Assessment
Assessment happens all the time - the best assessment is the knowledge of each child that a Teacher carries around in their head.
However it is important that we have systems and processes in place to ensure that each and every child is achieving their very best, so that we can identify and then intervene for those who are not making as much progress as we would like.
In all primary schools there are a few legally required assessment points in a child’s education. The sections below outline these.
RECEPTION (EYFS)
At the end of Reception (EYFS) children are assessed against the Development Matters Framework. This is entirely teacher assessment based on observations and day-to-day learning. This is assessment is sometimes moderated by Wiltshire County Council to ensure accurate assessments are made.
PHONICS SCREENING TEST – YEAR 1
At the end of Year 1, children are given the national Phonics Screening Test for Year 1.
If a child does not achieve a 'pass' they sit the test again at the end of Year 2.
END OF KEY STAGE 1 (KS1)
At the end of Year 2 children are given a set of national tests (SATs) for Reading and Maths
Teachers make judgement against a set of objectives to decide whether children meet expected standards for the end of KS1. This assessment is sometimes moderated by Wiltshire County Council to ensure accurate assessments are made.
MULTIPLICATION SCREEN CHECK – YEAR 4
This is an online test for children. The test comprises of 25 randomly generated questions across all the tables, but with an emphasis on 6,7,8,9 & 12. Children have 6 seconds to answer a question before it moves on. Unlike the Phonics Screening, there is no resit for this test.
END OF KEY STAGE 2 (KS2)
At the end of Year 6 children are given a set of national tests (SATs) for Reading, Maths, and Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling. These assessments are marked externally and the results sent back to school. Teacher assess writing against a set of nationally agreed criteria. assessment is sometimes moderated by Wiltshire County Council to ensure accurate assessments are made. Similarly to Key Stage 1, Teachers assess against a set of objectives to decide whether children meet expected standards for writing at the end of KS2.
INTERNAL ASSESSMENT
In order to assess, track, and monitor all the children’s attainment and progress we use two forms of assessment Teacher Judgement and Tests. These are logged on our tracking system three times a year and reported to parents. The tests we use are NFER tests. We use NFER tests because they have gone through rigorous checks and are nationally bench marked. NFER covers Reading, Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling and Maths.
PUPIL PROGRESS MEETINGS
The meetings happen between class teachers and members of the Senior Leadership Team. The meetings are to establish how the children are performing in relation to their age-related expectations and to find ways to ensure that all children are supported in their learning in a manner that reflects their individual needs.