Assessment
We assess the children every time we teach them - we find out what they do and don't know so that we can help to address anything they don't understand, to move them on steadily in their learning and to challenge them when it's needed. We do this by talking with the children and marking the work in their books.
The following is specifically for Year 1 to Year 6, although Year 1 have subtle differences to provide progression from the EYFS.
Every year children, in each area of the curriculum, have a set of objectives or targets they are are taught and should endeavour to understand. Staff record their assessed view on a computerised target tracker, called Insight. The following criteria are used:
0 - Taught, but not yet understood
1 - Some evidence, but not yet secure
2 - Objective secured
3 - Working at greater depth
Throughout the year if children record a “2” for every objective they will have achieved 100%. To reach the expected standard children should have achieved at least 80%. This is categorised as follows:
0-40% Working below the national standard
40%-80% Working towards the expected standard.
80%-100% Working at the expected standard.
Above 100% Working at greater depth.
Throughout the year children also undertake summative assessments to provide key information regarding progression and attainment and to prepare them for the guise of SATs and other formal tests in the future.
Current Provision:
- Maths - Termly written test (Year 1 - Year 6)
- Reading - Termly written test (Year 1 - Year 6)
- Spelling - Termly formal test (Year 2 - Year 6)
- Grammar - Yearly formal test (Year 2 - Year 5)
- VR and NVR - Autumn term (Year 5)
Following these assessments, the data is examined carefully and 6 week bespoke intervention programmes are put into place for children who are making insufficient progress, regardless of their ability. We will let you know if your child is on an intervention programme and hope that you will support us at home.
National Tests
These are statutory tests that the school is compelled to make; the results are published nationally.
EYFS *Reception Year): A baseline test when they arive at schoo, and an assessment at the end of the year.
Year 1: Phonics Screening Assessment. This is a pass/fail test in which children sound out phonic words including some which are made up. Children who do not pass re-sit at the end of Year 2.
Year 2: Key Stage 1 SATs. These are conducted in the Summer Term in reading, writing and maths. The tests are marked internally and the results are published to parents.
Year 4: A multilpication test is conducted using an online test.
Year 6: Key Stage 2 SATs. These are conducted in the Summer Term in reading, writing, SPAG and maths. The tests are marked externally (apart from writing) and the results are published to parents.
Reporting
The school reports progress to parents formally in three ways:
Parents Evening
In the Autumn and Spring parents have an opportunity to have a 5 minute slot to discuss academic progress and pastoral development with class teachers. It is a crucial meeting to discuss attainment and to focus on targets moving forward.
Written reports
In the summer term you will receive a written report which charts academic attainment and gives a summary of your child’s progress throughout the year. There will be a written report by the child, the class teacher and the headteacher. Written feedback from parents is encouraged.
Grade Cards
From Year 1 your child will also receive a grade card five times a year which shows effort and attainment in reading, writing and maths. The following criteria is used:
Effort
A Outstanding
B Works hard
C Makes some effort
D Poor effort
Attainment (for information about the national standard please see the assessment page)
Well Below ARE: Working below the national standard
Below ARE: Working towards the expected standard (1).
At ARE Working at the expected standard (2).
Above ARE Working at greater depth (3).
Parents are always welcome to have an informal conversation with staff at the beginning or end of each day or make an appointment for a longer meeting at a mutually convenient time.