Foundation Learning

Dear parents and caregivers,

After two years of preparation, Geraldine High School is introducing a new assessment and reporting system which we hope will benefit our students and increase the value of the information the school shares with you about their progress.

The rationale behind introducing Foundation Learning is to increase the performance levels of students at our school through having a coherent and consistent system of assessment and reporting which will challenge students no matter their ability.

The concept of Foundation Learning combines elements of NCEA, Bloom’s Taxonomy, PISA (the OECD's Programme for International Student Assessment), the current New Zealand Curriculum, and other often sought-after generic skills which we have called the Key Capabilities, which encompass everything students will experience at school. 

The 8 Key Capabilities are:

• Critical and Creative Thinking
• Relating to Others
• Managing Self
• Participating and Contributing
• Verbal Skills
• Visual Skills
• Digital Skills
• Written Skills

The immediate intention is to give students a sense of purpose and meaning at school by clearly emphasizing performance and enabling students to see their strengths and weaknesses, therefore, giving students a clear opportunity to improve.

The longer-term goals of Foundation Learning are improving academic results and preparing students for life after leaving school. As students pass through the different year levels, Foundation Learning clearly connects and aligns them to make sure students are fully prepared to enter NCEA at Year 11. While success in NCEA is seen as optimal, it is also important to grow the Key Capabilities, so students are prepared for their future endeavours upon leaving school.

This new system will increase the amount of information sent home through the reports and will allow you to be more informed of how your child is progressing and clearly identify whether they deserve a pat on the back, or maybe, where they need to improve.

This booklet is designed to help you understand the new system but if you have any questions, please email me at b.cosgriff@geraldinehs.school.nz.

Regards,

Billy Cosgriff

Foundation Learning Lead