School-based Assessment (SBA) is an assessment conducted by schools, where students are evaluated by their own subject teachers. It aims to integrate learning, teaching and assessment, allowing students to gain insights into their strengths and weaknesses through valuable feedback from their teachers. SBA is a mandatory requirement for all schools and the marks obtained contribute to their overall results in the HKDSE. SBA plays a crucial role in reducing reliance on the outcomes of public examinations, fostering student confidence and motivation to learn, and promoting independent learning.

Over the past 40 years, SBA has been implemented by nearly all major examination bodies to enhance the quality of assessments. The HKEAA introduced SBA into the HKCEE (Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination) and HKALE (Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination). In the case of the English Language subject, SBA was introduced in the HKCEE in 2007 and has been a part of the HKDSE since 2012.

One of the reasons for the introduction of SBA is to improve the validity of assessments. Some important learning outcomes cannot be adequately assessed within the context of a written or formal oral examination.

Incorporating SBA into the HKDSE English examination can also enhance the reliability of assessments. As school assessments are based on multiple observations of students over an extended period, they often provide a more dependable evaluation of a student’s true abilities compared to a single, one-time examination.

SBA also has a positive impact on teaching and learning. It includes a reading/viewing program that encourages extensive reading.

The administration of SBA presents an opportunity for teachers’ professional development. It allows teachers to actively participate in the assessment process and provides opportunities for collaboration with educators from other schools to review assessment practices and establish agreed-upon standards.

Top