Y12 HE Days, Predicted grades and Morrisby Assessment

Dear Parents and Year 12 students,

I am writing to follow up my letter dated 9^th May.

Firstly, I wish to remind you about our parent information meeting scheduled for 6.30 p.m. on Thursday 2^nd June, in the Senior School Centre.  I hope that all families who have questions or concerns are able to attend.  The details of the information meeting are in my previous letter (dated 6^th May).  Please let me know if you have not received that letter.  Please also notify me by email if you plan to attend, to allow for appropriate setup of the venue.

Secondly, I wish to clarify some of details related to university predicted grades as some students have expressed concern about these.  The predicted grades will be sent to universities when they apply.  Please note that these are not the same as their ARR topic grades, nor their working grades, nor their current performance indicators which you can access through the online reporting system.  They are also not the grades earned in ‘end of year’ examinations which they will be sitting shortly, nor are they the ‘target’ grades set early in Y12.  Additionally, some students have been worried that their Y12 exam results will be reported to universities.  This is not the case.

The predicted grades, which will be set in late September, are based on students’ work up to the time of prediction, and include all aspects of the course tasks and assessments completed to that point.  Each predicted grade is based on a combination of quantitative and qualitative data from several sources including GCSE/IGCSE (or equivalent) results, ALIS tests, informal assessments, homework tasks, IAs and students’ performance and progress on an ongoing basis through Year 12 and the first several weeks of Year 13.  Based on their professional judgement, teachers make predictions of what students are likely to attain in final exams based on anticipated progress through the course.  This is initially done in early June so that students are better aware of their alignment with university expectations as they consider various factors in making appropriate applications.  These predictions are both optimistic and realistic and are adjusted/confirmed in late September.  In a very small number of cases, when students’ progress changes dramatically through the Autumn term of Year 13, these predictions may be adjusted (either up or down), as ongoing progress and performance warrant.

In June, after seeing the initial early estimates for predicted grades and based on feedback from Y12 exams, students are encouraged to speak to teachers to better understand how to improve their grades before the final predictions are made in late September.  These predictions are made in light of progress (past and anticipated) through the full 2-year course, and discussions regarding these grades are welcomed when focused on ways to improve.  However, we very much discourage students from attempting to ‘negotiate’ and or ‘plead for’ better grades as this may be counterproductive.   The June grades can be adjusted in and after September, based on sustained changes in performance. While this is usually based on improvements, grades may also go down based on significant underperformance.  Please note that such changes are quite rare, and are normally discussed with students in detail before being made.

Finally, part of the time invested during HE Days will be careers-related research.  There are three different tasks, which aim to help students explore and learn about various career pathways, rather than just looking into specific jobs.  Many students did some careers reflection in Years 9 and 11, in preparation to making their options and subject choices.  Each tool aims to help students to better understand themselves by surveying preferences, aptitudes, and interests.  The responses are used to identify possible careers to consider.

Please note that such tools are descriptive in nature and are based on research into patterns and tendencies found in a high proportion of the population.  These tools do not guide, prescribe or instructwhat is best/most suitable for students’ futures, as there are many aspects of an individual’s personality, values and experiences which are not included.  The tools do suggest potential good match choices/options which they may wish to consider as they progress with their research into their future pathways.

The three tools (Do Who You Are, Career Cluster Finder and Career Interest Profiler) are part of the school’s Careers/HE support package called Naviance Succeed.  This package, which is also used to process and send many of our electronic documents to universities, also includes a number of tools to help students explore interests and refine their understanding of how their strengths and preferences align with potential career pathways.  Parents can learn more about these tools by asking the students and/or requesting more information from our office.

One very helpful tool which assesses both skills and preferences is the Morrisby Assessment, which was completed by most students while in Year 11.  If a student has not completed the Morrisby Assessment, we would encourage you to do so.  We will offer this to students on the afternoon of 1^st June, after they have completed their TOK Assessed Presentations.   This tests aptitude/ability in various skill areas, as well as surveys students’ interests related to life in general, interaction with others and possible career pathways.  The reports generated are thorough and give insight into both ability/aptitude and in light of stated interests, suggest possible career options to consider.  The results of the profiles are in the form of report booklets which are between 20 and 25 pages in length.

Like all of the tools that we use, these are intended to be suggestive rather than prescriptive and are meant to be a starting point for further reflection, discussion and research.  The cost for the Morrisby Assessment is HKD490 per student.   We have kept costs to a minimum and only charge the cost of the test materials and logistics, with no charge for time invested in administration and training for staff.

If your son/daughter has not done the Morrisby Assessment while in Year 11, please discuss with him/her, whether your family is interested in taking the test and if so, please confirm by completing and returning the reply slip below.

Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns related to the contents of this letter and/or the planned events for the Y12 HE Days in June.

Kind regards,

Patrick Campbell – Head of Careers and Higher Education

 ——————–detach and return with payment to Room 231 by Tuesday, 31^st May————————-

Register for the Morrisby Assessment Profile  –  $490.00