The Best Learning Often Starts with a Question

For our grade 5’s,  their Science curriculum recently led them to exploring some of the more complex aspects of candy. 

How will different liquids impact candy? Not only do they learn how to keep some of their favourite seasonal treats safe over the break, but they also gain a better understanding of the scientific method and how hypothesizing, testing and recording can help us find real answers to real questions, even about candy.

Assessment and Reporting

The practice of assessing student work has changed significantly over the past number of years. This is particularly true at the elementary level. Long gone are the days where teachers will work through a unit and administer a test at the end to see how the students did once everything is over.

Formative Assessments occur during the period of instruction. They are meant to gauge how the instruction is working so far relative to the lesson objectives as well as the longer term targeted outcomes. These methods of assessment can happen through students' work, responses to questions, informal surveys as well as peer and self-assessment techniques. At the elementary level, teachers are formatively assessing one way or another most of the time.

Summative Assessments are used at or near the end of a unit of study. They can take the form of a project, test, assignment, quiz or even a discussion with a student. As long as what is being assessed is clear to both the teacher and the student, students are able to demonstrate their understanding in many different ways.

Body of Evidence is the accumulation of assessments from a student throughout a term or semester. Prior to writing report cards, teachers will examine and review a body of evidence to determine if the student meant the learner outcome or not, and to what degree. 

Questions around assignments, student achievement and growth can occur at any point during the school year and are not limited to reporting periods. Connect with your child’s teacher if you ever have questions about anything they are doing in school.

Report Cards will be available to families for viewing online Monday, January 27th.

Fun Lunch Coming Up!

New year, new lunch adventures! 🥪 Let’s make January taste amazing with a FUN LUNCH from Boston Pizza on January 15. To participate in this optional fundraiser place your order by January 10th at www.HealthyHunger.ca

Have a great week!