robert townson high school year 8 assessment booklet

Year 8 Assessment Booklet 2021

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Robert Townson High School

Year 8 Assessment Booklet

2021


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Table of contents

Section One – School Assessment

Principal’s Introduction 3 Purpose Of Assessment 4 School Responsibilities 4 Faculty Responsibilities 5 Student Responsibilities 6

Section Two – Course Overviews And Assessment Tasks

English 7 Human Society And It’s Environment: - History (per semester) - Geography (per semester)

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Music 10 Mathematics 11 Science 12 Personal Development, Health and Physical Education 13 Technology Mandatory (rotations) 15 Visual Arts (rotations) 16

Section Three – Application Forms

Application For Special Consideration 17 Application For Special Provisions 19


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Principal’s Introduction

This booklet will assist Year 8 students and their parents/carers to understand the school-based assessment requirements in 2020. Outlined in this booklet is the school’s assessment policy and information about the responsibilities of the school, faculties and students when completing course assessment.

Year 8 students will complete a range of assessments in 2020 including formal assessment tasks and a range of ongoing, continuous assessment completed as part of their learning in each subject.

Both students and parents should read this booklet carefully to ensure they are aware of procedures for:

- Missing an assessment task due to illness or personal circumstances.

- Submitting an assessment task late (i.e. after the due date)

- Not making a serious attempt during an assessment task

- Disrupting an assessment task

- Copying someone else's work and submitting it as your own

We encourage all students to complete work by the due date, including homework tasks issued by their classroom teachers. This will help students to develop skills in organisation and time management to prepare them for the later years of high school.

If a student is experiencing difficulty completing a task, they are encouraged to talk to their classroom teacher before the due date to seek assistance. Alternatively, parents/carers are also able to contact the school and speak with teachers.

The school Homework Centre also operates each Wednesday and Thursday afternoon, from 3.00pm to 4.30pm. All students have the opportunity to attend and receive one on one assistance from our dedicated teaching staff if they need it.

Students will receive a copy of this booklet at the start of Term 1, when staff will also explain how to use the booklet. A copy of this booklet is also available on the school's website, should the paper copy be misplaced.

If additional questions arise or support for a student is required throughout the year, we encourage parents/carers to contact the school on 9824-7777. Below are the relevant members of staff for this year group:

Year Adviser Ms Emma Jones Deputy Principal Year 8 Mrs Emma Townsend (Relieving)

Head Teacher Welfare Mrs Erin Griffiths (Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri) Ms Mary-Jo Hernandez (Wednesdays)

Best of luck for this year at Robert Townson High School.

Luke Farthing

Principal (Relieving)


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Stage Four Assessment Policy

- The Purpose of Assessment

Year 8 students will complete assessment tasks as part of their studies in each subject. Assessment allows students to show their knowledge and understanding in a variety of ways and reflects both their achievement and improvement over time.

Students' marks are to be tallied at the end of each semester or rotation and a final mark for each course out of 100 is determined for reporting purposes each semester.

This mark is then used to assign grades on student reports using this grade distribution table as a guide:

School Assessment Responsibilities:

1. Each faculty will set a maximum number of four assessment tasks for their subject that are outlined to students at the start of the year in the Year 8 Assessment Booklet. Written notification of each specific task is provided to students by teachers at least a fortnight before the task. This notification will explain what the task involves, the weighting of the task, due date and details on how the task will be marked (marking criteria).

2. Class work may also be used for assessment purposes and could include informal class tasks, homework tasks, bookwork, exercises and collaborative/group work. It should not include: marks for neatness of bookwork, marks based on student attendance and observation/participation marks.

3. Assessment tasks will be returned to students with marks and feedback, once a task has been completed.

This is will be within a two week period and could include marker's notes, oral feedback and individual written feedback.

4. For speaking, performance and presentation tasks, individuals/groups will be selected at random to set

the order of presentation. All students should be prepared to present on the first day of the task to ensure fairness.

