In 2003 St Francis Xavier commenced moving towards Outcomes Based Education. Therefore, our assessment and reporting practices reflect this type of education. Planning for learning and planning for assessment and reporting are concurrent processes.
In an outcomes approach, the focus is not on assigning a grade or a rating, but in demonstrating what the students know and can do. All year levels from Prep to Year 7 have a formal oral interview at the end of Semester 1. At the interview parents are presented with their child’s portfolio. This folio contains selected samples of the child’s work along with criteria sheets and assessment items. This way of reporting is in line with Outcomes Based Education which is a relatively new innovation for Queensland Schools. This type of education aims to provide the best opportunities for student learning.
The samples and assessment items found in the portolios are drawn from activities occurring during a sequence of learning that is taking place throughout the term. Throughout these activities opportunities are given for all students to demonstrate what they know and can do. At times, students may be working towards achieving a lower level of outcome or a higher level of outcome than other students in the class. This is acceptable and desirable, as the philosophy behind outcomes – based education is to allow each student to work at his/her own level and progress at the pace most suited to their learning. There is a written report to accompany this folio at the end of Semester One and every child receives a summative report at the end of Semester Two. We trust that these profiles provide valuable information about the children’s progress as we continue to work as a team to offer the children the best type of education possible.
Where are we? 
Catholic Education, Archdiocese of Brisbane