Task of assessment

Assessment is used to depict how well the student has met the objectives established on a national level (National Core Curriculum for Basic Education) and how good his or her working skills are. During the course of studies, the student will receive continuous feedback that in its nature is encouraging, versatile and honest. Assessment can be provided by intermediate reports and assessment discussions, or by other suitable means.Students will also self-assess their progress in studies and the development of their study skills.

Principles of assessment

Assessment of the student’s study progress and process takes place daily in various study-related situations. The student’s progress, work skills, and behaviour are assessed in relation to the curriculum’s objectives and descriptions of good performance. The description of good performance and the final evaluation’s criteria specify, on a national basis, the knowledge and skill levels that constitute the basis of student assessment.

Assessment of work skills

The work skills assessment forms a part of the subject assessment. Work skills can also be assessed separately. The assessment of work skills can be given verbally or numerically, and it can be given in written or oral form. Assessment is given regularly during lessons.

Behavioural assessment

Behavioural assessment is directed at how the student takes other people and the environment into consideration and follows rules. Objectives for the student’s behaviour stem from the school’s values and educational objectives. All the teachers who have taught the student assess his or her behaviour. Behavioural assessment is given either verbally or numerically. Assessment is given regularly during lessons.

Self-assessment

One task of basic education is to develop the student’s capability for self-assessment. The students are guided to examine their learning processes and to assess their skills in learning and working. They are guided and encouraged to assess their learning and performance in a diverse manner. The students also learn to be aware of their own progress and learning objectives, establish objectives for their studies themselves, and regulate their learning processes.

Task and principles of final assessment

The task of the final assessment is to define how well, at the conclusion of his or her studies, the student has achieved the objectives of the basic education syllabus in the different subjects. The final assessment criteria define the level of knowledge and skills needed for a grade of eight (8). The student has acquired the knowledge and skills required in basic education adequately, earning a grade of five (5), if he or she is able to demonstrate to some degree the performance level required by the criteria.

What do the different grades mean?

Excellent (10)
If the student surpasses the performance level required by nearly all of the criteria for the subject, and additionally, shows notable interest towards the subject.

Very good (9)
If the student surpasses the performance level required by most of the criteria for the subject.

Good (8)
If the student, on average, demonstrates the performance level required by the criteria for the subject; failing to meet some criteria can be compensated for by surpassing the standard of other criteria.

Satisfactory (7)
If the student demonstrates the performance level required by most of the criteria for the subject.

Moderate (6)
If the student demonstrates the performance level required by some of the criteria for the subject.

Adequate (5)
The student has acquired the knowledge and skills required in basic education adequately, if he or she is able to demonstrate to some degree the performance level required by the criteria.

Fail (4)
If the student does not demonstrate any of the performance level required by the criteria of the subject and does not strive to meet the criteria, he or she receives a grade of four (4).

Pass (S = Suoritettu)
For those subjects that are not numerically graded, such as study guidance, the student will receive the notation “pass”.

Attended (O = Osallistunut)
If the student does not complete an optional subject, he or she will receive the notation “attended”, unless the grade is a four (4).