The assessment of each child’s progress is important. Formative assessment allows teachers to map where a child is up to and to plan for his or her future learning needs.
Assessment within school takes the form of ‘assessment for learning’ and ‘summative assessment’. Assessment for learning is the day today on-going assessment made by school staff to measure how much progress has been made towards a learning objective and therefore what direct teaching needs to follow. In addition, all pupils are encouraged to make regular self-assessments in relation to their learning and progress.
Summative assessment is the more formal measure of progress and attainment undertaken by school staff each term. We set aside a designated ‘assessment week’ during which staff undertake a range of planned assessment activities and tests. The information from these assessments is entered onto the school data management system, Assessment Manager. This data is reviewed termly at pupil progress meetings held with class teachers, the headteacher and the special needs and disabilities co-ordinator (SENDCo). Any further support and intervention is planned to meet individual needs.
During the summer term, Year 1 undertake the Phonics Screening check , Year 2 and Year 6 complete the statutory National Curriculum tests and the Early Years profile is completed for the children in Reception. Also during this term, NFER tests in reading and mathematics are completed in Years 3, 4 and 5. Furthermore, pupils in Year 1 – Year 5 undertake a range of assessment tasks to measure progress and attainment across the curriculum. Nursery children are assessed against the age related elements from ‘Development Matters’.
Outcomes from statutory tests are reported to parents/carers on the end of year report along with a teacher assessment judgement which is informed by both formal test results and on-going assessment evidence.