What is School-Based Assessment (SBA)? 

School-Based Assessment (SBA) is an assessment method in the DSE exam specifically for school candidates. Teachers evaluate students' performance on designated coursework completed during high school and submit the scores to the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA), which contributes to the student's overall DSE grade.

For example, in DSE English, the HKEAA calculates the overall grade based on the following weighting:

SBA scores aren't arbitrary. The HKEAA has specific requirements, and teachers must follow guidelines, potentially with video evidence. Furthermore, the HKEAA adjusts SBA scores based on students' public exam results to ensure fairness.

For example, even if teachers in School A and School B both award 13/15 for SBA English, and School A's overall English grade is Level 4 while School B's is Level 2, the HKEAA might lower School B's SBA scores to reflect their actual performance level.

*Simplified for illustration; the actual process is more involved.

Does the lack of SBA disadvantage private candidates?

The answer: No.

The HKEAA provides equivalent SBA scores for private candidates. This is done by:

• Comparing SBA scores: The HKEAA references SBA results from school candidates.

• Adjusting Public Exam Weighting: The HKEAA proportionally adjusts the weighting of public exam components to ensure fair and accurate representation of private candidates' performance.

   

Ultimately, the HKEAA strives to ensure fair assessment for all candidates.

Why is SBA necessary?

Some ask, why not just use public exam results and eliminate SBA? This is because:

• Public exams are summative and limited: They only reflect final results, lacking feedback on the learning process.

• SBA is formative: It helps students understand their strengths and weaknesses, improving learning through adjustments.

• International Trend: More countries are incorporating formative assessment.

   

Of course, SBA needs balance with public exams, ensuring fairness and minimizing bias. That's why DSE SBA scores are adjusted based on public exam performance.

Not all subjects have SBA

Importantly, not all DSE subjects include SBA. Currently, SBA is only used in 12 subjects, and the weighting varies. For example, English is 15%, Physics is 20%, and Visual Arts is 50%.

For DSE candidates, public exam results are key, regardless of whether they are school or private candidates. The HKEAA ensures fair assessment for all, so private candidates are not disadvantaged by the absence of SBA.