Skip to main content

Grade 8 Common Examinations information

November 17, 2022

Mathematics & English Language Arts 

A guide for parents/guardians

Purpose of the Grade 8 Common Examinations

  • To provide clear, accurate information about each student’s skill and abilities in relation to the curricular outcomes.
  • To provide students with experience in writing examinations.
  • To assist teachers in using assessment and evaluation procedures consistent with expectations of the curriculum.
  • To provide information to school, parents, and Winnipeg School Division on overall achievement levels of Grade 8 students prior to entry into the credit system.
  • To use information from the exam to improve classroom instruction, student learning, and program effectiveness.

HOW DO THE COMMON EXAMS RELATE TO THE CURRICULUM?

The Grade 8 Common Mathematics Exam is based on current Manitoba Grade 8 Mathematics Curriculum which describes what students are expected to know and be able to do within each of the following strands:

  • Number
  • Patterns and Relations
  • Space and Shape
  • Statistics and Probability

Note: Algebra is incorporated into the Number and the Patterns and Relations strands. The Grade 8 Common English Language Arts Exam is based on current Manitoba Grade 8 English Language Arts Curriculum. Grade 8 curriculum outcomes describe what students are expected to know and to be able to do within each of the following five general outcomes.

  • Explore thoughts, ideas, feelings and experiences;
  • Comprehend and respond critically to oral, literary, and media texts;
  • Manage ideas and information;
  • Enhance the clarity and artistry of communication;
  • Celebrate and build community.

WHAT SKILLS ARE BEING ASSESSED?

On the Mathematics exam, some questions test computational skills and basic math facts. Others are designed to assess a student’s problem-solving, reasoning, and communication abilities. On the English Language Arts exam, one section is composed of questions that test a student’s understanding of what the student has read. Another section requires the student to demonstrate the process of writing.

WILL FRENCH IMMERSION STUDENTS BE DOING THE ASSESSMENT IN FRENCH?

French Immersion students will be given a French version of the Common Mathematics Exam.

WILL STUDENTS USE THEIR CALCULATORS WHEN WRITING MATHEMATICS?

Part I of the Grade 8 Common Mathematics Exam consists of a number of questions students are expected to answer without the use of a calculator. A knowledge of basic facts and procedures is critical in doing mental arithmetic and estimation. The use of calculators is permitted for the rest of the exam.

WHO DEVELOPED THE COMMON EXAMINATIONS AND WHO WILL MARK THEM?

The exams were developed by Winnipeg School Division staff including teachers, school administrators, and subject area consultants. The exam process includes a pilot exam, review and revision. English Language Arts and Mathematics teachers will mark their own students’ exams using common marking keys and rubrics.

HOW WILL RESULTS OF THE COMMON EXAM BE REPORTED?

The exam marks will make up 20% of the student’s final mark for the year in ELA and mathematics. The exam mark will not be recorded separately, but will be available to parents/guardians upon request.

WHEN WILL THE EXAMINATIONS TAKE PLACE?

  • The Grade 8 Common Mathematics Examination will be held on: June 18, 2019 (a.m.) 1 one hour and 10 minutes & June 19, 2019 (a.m.) 1 one hour and 10 minutes.
  • The Grade 8 Common English Language Arts Exam will take place over two days to reflect the curriculum emphasis on the reading and writing process. The exam will take place on: June 11, 2019 (a.m.) 1 and 1/2 hours, & June 12, 2019 (a.m.) 1 and 1/2 hours. Students must attend both sessions.

Back to top