At Springwood Junior Academy assessment improves learning and raises achievement if:

• It is planned for
• Pupils are actively involved in their own learning (this would include discussions with pupils, individually and in small groups, plus individual targets/ next steps)
• It is used to adjust teachers’ planning and teaching
• It celebrates achievement
• It provides effective feedback to pupils e.g. through marking

 

Assessment for Learning underpins our assessment practice throughout the whole school.  Effective assessment and marking of work is fundamental to successful learning and teaching. Most assessment information should be used formatively.

 

Assessment in EYFS (FS0, FS1 and FS2)

Ongoing assessment takes place in all areas of learning within the EYFS curriculum through observation of the child; through engagement with adult initiated activities and by talking to the children.

Each child is regularly assessed against the EYFS profile. The profile measures achievements against the Early Years Foundation Curriculum. Children are assessed according to age in months. This means that if a child has well-developed skills they may be said to be working at an age level above their actual age, in months. If a child is finding something challenging they may be levelled at an age below their actual age, in months. Young children develop at different rates and their abilities can change rapidly; this is nothing to worry about!

At the end of FS2 the final results of the EYFS profile are shared with the Year 1 teacher to facilitate transition into Key Stage 1.

Your child’s development will be shared at parents evenings during the Autumn and Spring terms and within the end of year school report. During these reviews, please feel free to ask any questions or share any concerns.

 

Assessment in KS1 and KS2

Ongoing assessment includes:

• pupils’ work – exercise books, paper, posters, oral presentations, performances, photographs, videos
• questioning and discussion
• group work activities
• marking and feedback
• observations
• self and peer assessment

 

Summative Assessment

Pupils will be formally assessed in maths, reading and writing (Y2-Y6) towards the end of each term. Y6 pupils may be formally assessed more frequently but no more than half termly. Phonic assessments will be updated in Y1 (and in Y2 for pupils who did not pass the Y1 phonics screening) on a half termly basis; this informs phonic groups, identifies aspects which need targeting and informs phonic interventions.

Formal assessments will be marked by class teachers and will then be moderated by senior staff through pupil progress meetings. Class teachers use the assessment outcomes to inform next steps for the class plus for individual pupils which feeds into the planning for the following half term.

Our assessment system is based on an understanding of whether a pupil is emerging, developing or secure within a year group’s expectations. Some pupils will be exceeding age-related expectations (working at greater depth) plus some pupils may be working below year group expectations (working towards age-related expections or working below age-related expections). For example, a year 3 pupil progressing consistently and working at the age-related expected level would be a 3c at Christmas; 3b at Easter and 3a by the end of the year. A year 3 pupil exceeding age-related expectations by the end of the year would be a 4c or above. 

 

Phonics screening Year 1:

Whilst your child is in year 1 they will take part in a phonics screening check which will assess whether your child is at expected level for their phonics (pass) or working towards (not pass). This phonics-screening check takes place during June and therefore it is essential that no year 1 child takes any form of leave in this month. You will receive more information during your child’s time in year 1. Any pupil in year 2, who did not pass the phonic screening check in year 1, will also sit the phonic screener check again.

 

SATS year 2 (optional):

Once your child reaches year 2 (their final year in KS1), they may take part in a range of optional Statutory Assessment Tests (SATs). These have become optional for the 2022 -2023 academic year onwards. They can now be used to support teacher assessment but the new system allows class teachers to use a broader range of evidence which has been gathered as part of usual classroom practice when pupils are at their most relaxed. Optional SATs and further assessment learning will take place during May and June and therefore it is essential that no year 2 child take any form of leave during this time.

 

Year 4 Multiplication Times Tables Check (MTC)

This check is for all pupils in Year 4 and will takes place in June. The purpose of the check is to determine whether pupils can fluently recall their times tables up to 12 x 12, which is essential for future success in mathematics. It will also help us identify pupils who may need additional support. The MTC is an on-screen check consisting of 25 times tables questions. Your child will answer 3 practice questions before moving on to the official check, and will then have 6 seconds to answer each question. Information about how you can help your child secure this knowledge will be shared at the start of KS2.

 

SATS year 6:

Once your child reaches year 6 (their final year at primary school), they will take part in a range of formal Statutory Assessment Tests (SATs). These take place over a week in May.  It is essential that no year 6 pupil takes any form of leave in the month of May.  All year 6 children in England have to take part in these assessments unless they are working well outside of the expectation of their year group. These assessments are delivered in a formal manner, with very clear expectations around the delivery of them; they are marked externally of school and the results plus a standardised score are given to the school which allows us to analyse who is working at expected, below expected or at greater depth. This information is shared with your child’s secondary school and you as parents/carers.  Throughout year 6, pupils be supported in preparation for these formal assessments so that they feel prepared, relaxed and ready to do their best. More information with regards these assessments will be shared when your child moves into year 6.