4 Apr 2008 - National Curriculum Assessments

Over the next term the children will undertake their S.A.T.'s Standard Attainment Tests. The National Curriculum Assessments for seven year olds provide official results in English, Mathematics and Science.

Your child's learning in these subjects is measured against a wide range of Attainment Targets.  The class tacher decides on the level your child has reached in these targets, basing their assessment on the children's school work.  This is called Teacher Assessment.  Then during the early part of the Summer, some of the Teacher Assessment is supplemented by National Curriculum Tests and Tasks that are the same across the whole country.  The outcomes from these tasks and tests are used to inform the teachers' own assessments.

 

When children start on the National Curriculum, soon after their fifth birthday, they begin working towards Level 1.  A typical child will move on to Level 2 by the age of seven.  It is important to remember that not all children move up the levels at the same rate, and will not necessarily move at the same pace in different targets or subjects.  At any one time, a child is likely to show a higher level in some areas of the curriculum than others.

 

The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority states that the expected level for children in Year 2 is Level 2B or above. Children achieving Level 2A or Level 3 have scored above the required standard.

 

More emphasis is given now to the Teacher Assessment results and less to the test results.  This is a positive change by the Government, as the Teacher Assessments are based on a range of evidence from work done in class rather than performance on one particular occasion.

 

The children's tests and tasks are moderated to ensure we are fair and consistent.  Their Teacher assessment grades will be sent to parents with their report in the Summer Term and will give you an English result for Speaking and Listening, Reading and Writing, Maths and Science.  The grading system that accompanies some of the results is a CBA with A being the top band in the level.

 

As for every school day, you could help your child by ensuring they get to bed on time, have had breakfast and have their water bottle with them.  More information can be found online on the National Assessment Agency website - www.naa.org.uk and click on the link for National Curriculum testing or the Department for Children, Schools and Families website, or at www.direct.gov.uk.

 

Please talk to Mrs Cordall if you have any queries or concerns.