Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn
Catholic Education Office

Retention of Students of Year/Grade Level

Related Policies:

Curriculum Policy
Assessment Policy

Purpose:

This policy sets out criteria to be met when students are to be retained at a year/grade level for a second consecutive year.

Policy:

Wherever possible each child should progress with his/her class every year.

It should be considered that:

• no child should repeat a grade unless there is sufficient evidence that he/she will profit scholastically and suffer no emotional strain;
• no pupil shall be retained in any grade longer than two years, nor be retained more than twice in the course of seven years;
• if possible, not more than one child in a family should be retained in the same year;
• pupils should not be retained in the primary school beyond the thirteenth birthday.

Definitions:

Retention – Repeating a student in their year level.

Procedures:

1. Retention

1.1 If a teacher believes there is cause to consider retaining a student they should conduct relevant assessments to support the decision.

1.2 The teacher should initially discuss his/her concerns with the Principal and the Special Needs Resource Teacher.

1.3 If agreement is reached, this team should discuss the matter with the student's parents.

1.4 The final decision is to be made by the student's parents.

References:

Nil

Forms:

Nil

Last updated on December 2, 2006