Page last updated on Wednesday 6th August 2008

Assessment is for Learning

Assessment techniques have developed since most parents have been at school. Long gone is the single end of course test that either determines if you have passed or failed the course.

Assessment is an important and integral part of the learning process. Teachers give pupils tasks which are challenging yet achievable and these help develop the pupils' knowledge and understanding. Good assessment also helps the teacher identify strengths and helps the teacher identify areas requiring development.

Each department in the school employs a variety of assessment techniques based on the Assessment is for Learning (AifL) programme. The school operates a programme of continuous assessment which is complemented by preliminary examinations for S4 in december and S5/6 in February. Ultimately pupils from S4-S6 will sit external SQA exams in MAy of each year. Detailed pupil records, profiles and assessment results are built up in subject departments while summary reports are retained by Pupil Support staff.