Consensus Moderation

Consensus moderation provides teachers with opportunities to build common understandings of the course standards that underpin comparability. This is achieved through teacher analysis of student responses to assessment tasks administered by other schools in Semester 1 for a selected sample of students covering a range of grades (typically A, B and C).

Participation in this moderation process is compulsory for all schools delivering a course listed in the table below.

In 2025, consensus moderation meetings will be full day meetings conducted in two parts:

• Part A will be the review of student assessment files and a focus on applying the grade descriptions in a course to determine a grade.
• Part B will focus on assessment practice as outlined in the WACE Manual 2025 in Section 2.4.

A key aspect to achieving comparability in standards is the development and implementation of valid and appropriate school-based assessment tasks that provide for a comprehensive sampling of the syllabus content and provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate the full range of achievement.

A letter regarding the registration process and procedures will be emailed to the principals of schools with courses involved in Consensus Moderation in March 2025.

Preparation for Consensus Moderation Meetings

In preparation for the consensus moderation meetings teachers are required to:

• retain all student assessment tasks completed prior to the meeting
• compile a student assessment file indicative of a mid 'A', a mid 'B' and a mid 'C' for the meetings (i.e. three files in total)
• ensure student assessment files meet with the specific requirements of the course, as outlined on the registration page
• include a copy of the completed assessment tasks and marking keys in each student assessment file
• include a copy of the assessment outline in each student assessment file.

The Board of the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (the Authority) has endorsed consensus moderation processes for the following Year 11 ATAR courses in 2025.