‘formative assessment’, it “usually occurs throughout the teaching and learning process to clarify student learning and understanding” (NESA 2020). This type of assessment would involve clear goal setting, informal tasks as part of the regular classroom routine, peer and self-assessment opportunities, reflection on evidence of learning and ongoing quality feedback.
Assessment ‘of’ learning meanwhile is a ‘snapshot in time’ that lets the teacher, the student and their parents and caregivers know how effectively learning tasks and activities have been completed. It provides evidence around student achievement at a particular point in time. The information gleaned from these types of tasks can be used as an assessment ‘for’ learning opportunity, as students explore the gaps in their learning and seek quality feedback from teachers. Teachers also can adjust their teaching strategies and programs to support potential areas of growth, based upon findings of assessments.
Assessment ‘as’ learning occurs when students become their own assessors. In this instance they would monitor their own learning and decide upon which strategies to use to best support their own learning. Students explore how to use assessment information to ensure new learning and actively seek out support. Assessment ‘as’ learning supports the development of students’ metacognition skills and helps grow them into lifelong learners. Students become goal oriented, and actively use formal and informal feedback and self-assessment to help navigate the next phase of their own learning.
In utilising the different forms of assessment to assist in learning, students need to have a clear understanding of what is being learnt through an appreciation of the learning intentions and success criteria for each lesson or programme of work. Students are also encouraged to seek out support always from their teachers and peers to support their own learning. Of course, in becoming lifelong learners, we want our students to manage their own learning journey – this is one of our core goals for students. We aim to provide students with the ability to self-regulate, to be mindful of their own skills and to develop the necessary metacognition capacity to develop a sense of ownership and efficacy regarding their learning.
In supporting the growth of our students through the College, we want to best set them up for future success. We want their learning to continue as they progress into the pathway of their choice after Servite. We therefore aim to provide them with the tools and skills to allow this to happen through the provision of quality assessment opportunities ‘for’, ‘of’ and ‘as’ learning.
College Council Position
Servite currently has a position vacant on the College Council. We are seeking expressions of interest from members of our community who would like to be considered for this position. Past students of the College are warmly encouraged to apply.
As you would be aware, Servite College has a very dedicated College Council which has provided outstanding service to our school for many years. The core objective of the Council is to assist the Order of Servants of Mary (Servite Friars) in carrying out its mission as part of the mission of the Catholic Church within the context of Servite College.
Servite College Council members are people who live by the Servite spirit. They are compassionate servants who are aware and operative in creating a caring community. They model their growth in life and faith upon Mary and the Servite charism of service.
Expressions of interest should be limited to 250 words and outline how the applicant could contribute to the ongoing growth and development of our College. We are particularly interested in how the applicant could positively contribute to a College Council which promotes strong collegiality, quality communication, creativity and collaboration.
Expressions of interest should be addressed to Brother Stephen Barker OSM, Prior, Servite College Council and submitted to the College Council Assistant Mrs Kristine Moore via email to kristine.moore@servite.wa.edu.au by Friday 19 June 2020.
Candidates will be shortlisted then invited to an interview with Brother Stephen who will appoint the successful applicant.
Mr Jeff Allen
Principal