The school year operates on a 2-semester system. Students' progress is recorded and reported to parents via report cards at the end of each semester. Grades used at different levels are:
Grades K - 5:
Grades 6 - 12:
In Grades 6-12, student work is assessed using the 1-7 grade scale described below, in line with the International Baccalaureate (IB).
Grade Description
7 Exemplary
6 Exemplary / Proficient
5 Proficient
4 Proficient / Developing
3 Developing
2 Developing / Emerging
1 Emerging
NG: No grade (insufficient assessment evidence available to give student a grade)
NA: Not applicable (insufficient English, or time at the school, to assess the student)
Descriptors of what 1 - 7 looks like for each of the IB Diploma Programme subjects can be found here.
At ASA we believe that grades should reflect the level of understanding and achievement towards determined standards and that student behaviors (effort, participation, adherence to class rules, etc.) should be included separately. Therefore, the ASA grade will consist of two separate grading categories:
Achievement Grade: Individual achievement against standards shall be the only basis for achievement grades. Achievement levels do not include effort, participation, work habits or attitudes.
Approaches to Learning: The skills and self-knowledge, identified by the IB, which students need to develop in order to enjoy a lifetime of learning and prepare for responsible participation in local and global communities. These include social, communication, self-management, research and thinking skills.
In addition, the IB Learner Profile is commented on in Elementary reports. It is posted around the campus and serves as an aspirational set of dispositional outcomes for students in the school. In Secondary School it is used by teachers and administrators for informal observations, as a lens through which they give feedback to students. Students will be given opportunities to reflect on their development on targeted or selected aspects of the profile.
Modified assignments and grades:
Learning Support students who have identified needs that mean that they cannot meet ASA’s regular learning standards, may receive modified coursework, assignments and grades that reflect their individualised learning goals. These will be reported appropriately to parents through written reports and parent conferences.