5. If a student is concerned about a mark they have received, they should speak to the teacher who marked

the task. If there is still concern, the Head Teacher of the subject should be approached. If the issue cannot be resolved, the student can appeal to the Assessment and Reporting team for review.

6. Parents/carers will be informed in writing by the school if their child receives a zero mark in an

assessment task or exam, clearly explaining the reasons for the mark of zero. Letters of concern may also be sent if a student is not submitting work or is causing concern in the classroom.

A 85 – 100 B 70 – 84 C 45 – 69 D 30 – 44 E 0 – 20


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Faculty Assessment Responsibilities:

1. Provide students with an assessment task outline at least two weeks before the task due date, using the school-wide assessment task proforma. This will include details such as task description, weighting, outcomes assessed, a marking rubric and a due date. It should clearly explain what students are required to do to demonstrate their learning.

2. All students should sign for receipt of assessment tasks on the Assessment Task record sheet. A hard copy should be retained by each faculty.

3. If a due date is changed, faculties will inform students in writing.

4. Notify parents of zero marks or other concerns with a student's assessment task within two weeks of the task. e.g. copying another student's work, disruption of an task.

5. Ensure consistency and fairness in the assessment task process. Teachers are not to arrange for students

to complete tasks early due to vacation/ holiday leave or estimate marks in these situations.

6. Retain a student sample (low/mid/high) for each formal assessment task:

- Common/Year Tasks - 3 samples of each range - Class/Small Cohort Tasks - 1 sample of each range

7. It is the Head Teacher's responsibility to ensure task dates are set in Term 1 and added to the School

calendar on Sentral. Failure to submit tasks dates may result in tasks being unable to run on preferred date due to calendar clashes.

8. All tasks should be based on the skills and content that has been explicitly taught and developed in class. All tasks should have clear links to course outcomes that are also reflected in faculty teaching programs and registers.

9. It is the Head Teachers' responsibility to oversee the review of assessment tasks each year to ensure their

academic rigour and currency with NESA requirements.


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Student Assessment Responsibilities:

1. Students absent from assessment tasks completed in class on a due date will receive zero marks unless they have a medical illness or an extenuating personal circumstance. If a student misses a task, they should complete the forms provided in this booklet and submit them to the Head Teacher of the subject the next day at School.

2. If a student misses an assessment task, they should be prepared to sit the task on the day they return to School. If a student's reason for absence is accepted, then the Head Teacher may set the same task (provided that this does not disadvantage other students) or set an alternate task. In exceptional circumstances, the Principal or Deputy Principal may direct that an estimate be given.

3. If an assessment task involves handing in an assignment/task, students must hand this on the due date at the start of the timetabled period. If a student submits a task late, without a request for special consideration, they will lose marks accordingly:

One day late 25% mark reduction Two days late 50% mark reduction Submitted after two days A mark of zero is awarded

4. Students who anticipate that they will be absent on the date of a task (e.g. when involved in representative sport,

religious holiday, festival etc.) must notify their teacher at least three days in advance, in writing, countersigned by a parent or guardian. If the student misses a task because of a participation in a school program or medical reason, a request for special consideration must be submitted.

5. Students absent for long periods due to illness for exams or assessment tasks should ring the school, and then submit a completed request for special consideration with a medical certificate to the Front Office.

6. In exceptional circumstances of medical or family emergencies, and where documentation is provided, a student

may apply for an extension through the 'Request for Special Consideration' form.

7. Vacation leave is not considered exempt leave by the Department of Education, Students who are absent from an in-class task will receive zero marks. Any assignments must be submitted before the student leaves or a mark of zero will also be awarded.

8. Students must ensure work submitted is their own, original work. If working in a group this must be the group's

original work. No student should copy another student's work, ask another student to complete a task for them or present work they obtain from external sources as their own e.g. tutor's work, internet, past student work. Students who do so will receive a mark of zero. If this occurs, parents will be notified via a letter of concern.

