Our approach
Sophia College views assessment as both a learning tool and an opportunity for students to demonstrate their gifts — recognising diverse talents, providing feedback, and affirming achievement, framed as growth rather than only judgement. The policy complies with ACARA v9.0 and QCAA frameworks, and applies to all students, teachers and parents across Years 7–12.
Drafting & submission (all years)
- All drafts and final submissions (Years 7–12) go through Teams, with Turnitin used to verify authenticity where appropriate
- Drafts are due 8:30am on the designated date, and should be as close to a completed response as possible — this gives students the best shot at useful feedback
- Teachers give one round of general, advisory (not corrective) feedback, and return drafts no later than 3 school days before the final is due
- Final submissions are due 8:30am on the due date — work isn't marked until it's submitted through Teams
- Years 7–9 final copies need a "Task and Criteria" sheet attached
- Word/time limits in task sheets are binding — work beyond the limit isn't marked
Missed work & AARA
If a student doesn't submit by the due date without prior approval, the teacher uses available evidence (drafts, classwork, checkpoints) to make a judgement. With no evidence at all, the result is an E grade (Years 7–10) or NR — Not Rated (Years 11–12, which can significantly affect QCE eligibility and ATAR calculations).
AARA does NOT cover: holidays, family commitments, timetable clashes, unfamiliarity with English, misreading a timetable/instructions, or anything the student/family/school could have avoided.
Non-submission escalation
| Years | What happens |
|---|---|
| 7–10 | Meeting between student, Pedagogy Companion and parents; repeated non-submission escalates to a meeting with the LIFE Companion and Leadership |
| 11–12 | Meeting with the LIFE Companion and Deputy Principal to address the senior pathway; AARA applications for assignments must be submitted at least 3 days before the due date |
A review of enrolment follows if a student fails to complete work on a regular basis.
Exam day
- Students assemble in alphabetical order outside the exam room and enter only when directed
- Students bring their own equipment in a transparent container — no borrowing unless directed
- No communication (verbal or non-verbal) between students; no looking at others' work
- Mobile phones/smart watches are prohibited — off and in the locker
- Perusal time is for reading only — no writing until instructed
- Desks must be clear except permitted equipment; raise a hand for attention, don't move without instruction
- Students stay for the full duration; exam material can't leave the room except at the supervisor's direction
Academic misconduct
Plagiarism, collusion, contract cheating, fabrication, impersonation, and exam breaches are all treated seriously. Teachers authenticate work through drafts, checkpoints, version history and Turnitin.
- Years 7–10: consequences range from an alternative task, to reduced marks, to an E grade where no authentic evidence exists; repeated breaches escalate to the Deputy Principal
- Years 11–12: misconduct in internal assessment can lead directly to an NR result; misconduct in external assessment is managed by QCAA directly and may jeopardise QCE credit. Students and staff complete the QCAA Academic Integrity course
Senior schooling essentials (Years 11–12)
Senior assessment aligns directly with QCAA syllabi under the QCE/QCIA Policy and Procedures Handbook.
- To receive a QCE: 20 credits at the set standard, in a set pattern, plus literacy/numeracy requirements — typically 6 subjects/courses across Years 11–12 (QCAA-developed subjects, VET, or other recognised courses)
- External assessment (QCAA-set, marked and administered) is usually 25% of the final result — 50% for Maths and Science subjects
- A missed assessment with an approved AARA may be replaced with a comparable assessment instrument rather than simply excused
- VET is competency-based, not graded — students behind on competencies may need to attend school during exam block to catch up; the RTO (not the College) makes final competency decisions
- Moderation: internal assessments for Units 3 & 4 are QCAA-endorsed before use, and final judgements confirmed by QCAA
Appeals
Student → teacher discussion first, escalating to the Pedagogy Companion, then the Deputy Principal if needed. Appeals on Units 3/4 summative assessment can also go directly to QCAA, whose decision is final.