Pri 2 pupils making pizzas as a performance task.

“We introduced portfolio assessment as we wanted a more holistic view of pupil development,” explains Mdm Jayanthi Retnam, Head of Department (English) at Pasir Ris Primary School. “The traditional method of pen-and-paper assessment does not assess other important skills, such as soft skills like communication.”

Using a curriculum integrating different subjects which are customised for the pupils, teachers design performance tasks that are carried out throughout the year to assess pupils. The skills taught for these tasks are aligned to the learning outcomes in MOE’s English Language, Mathematics and Mother Tongue syllabi. Teachers developed the performance tasks and designed rubrics with assessment criteria with the help of curriculum partners from the National Institute of Education and MOE.

Mdm Retnam cites the example of pizza-making as a performance task for Pri 2 pupils. Each group of four pupils was given a $7 budget to purchase the necessary ingredients for a pizza. As they researched and discussed what quantities they need, and how to keep within the given budget, pupils learned and practised communication, mathematics and language skills. A shopping trip to the nearby supermarket provided the opportunity to enhance their social skills and create awareness of racial tolerance - they had to look for halal food so their Muslim friends could enjoy the pizzas.

Students go "marketing" at NTUC Fairprice at White Sands.

“Throughout the numerous activities in a performance task, our teachers act as facilitators, and observe how the pupils communicate and interact with each other. These observations allow the teachers to assess what is being taught against the rubrics,” explains Mdm Retnam.

Rubrics are criteria and standards used to evaluate pupils’ work. Pupils may be asked to write personal recounts, create riddles, recite poetry, write a report about an animal, make a storyboard, or, in the case of Pri 2 pupils, make a pizza.

“Each pupil has a portfolio - a compilation of his assignments and projects. These capture his skill development in different areas such as writing techniques, oral presentation skills, problem-solving abilities and financial literacy,” elaborates Mdm Retnam.

Students enjoying the camaraderie as they make the pizza.

In the portfolio folder are coursework ranging from simple reflections (with smileys or sad faces) to video clips, CD-ROMs, photos, peer evaluations and different types of writing assignments. The school envisions that the portfolio will act as a holistic report card, with pupils adding to it as they move to each successive level.

With the positive response to the Portfolio Assessment through Performance Tasks, Pasir Ris Primary School has extended the initiative from lower primary to Pri 3 to 5. As they build up their portfolios, pupils can chart their own progress, while parents and the school have a clearer and more comprehensive view of each child’s development.