9. Students must behave appropriately during assessment tasks and exams and follow teacher instructions. Using

mobile phones, disrupting others and cheating will be referred to the Head Teacher who may award a mark of zero.

10. Students must make a serious attempt at all tasks. This means: - attempting the majority of questions and sections of an exam paper/ task - avoiding inappropriate, off task comments and / or drawings.

11. Teachers will inform absent students of assessment information, but students who are absent when assessment information is handed out are responsible for finding out that information.


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Year 8 English

Course Overview:

Term Content/Topic Term 1, 2021 Australian Identity - Fiction, non-fiction and poetry Term 2, 2021 Conflict - Non-fiction, media and drama Term 3, 2021 Genre Study (fantasy) - Fiction, film and drama Term 4, 2021 Media Mind Games - Non-fiction and media

Assessment Overview:

Components Weighting Assessment – based on two per semester 50% Classwork – based on selected outcomes each semester 50% TOTAL 100%

Assessment Schedule:

Task Topic Outcomes Description Format Weight Term/Week

1 Be Heard – Poem 1, 5, 7 Speaking task with visual presentation

Submit and present in class

20% T1 W8

2 Reading Task

1, 2, 9 Multiple choice reading task and creative writing

In class 15%

T2 W4 Writing Task 15%

3 Writing Task 4, 6 Creative writing based on stimulus In class 20% T3 W4

4 Listening Task

3, 8 Multiple choice reading task and creative writing

In class 15%

T4 W4 Reading Task 15%


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Year 8 History

Course Overview:

Term Content/Topic

Term 1 or 3 Overview and Depth Study 4: The Western and Islamic World - The Vikings Depth Study 6: Expanding Conflicts -The Spanish Conquest Of The Americas

Term 2 or 4 Depth Study 6: Expanding Conflicts - The Spanish Conquest Of The Americas Depth Study 5: The Asia-Pacific World - Japan Under The Shoguns



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All Topics Depth Studies 4 - 6

HT4-2, HT4-3, HT4-4, HT4-5, HT4-6, HT4-7, HT4-8, HT4-9, HT4-10 HTLS-2, HTLS-3, HTLS-4, HTLS-5, HTLS-6, HTLS-7, HTLS-8, HTLS-9, HTLS-10, HTLS-11, HTLS-12, HTLS-13

Continuous formative assessment: bookmarks (20%) and numeracy (20%)

In class 40% Ongoing

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All Topics Depth Studies 4 - 6

HT4-2, HT4-3, HT4-6, HT4-8, HT4-9, HT4-10 HTLS-3, HTLS-4, HTLS-5, HTLS-8, HTLS-10, HTLS-11, HTLS-12, HTLS-13

Research Assignment Submit 30% T1 or T3

W5

3 Depth Study 6

HT4-2, HT4-3, HT4-4, HT4-6, HT4-7, HT4-10 HTLS-2, HTLS-3, HTLS-4, HTLS-5, HTLS-6, HTLS-8, HTLS-9, HTLS-13

Historical Skills (source analysis and writing responses)

Exam 30% T2 or T2


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Year 8 Geography

Course Overview:

Term Content/Topic Term 1 or 3 Water In The World Term 2 or 4 Interconnections



1 All Topics

GE4-1, GE4-2, GE4-3, GE4-5, GE4-7, GE4-8 GELS-1, GELS-2, GELS-3, GELS-4, GELS-5, GELS-7, GELS-8

Continuous formative assessment: bookmarks (10%), numeracy skills (15%) and literacy writing (15%)

In class 40% Ongoing

2 Water In The World


Research Assignment Submit 30% T1 or T3

W8

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Water In The World AND Interconnections


Historical Skills (source analysis and writing responses)

Exam 30% T2 or T4


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Year 8 Music

Course overview

Term 1 Elements of Music/Instruments of the Orchestra/Keyboard Term 2 Instruments of Rock/Guitar Term 3 Styles of Rock/Acid Music Studio Version 10 (Composition/Arranging) Term 4 Film Music

