How we assess
At the end of KS1 and KS2 pupils will be given a scaled score from their end of key stage tests (known as SATs). This scaled score will indicate whether they have met the expected standard.
In years 1 to 6, children are assessed against Age Related Expectations (ARE). For example by the end of Year 1, children would be expected to be working at a 1S (this means that they are secure at Year 1 age related), Year 2 would be secure at 2S etc.
We use the following terms when assessing children:
Emerging (E) - This means that children are beginning to work within their expected, age related year group.
Developing (D) - This means that children are developing their knowledge of age related expectations for their year group.
Secure (S) - This means that children are working securely within their age related year group and are meeting the National Curriculum expectations.
Mastery (M) - This means that children are working at greater depth within their age related year group and are meeting the National Curriculum expectations.
Children are set individual, realistic targets for the academic year. Both attainment and progress are tracked closely throughout the year. In all subjects, assessment sheets are used to assess against National Curriculum objectives and knowledge and skills we want the children to learn.
Our Assessment and Reporting System includes:
Ongoing assessment against the National Curriculum objectives and the knowledge and skills we want the children to learn, by the class teacher throughout each lesson, through questioning, observation and dialogue and checking work produced.
Children knowing and understanding what they are learning and why.
Self, peer and teacher assessment.
Next challenges are given to children - this can be written or verbal feedback.
Regular scrutiny of pupil learning through learning walks, book trawls, speaking to children about their learning.
Assessment tests for English and Maths.
Statutory Assessments (End of Key Stage):
In addition to the above assessments, pupils also complete the following statutory assessments:
Reception - Baseline Testing - EYFS profile (pupils in Reception should not be aware that they are being tested. This test takes the form of 1:1 work with the Teacher)
Year 1 - Phonics Check (takes place in Summer term. This is not a written test but takes the form of 1:1 work with the Teacher or familiar adult in school)
Year 2 SATs - end of Key Stage assessment (written tests that take place in the classroom in the Summer term)
Year 6 SATs - end of Key Stage assessment (written tests that take place in the main hall in the Summer term)
Tracking Progress
We closely track children's progress throughout the year. We use detailed progress charts and look closely at groups of children as well as individuals to identify areas to target intervention.
Early Years
Class teachers will use a combination of the EYFS profile and the baseline assessment to measure children's progress.
Baseline:
The baseline assessment will result in a score that forms part of each child's baseline profile. By having a good understanding of the child's abilities when they start school, class teachers are able to measure each child's progress and plan for next steps in learning.
The baseline assessment is face-to-face with a mixture of tasks and observational checklists.
EYFS Profile:
The EYFS profile assessment is carried out in the final term of Reception
The main purpose of the EYFS profile is to provide a reliable, valid and accurate assessment of individual children at the end of the EYFS.
EYFS Profile Data is used to:
Inform parents about their child's development against the early learning goals (ELG) and the characteristics of their learning.
Help year 1 teachers plan an effective, responsive and appropriate curriculum that will meet the needs of each child.
Children in Reception are assessed against the Prime and Specific areas of Learning in the EYFS profile. Assessments are based on observation of daily activities and events. At the end of Reception for each Early Learning Goal, teachers will judge whether a child is meeting the level of development expected at the end of the Reception year:
Emerging, not yet reached the expected level of development
Developing
Secure, the expected level of development for their age
Phonics Screening Check Year 1
The Phonics Screening Check demonstrates how well pupils can use the phonics skills they have learned up to the end of Year 1, and to identify those who need extra phonics help.
The checks consist of 40 words and non-words that your child will be asked to read one-on-one with a teacher. Non-words (or nonsense words, or pseudo words) are a collection of letters that will follow phonics rules your child has been taught, but don't mean anything.
The 40 words and non-words are divided into two sections - one with simple word structures of three or four letters, and one with more complex word structures of five or six letters.
Pupils will be scored against a national standard, and the main result will be whether or not they fall below, within or above this standard Pupils who do not meet the required standard in Year 1 will be re-checked in Year 2.
Reporting to Parents
Parent's evenings during the Autumn, Spring and Summer terms.
Parents also receive end of year reports, which inform parents of statutory end of key stage assessment results.
Inbetween these points of reporting, parents are welcome to make appointments to speak to class teachers at any point during the school year. Parents can also speak to class teachers informally at the end of each school day.
Downloads
Year 2 Parents SATs Parents Guide (PowerPoint)