At St. Mary’s College Junior School, assessment ranges from informal assessment which includes teacher observation, classwork and homework, to more formal assessment in the form of teacher designed tests, diagnostic tests and standardised tests. All pupils from Form 2 to Form 6 are given standardised tests in English and Mathematics every May, the results of which are communicated to parents/guardians.
Parents receive Christmas and Summer reports. Parents also receive report books on a monthly basis. The grading in these report books is such that marks are given for effort rather than ability. Parent/ teacher meetings are held each November but parents are always welcome to meet with their son's class teacher/learning support team to discuss progress by appointment.
Assessment is used to identify children with specific learning difficulties so that the appropriate steps can be taken to ensure progress is achieved, despite difficulties which exist.
Weekly Tests – Each class has weekly class tests which take place every Friday.
Report Book – Reports are sent home every three weeks, with grades for each subject as well as Conduct and Deportment.
Term Exams – End of term in class tests take place at Christmas and Summer. Results are sent home in report form.
External Testing – Standardised testing is carried out by way of the Drumcondra tests every May.
Ongoing Assessment – Regular ongoing assessment takes place by the teacher. Teachers use Assessment of Learning and Assessment for Learning to monitor the children's progress.