Beyond the Grade: Reimagining Assessment at CCS

How journey-based approaches deepen learning, foster reflection, and empower growth

At Canggu Community School, we believe that assessment is more than a score — it’s a story. A story of growth, discovery, effort, and reflection.

This week, I want to share how we’re evolving our approach to assessment across CCS Bali. Guided by our core values of learning, respect, balance, and engagement, we are committed to a system that values progress over performance and helps every student see themselves as an active agent in their learning journey.

To learn more about how we design our programs with purpose and intention, visit ccsbali.com.

Why It’s Time for a Shift

Traditional assessment models often prioritize outcomes over the process. While summative data is important, we know that a single grade can’t capture the complexity of student learning — or the critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity we strive to nurture at CCS.

As The Future of Education Report notes, “Journey-based assessment puts the learner at the center, focusing on growth, feedback, and reflection rather than static benchmarks.” This aligns beautifully with our goal to cultivate deep learning over surface recall​.

What Journey-Based Assessment Looks Like at CCS

We are embedding assessment practices that:

• Capture learning over time – through portfolios, reflections, project work, and process journals
   
• Value formative feedback – supporting students in applying corrections and refining understanding
   
• Include student voice – with goal setting, peer reviews, and student-led conferences
   
• Provide meaningful data – that informs instruction and supports personalized learning
   

This approach is visible in our IB learner profiles, our Primary and Middle Years rubrics, and the way our teachers give targeted, timely feedback throughout the term — not just at the end.

A Culture of Reflection, Not Just Results

Journey-based assessment encourages students to ask:

• What have I learned?
   
• How have I grown?
   
• Where am I heading next?
   

It also promotes respect for individual learning pathways, allowing each child to take ownership of their progress in a balanced and healthy way. We see students becoming more self-aware, more resilient, and more engaged with their own learning process.

Supporting Teachers and Parents Along the Way

Adopting this approach takes intentional support. That’s why we’re:

• Providing professional development for teachers in inquiry-aligned and feedback-rich assessment strategies
   
• Offering workshops and parent education sessions to help families understand how learning is documented and celebrated
   
• Using platforms like Toddle and ManageBac to share progress in real time and make learning visible
   

When students, parents, and teachers are on the same page, assessment becomes a powerful tool for partnership and progress.

Final Thoughts

At CCS Bali, we’re proud to be part of a global shift toward more authentic, learner-centered education. Journey-based assessment helps us stay true to what matters: not just what students know, but how they think, reflect, adapt, and grow.

Until next week — let’s continue to celebrate the journey, not just the destination.

Warmly,
Dr. Ben Voborsky
Head of School
Canggu Community School | www.ccsbali.com