Assessment Schedule

Task Description Weight Outcomes Date

1 Practical Tasks 40% 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.12 Ongoing Terms 1-4

2 Composition 20% 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.12 Term 3

3 Classwork/Bookwork 20% 4.9, 4.10, 4.11 Term 2 and 4

4 Listening Tasks 20% 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 4.12 Term 2 and 4


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Year 8 Mathematics

Course Overview

Term 1 Equations, Percentages, Financial Mathematics Term 2 Length and Area (Circles), Volume

Term 3 Ratios and Rates, Geometrical Figures 2 Pythagora’s Theorem, Probablity

Term 4 Data Collection and Representation Data Analysis

Assessment Schedule

Task

Topic Outcomes Description Format Weight Date

1 Equations, Percentages, Financial Mathematics

MA4-10NA MA4-SNA MA4-6NA

Exam In class 20% T1, W10

2 Length and Area Volume

MA4-12MG MA4-13MG MA4-14MG

Assignment Submit 15% T2

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Ratio and Rates Geometrical Figures 2 Pythagoras Theorem Probability

MA4-7NA MA4-17MG MA4-16MG MA4-21SP

Exam In class 20% T3, W10

4 Data Collection and Representation Data Analysis

MA4-19SP MA4-20SP Exam In class 15% T4, W8

5 All content Above outcomes

Summative assessment In class 30% Ongoing

All topics involve the Working Mathematically outcomes: MA4-WM, MA4-2WM, MA4-3WM


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Year 8 Science

Course Overview:

Term Content/Topic

Term 1 Invisible World Busy Bodies

Term 2 To Infinity and Beyond Snap, Crackle and Pop

Term 3 May The Force Be With You Life Cycles

Term 4 Rock The World Resources

NESA Requirements

Components Weighting Knowledge And Understanding Of Science 50% Skills In Working Scientifically 50% Total 100%


Task Topic Outcomes Description Format Weighting Term/Week

1 Working Scientifically Outcomes

WS5, WS6, WS7 Practical

In class with lab and desk work

15% T1

2 First Two Topics

LW2, LW3, LW4, WS4, WS5, WS7, WS8, WS9

Half yearly exam In class exam 20% T2

3 Working Scientifically Outcomes

CW1, CW3, CW4, PW3, PW4, ES1, ES3, WS4, WS5, WS6, WS7, WS9

Student Research

Submit report 15% T3

4 Topics three to five

CW1, CW3, CW4, PW3, PW4, ES1, ES3, WS4, WS5, WS7, WS8, WS9

Homework, Science Literacy and Numeracy Tasks

In class Take home Submit

30% Ongoing


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Year 8 PDHPE

Course Overview:

Term Content/Topic

Term 1 Theory: Food and Nutrition Practical: Court Games

Term 2 Theory: Mental Health and Wellbeing Practical: Team Games

Term 3 Theory: Risk Taking Practical: Striking Games

Term 4 Theory: Relationships Practical: Invasive Games

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) develops the knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes important for students to take positive action to protect and enhance their own and others’ health, safety and wellbeing in varied and changing contexts. Physical education is fundamental to the acquisition of movement skills and concepts to enable students to participate in a range of physical activities- confidently, competently and creatively.


Task Topic Outcomes Description Format Weighting Term/Week

1 Food and Nutrition and TEL

PD4-2, PD4-6, PD4-7, PD4-8.

Online topic test In class exam 50% T1, W10

2 Court Games and PEL

PD4-4, PD4-5, PD4-10

Variety of practical assessments

Practical activities 50% Ongoing

3 Risk Taking and TEL

PD4-1, PD4-2, PD4-6, PD4-9 Online topic test In class exam 50% T3, W10

4 Striking Games and PEL

PD4-4, PD4-5, PD4-10

Variety of practical assessments

Practical activities 50% Ongoing

Spec

ial N

ote

The theory assessment elements will comprise of two distinct parts. A ‘Unit Assessment’ – Part A and a ‘Theory Engagement Level’ (TEL) – Part B. There is no specified due date for TEL as it comprises of formative assessments. This takes into consideration the engagement level of the student throughout the entire semester. Refer to individual theory assessment notification for further details.

