Learning

Handbook

Assessment & Reporting

This guide explains Broadford Secondary College’s approach to assessment and reporting on student progress. The College’s approach has changed over the last few years as evidence based research has been the basis of these decisions. We are dedicated to providing up to date information about your student’s academic ability and learning behaviours. Therefore we have adjusted our assessment and reporting model to ensure that there is a clear purpose and line of communication between the College and home.

One way the College ensures a clear line of communication is through our Continuous Feedback model. In 2017 Broadford Secondary College introduced continuous feedback. The purpose of this was to provide students and their families with timely results and feedback, to encourage student learning and development throughout a semester and to engage parents in their student’s learning journey.

Advocacy & SPAC

Overview

Parents have the greatest influence on the achievement of young people through supporting their learning in the home. The support makes the maximum difference to achievement. (Harris and Goodall, 2007)

Advocacy is unique to Broadford Secondary College and was introduced back in 2006. Regular feedback to the college community has said it was one of the strengths of the school.

Students at primary school usually only had one main teacher and both the student and the parent could build a strong relationship with this teacher. In secondary school a year 7 student can have up to 13 different teachers across the year. So Broadford Secondary College introduced Advocacy to help allow a smooth transition from primary school to secondary school.

How does Advocacy work?

Your child still might have 13 different teachers across the year but they are allocated an advocate. Students have one timetabled class a fortnight with their advocate in both year 7 and year 8. The advocate usually oversees 10-12 students. In this class students do the following:

• reflect on their learning
• set goals
• learn how to use their planner
• develop a SPAC folder
• complete team building activities
• learn how to stay organised

What is the role of the advocate?

• Get to know your child (build a rapport)
• Help with organisation, welfare and personal learning
• Guide your child through their SPAC (Student Parent Advocate Conference)
• Communicate between home and school

What is SPAC?

SPAC refers to student parent advocate conference. The folder is A3 and contains the students’ best work across the semester or work they are proud of and any achievements or extra-curricular activities. Students work on the folder (portfolio) all semester until the SPAC conference.

What is a SPAC conference?

The SPAC conference occurs towards the end of term two and four. Advocates invite their avocados and parents/guardians to a 15-minute conference. The conference is a chance for the student to present their SPAC folder and talk about everything they have completed and achieved during the semester. It is meant to be a positive experience and the student is to lead the conference.

How can I support my child at home?

• Ask what your child is learning at school
• Check COMPASS to see if they have any outstanding work
• Check their bag and their books occasionally to see if they are organised.
• Each student should have one book per subject.
• Talk to your child about any issues they might be having either in the classroom or in the yard and let the advocate know.
• A newsletter goes home every second Friday, ensure you read

Homework Club