Assessement
Assessment
Assessment
is an integral part of learning and teaching. It enables pupils
and teachers to identify strengths and weaknesses and plan future
strategies. In the first two years there is an emphasis on continuous
assessment with many departments utilising end of unit tests.
National Tests are set within English and Mathematics as appropriate
for individual pupils. Pupils complete Cognitive Abilities Tests in
First Year. This adds to other information available. Further details
are provided for parents prior to the tests taking place.
In Third
Year and Fourth Year most pupils follow Standard Grade, Intermediate or
Access courses or National Units. Assessment is carried out
according to stipulated Performance Criteria. However,
departmental practice continues in a similar manner to the lower school.
In the Upper School assessment follows the requirements of the National Qualifications followed by each pupil.
Formal Examinations
In
their first two years pupils will be set tests in class time.
However, in the Middle and Upper Schools formal examinations are held
in the Examination Hall to provide pupils with the experience of
preparing for and participating in the external examinations that they
will experience at the end of their Fourth Year. Timetables for Third,
Fourth and Fifth/Sixth Year examinations are produced at the beginning
of each session. Third Year examinations are normally held in
May, Fourth year examinations in December and Fifth/Sixth Year
examinations in February.
School Dux
The
award of School Dux is made following publication of examination
results by the Scottish Qualifications Authority and, if applicable,
appeals.
The Dux is the Fifth Year pupil who has performed best
overall at that session's diet of national examinations using the UCAS
Unified Points System. Where pupils have identical numbers of passes
and grades, bands (levels within grades) are considered. A joint
award will be made when circumstances demand. The Dux is
presented with the original Dux Medal which dates back over100
years. Their name is also added to the Dux Board in the school
foyer. The title of 'Proxime Accessit' is awarded to the pupil
whose achievements most closely matched that of the
Dux.