The assessment format for practical elements also comprises of two distinct parts. A ‘Unit Assessment’ – Part A and a Practical Engagement Level (PEL) – Part B. PEL measures a student’s ongoing participation and skill level in a variety of movements and performances over the entire semester.


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PDHPE Uniform Policy. The PDHPE department regards sports uniform as an integral part of practical activities because: it symbolises equality among students it demonstrates mutual respect it shows affiliation to the school it is more hygienic All students are required to wear the prescribed sports uniform correctly during all practical lessons in PDHPE, Physical Activity and Sports Studies (Yr9 & Yr10), Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation (Yr11 & Yr12) and when representing the school. PDHPE Uniform Regulations The full sport uniform must be worn to participate in every practical lesson. The uniform should not be worn at any other time, unless it is the relevant sports day (Monday) for that

student. When the uniform cannot be worn (for a legitimate reason), parents/guardians are asked to notify the teacher

in writing with a signed note. The note should be dated, signed and with a contact number provided. This note must then be handed to the teacher before the lesson.

If clothes are wet or lost, the student may wear an appropriate alternative uniform for that lesson. A note to explain why the uniform cannot be worn must be presented to their class teacher.

The sport uniform must not be worn before school, to school or prior to a practical lesson. All students must change back into the correct school uniform at the end of the practical lesson. Uniform Expectations There are clear and methodical consequences if students do not meet the expectations of the PDHPE uniform

policy. The PDHPE staff have been instructed to follow the PDHPE Uniform Disciplinary Policy when dealing with students that fail to meet PDHPE uniform regulations.

PDHPE elective classes (SLR and PASS) - Students who repeatedly do not participate on a regular basis will put themselves at risk of not meeting the course outcomes for their respective subject. Class teacher to administer N-AWARD procedures for not fulfilling practical course outcomes.

PDHPE Safety Considerations Sunscreen is always available from the PDHPE department for all outdoor lessons and activities. Appropriate running (non-slip) shoes need to be worn. The purpose being to support the student's feet and

ankles, as slip-on shoes do not achieve these requirements. For safety reasons, students will not be permitted to participate whilst wearing jewellery or incorrect

footwear.

Should you have any concerns or enquiries regarding the PDHPE uniform policy, please feel free to contact your student’s class teacher or the Head Teacher of PDHPE.


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Year 8 Technology Mandatory

Course Overview:

The study of Technology Mandatory in Years 7-8 enables students to become responsible users of technologies and designer solutions. Through the practical application of knowledge and understanding, students develop skills in the safe use of a range of technologies to design, produce and evaluate solutions to identified needs and opportunities.

Term Content/Topic

Term 1 – Term 4 Home Economics - E Textiles Mixed Materials/ Digital Technologies

Term 1 – Term 4 Industrial Arts - My Boom Box Digital Technologies/ Mixed Materials

Term 1 – Term 4 Home Economics - Buddha Bowl Agriculture and Food Technologies

Term 1 – Term 4 Industrial Arts - Robotics Engineering Systems



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Buddha Bowl Agriculture and Food Technologies

TE4-1DP, TE4- 2DP, TE4-3DP, TE4-SAG, TE4-6FO, TE4-10TS TELS-1DP, TELS- 2DP, TELS-3DP, TELS-4DP, TELS-6AG, TELS- 7FO, TELS-11

Theory and practical components

Theory (10%): Complete in- class work booklet. Practical (15%): Buddha Bowl Photograph Promotional advertisement

25% T1 – 4, W13

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E Textiles

Mixed Material/ Digital Technology

TE4-1DP, TE4-2DP TE4-3DP, TE4-9MA TE4-10TS TELS-1DP, TELS-2DP, TELS-3DP, TELS-4OP, TELS-l 0M A, TELS-11TS


Theory (10%): In- class E Folio.

