As the end of the 2023 school year approaches, many parents eagerly await their child’s end-of-year school report. It is at this time of the academic year that we often receive messages from parents asking us to help them understand what their child’s report is really saying. We hope this post is helpful for those parents seeking clarification.
Deciphering Grading Systems
Let’s start with the basics—understanding the grading system. School reports often include various grading methods, and comprehending what each grade signifies is essential. Grades can take different forms, such as:
- Letter Grades (A, B, C, D, F): ‘A’ typically represents the highest level of achievement and ‘F’ the lowest. ‘C’ represents satisfactory achievement.
- Numerical Scores (e.g., 90%, 80%, 70%): Some reports use numerical scores to indicate performance, with higher numbers denoting better results.
- Performance Descriptors (e.g., “Exceeds Expectations,” “Meets Expectations,” “Needs Improvement”): Many schools use descriptors that offer qualitative assessments of a student’s performance.
Understanding your school’s specific grading system and what each grade represents is the first step in comprehending your child’s report.
Subject-Specific Insights
Most school reports are divided by subject, providing detailed insights into your child’s performance in each area. When analysing these sections, here’s what to consider:
- English: Look at your child’s performance in English and assess their reading, writing, and comprehension skills. Pay attention to areas where they excel and where they might need additional support.
- Mathematics: Analyse your child’s performance in mathematics. Assess their understanding of mathematical concepts and their problem-solving abilities.
- Science, HASS and Other Subjects: Depending on the curriculum, you may have sections for science, HASS, or other subjects. Review their performance in these areas, keeping an eye out for strengths and challenges.
Comparing Subject Performance
Consider how your child’s performance in one subject compares to others. This can help identify their academic strengths and areas where they may be experiencing difficulty.
Teacher Comments
Teacher comments often provide a deeper understanding of your child’s progress and performance. These comments may offer insights into their behaviour, class participation, and overall attitude. Pay attention to:
- Strengths: Recognise and celebrate your child’s strengths and positive qualities as mentioned by the teacher.
- Areas for Improvement: Understand where your child may need support or where they can enhance their skills.
- Learning Styles: Teacher comments may also provide insights into your child’s preferred learning style and how they engage in the classroom.
Tracking Progress
Your child’s end-of-year school report is not just a static snapshot; it’s part of an ongoing journey. To truly understand what it’s saying, consider the following:
- Compare the Report with Previous Reports: To gauge progress, compare the current report with previous ones. Have there been improvements in specific areas? Are there consistent strengths or difficulties?
- Consistency in Grades: Examine whether your child’s grades are consistent over time. Steady grades may indicate that they are maintaining their level of performance.
- Identifying Trends: Look for trends in your child’s academic performance. Are there subjects where they consistently excel? Are there areas where they consistently struggle?
Creating an Action Plan
Once you’ve deciphered your child’s end-of-year school report, it’s time to create an action plan. Here’s how to do it:
- Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate your child’s accomplishments and strengths. Positive reinforcement can motivate them to keep excelling.
- Address Challenges: If there are areas where your child is struggling, formulate a plan to address these areas your child is finding challenging. This may involve additional support or resources.
- Set Goals: Collaborate with your child to set specific, achievable goals for the upcoming school year. This can help them stay focused on their academic journey.
- Create a Supportive Environment: Ensure your child has a conducive environment for learning at home. A quiet, organised, and distraction-free space can enhance their study habits.
- Engage with Teachers: Stay in regular communication with your child’s teachers. They can provide valuable insights and suggest strategies to support your child’s learning.
Your child’s end-of-year school report is a valuable document that offers a wealth of information about their academic journey. By deciphering the grading system, understanding subject-specific insights, decoding teacher comments, tracking their progress, and creating an action plan, you can gain a deeper understanding of what the report is really saying.
Remember that your child’s academic journey is an ongoing, dynamic process, and their end-of-year school report is just one aspect of this journey. By actively engaging with their education, providing support, and assisting them with goal setting, you can help your child to continue to progress and achieve to their potential at school.
TRACEY HAND | CO-FOUNDER
Optimise Learning