Portfolio Assessment
An approach where a child's progress is judged through a curated collection of their work over time — drafts, finished pieces, reflections — rather than a single test score.
What goes in a portfolio?
A primary portfolio might include early drafts of writing alongside final pieces, photos of art and 3D models, audio recordings of reading, project artefacts and reflection notes. The point is to show progress over time, not perfection at one moment.
Why portfolios work
Portfolios reward effort and growth, not just talent. A child who began a year reading slowly and ended fluently has a visible journey to show. Portfolios also help children develop self-awareness — they revisit old work and notice their own progress.
Portfolios at Yajur
Each Yajur child maintains a portfolio across English, Maths, Inquiry, Art and Wellbeing. Selected pieces are shared at parent-teacher meetings. Children present their own portfolios from Class 2 onwards — a practice that builds confidence and reflection skills.
Related terms
Formative vs Summative Assessment
Formative assessment is in-progress feedback to improve learning; summative assessment is end-of-unit judgement to measure learning. Both are necessary; the balance matters.
Self-Assessment
A structured practice where students evaluate their own work against agreed criteria — strengthening metacognition, ownership of learning and self-direction.
Rubric Assessment
A grid that lays out what 'beginning', 'developing', 'proficient' and 'excellent' look like for each criterion — turning subjective judgement into transparent, consistent evaluation.