Assessment

Early Years Assessment

The staff make systematic observations and assessments of each child’s achievements, interests and learning styles. The observations and assessments are used to identify learning priorities and plan the next stages in the learning experiences for the child. The observations are then matched to the early learning goals and are recorded as part of the learning profiles made for our pupils. 

During the children’s first half-term in Reception class, the teacher assesses the ability of each child using a school designed baseline assessment. The results are analysed and we then use them to identify patterns of attainment within the cohort of children. Targets are set for each child to work towards. We use this information to modify the teaching programme for individual children and groups of children. We share the initial assessment information with parents at the parental consultation meeting.

Parents receive an annual report that offers brief comments on each child’s progress in each area of learning. It highlights the child’s strengths and development needs and gives details of the child’s general progress. We complete these in June and send them to parents in early July each year.

Assessment in Y1-6

As with assessment in the Early Years staff continue to make systematic observations and assessments of the children's achievements, interests and learning styles. This is done through conversations with the child, marking or children's work, listening to children read and asking them questions.

Alongside this informal assessment there are also more formal assessment times during the year where pupils will sit tests which will provide staff with a comprehensive picture of the children's achievements. These tests are sat in the classroom environment that is familiar to the children. The teacher ensures a positive atmosphere is set and that children are able to achieve their best. It's very important to us at Bank Leaze that pupils 'enjoy' these tests and see them as a time to show off all of their hard work and not something to be at all worried about. We use many techniques across the Academy to help support children to do this during these times. If you would like any further information about this please speak to Ms Nelson or Ms Chambers.

Parent's will receive updates of their child's progress and attainment during parent consultations, attainment notes sent home as well as their child's annual report. This will have brief comments on the child's progress in each area of learning. It highlights the child’s strengths and development needs and gives details of the child’s general progress. We complete these in June and send them to parents in early July each year.

Understanding Statutory Primary Assessment in Y1, Y2 and Y6

If you have a child in Year 1, Year 2 or Year 6 they will be taking a Phonics Test (Y1) or national curriculum tests (Y2 + Y6); the SATs. They are designed to provide information about how your child is progressing when compared to national averages.

It is important to note that they are not qualifications and do not affect your child's future options in school, but that the results are used to help teachers pitch their lessons at the appropriate level for their classes, with a view to helping children reach their full potential.

Information on how your child scored in these tests will be sent home with their annual report in July.

The Year 1 Phonics Test is out of 40 with a pass score of 32.

• A scaled score of 100 is the expected standard for the KS1 (Y2) and  KS2 (Y6) SATs