Assessment and reporting

We challenge all of our students to achieve their potential academically and our curriculum is designed to support academic excellence.

We use Key Stage 2 SAT scores, Cognitive Ability Tests (CATS), reading age tests and national statistics to gain a good understanding of individual starting points; this enables us to provide adequate stretch and challenge and to intervene where we feel additional support may be needed.

Our assessment processes are clear and straightforward. We use a variety of assessments including tests, formal exams, assessed pieces of written work, homework, practical performance, and verbal contribution. Tasks may be based around a particular unit of work but are also likely to include assessment of knowledge and skills from past study; we expect students to demonstrate a depth of understanding gained through regular independent revision of previously taught material.

Students in years 9, 10 and 11 sit formal examinations in all subjects once a year. Most students will take these exams in the hall. However, year 7 and 8 assessment takes place throughout the year in the classroom (or other learning space) during normal, timetabled lessons. For all year groups, teachers work together to moderate and compare judgements, so that grades can be awarded and reported to parents.

The attached document explains our assessment and reporting procedures in more detail.

Parents are invited to attend progress evenings, in school or online, to discuss their child’s progress with teachers. Regular reports are issued to parents using Go4Schools. The dates of progress evenings and reports are here.