Practical (15%): Up-cycle a textiles item using inputs and outputs and an Arduino Lilly pad board. Program the board using C++ Coding.

25% T1 – T4 W13

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My Boom Box Mixed Materials

TE4 2DP, TE4 3DP, TE4 9MA, TE4 1OTS TELS-1DP, TELS-2DP, TELS-3DP, TELS-4DP, TELS-10MA, TELS-11TS


Theory (10%): Electronic Portfolio Practical (15%]: Practical Task of MP3 Speaker

25% Term 1-4 W13

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Robotics

Engineered Systems Digital Technologies

TE4-1DP, TE4- 20P, TE4-3DP, TE4- 8EN, TE4-9M A, TE4- l0TS TELS-lDP, TELS-2DP, TELS-3DP, TELS-4DP, TELS- 9EN, TELS- l0MA, TELS-11TS


Theory (10%): Complete a Design Folio Practical (15%): Construct a Robotic Car

25% T4, W13


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Year 8 Visual Arts

Course overview

Term 1 Practical Tasks/Folio Of Artworks Term 2 Written Tasks Term 3 Visual Arts Diary/Classwork

Assessment Schedule

Task Component Outcomes Task Description Format Weight Term/Week

1 Folio Of Artworks 4.1 – 4.6 A series of artworks across a variety of art forms

In class 50% Ongoing and end of rotation

2 Written Tasks 4.7 – 4.10 Students write about the work of a variety of artists

In class 20% W6 and W12 of rotation

3 Visual Arts Diary/Classwork 4.1 – 4.10

Bookwork including preparation for practical and written tasks

In class 30% Ongoing and end of rotation


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Application for Special Consideration - Illness/Misadventure Year 8 Students

To be completed by Parent/Guardian

When complete, please submit this form to the Head Teacher of the relevant faculty or the relevant Deputy Principal.

Student Name: Roll Call: Task(s) Missed:

Please outline below the circumstances for absence from an assessment task or submitting a task late. Please attach any medical certificates to this form as evidence of illness.

Parent/guardian signature:

Date:


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Application for Special Consideration - Illness/Misadventure Year 8 Students

To be completed by Faculty Head Teacher/Deputy Principal for review

Date received:

Outcome:

Extension granted. Revised due date: Estimate to be given. Mark of zero to be awarded. Marks deducted. Matter referred to Assessment and Reporting Team. Other:

Reviewed by: Name: Signature: Date:

Completed request should be placed in the student file in the Front Office. Details should also be recorded as a data record on Sentral under

'Illness/Misadventure'.


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Application for Special Provisions – Year 8 Students

To be completed by Parent/Guardian

Please read and refer to the Robert Townson High School Disability Provisions Policy on the school website.

When complete, please submit this form to the Head Teacher of the relevant faculty or the relevant Deputy Principal.

1. Student details:

Full name Date of application Nature of request (please tick)

Short term circumstance (less than ten weeks duration) Long term circumstance (more than ten weeks duration)

2. Details of disability:

Please describe the student’s disability and the impact it has on their academic performance:

Has this disability been diagnosed by a medical professional? Yes No Has documentation of this diagnoses been provided to the school? Yes No

3. Details of special provisions request: Please indicate below which provisions are being applied for. Please note that for any provisions to be granted they must meet NESA guidelines.

Small group supervision Alternative test format (font, size, etc) Rest/Medical breaks Assistive technology Specialised furniture/lighting * Support person (eg: sign interpreter) Coloured paper * Reading/writing support Additional time Other * *Please provide further details below:

Student’s signature: …………………………………………………………………………………………. Date: ……………………………..

Parent/carer’s signature: …………………………………………………………………………………. Date: ……………………………..


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Application for Special Provisions - Year 8 Students

This section is for school use only

Provisions granted

Evidence sighted/held at school

Special provisions start date

Special provisions expiry date

Learning support signature

Deputy Principal signature

Date this form was completed

robert townson high school year 8 assessment booklet

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