AssessmentThe following is an explanation about assessment and reporting procedures used for Year 9 Science in Semester One, so that you have a clear understanding of the process.
No overall mark or grade is given to indicate students overall performance. Each student will be given a number of grades to indicate performance in a range of coursework. All coursework must be completed to a satisfactory standard to pass the Science course. Some of this coursework will be called assessment tasks and is graded.
The Year 9 Semester One Science report
An S or N indicates whether coursework was satisfactorily completed or not but does not indicate the quality of the work performed. The criteria for satisfactory completion will be given to students before attempting the work.
Coursework that is also an Assessment Task, will receive a grade using an appropriate scale, indicating a satisfactory result, although lower grades do indicate that considerable improvement is desirable.
The semester report will also indicate whether graded tasks are not completed to a suitable standard to obtain a pass, or not submitted at all.
A summary of the coursework and graded assessment tasks for semester two are given in the table below:
| Course Work | Is satisfactory completion necessary? | Is it graded ? |
| Student work | Yes | No |
| Project | Yes | Yes |
| Practical work | Yes | Yes |
| Class assessment | Yes | Yes |
| Semester exam | Yes | Yes |
You will also be assessed according to the Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS) Level 6. The topics address the Standards in the Discipline-based Strand of Science and various Standards in the Physical, Personal and Social Learning Strand and the Interdisciplinary Learning Strand. The Science course covers the two Dimensions of Science Knowledge and understanding and Science at Work.
Work Requirements and Graded Assessment Tasks
Student Work
All classwork must be completed to your teacher's satisfaction. Student work
incorporates the worksheets found in the Homework booklet. These worksheets must be sighted, signed and dated by a parent or guardian. Student work must be completed by 25/5/09.
Practical Work Reports
Practical work will be assessed through pre-prac tests and practical reports.
The pre-prac tests will be conducted prior to the practical activity.
Most practical reports are to be completed on the proforma report sheets.
Some practical reports may require students to plan and write the report completely
following the recommended format. Practical reports must be handed in
no later than one week after the completion of the prac. If you are absent for
a prac. it is your responsibility to complete the prac. at an alternative time
following discussion with your teacher.
All pracs will be graded. Information regarding the assessment guidelines
for these pracs, will be discussed by your teacher before commencing the prac.
Late submission of graded prac. reports, without legitimate reasons, will receive
a NA.
The practical work reports must be completed by 25/5/09.
Experimental Research Project
Each student is required to complete an individual experimental
research project on some
aspect of plant growth in Semester One. Details of the project can
be found later in this booklet.
- A planning form is to be submitted to your teacher by 11/2/09.
- The first submission of the report must be handed in by 20/3/09.
- The final report must be submitted by 4/5/09.
Your teacher may recommend that you enter your report in a competition such as Science Talent Search, Crest or the BHP Science Prize. Many Melbourne High School students have won prizes in these competitions over the years.........but you've got to be in it to win it!
Class Assessment
This will comprise of a number of different assessment tasks on various aspects
of the course such as class tests, individual or group research, presentations
or concept maps.
Semester Exam
A formal common assessment exam will be given to all students near the end of
the Semester. The length of this exam will be 75 minutes with 15 minutes
reading time.