We have decided to embrace the new language of assessment and from September we have been using; Working Towards, Expected and Working Above to assess children in each year group. We have also borrowed the measure from EYFS of a Good Level of Development to reflect the proportion of children achieving expected or more in Reading, Writing and Maths.
Autumn Term
Autumn assessment was very much a learning curve. Reading was assessed using Benchmarking using the school reading scheme, guided reading notes and reading tests. Writing was assessed using our writing assessment documents and moderation. Maths was assessed using old SATs papers and other test materials. All of which were then triangulated with teacher assessment based on daily work.
This worked well and we had assessment that was in line with previous assessment which had a wide evidence base. However, teachers still didn't feel secure in their judgments.
Spring Term
As we are moving towards our spring assessment periods, it is time to move things forward. As a staff we are working with the national curriculum objectives on a 'best fit' basis similar to EYFS. The challenge now is to move from old assessment materials which is no longer fit for purpose.
By using curriculum objectives, assessment should get back to its main role, to inform teaching and learning.
Moving from 'old' assessment to 'new' materials will take time and adjustment, spring may not reflect progress as well as it did in the past. Until further guidelines are produced, I still feel that going through this process over the year will enable a mindset change before we get the finer details. Watch this space.
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