Assessment
Key Stage 3
In September 2018 we conducted an extensive review of the effectiveness and reliability of all assessment at Kingdown School to ensure assessments in all year groups are purposeful, accurate and reliable and provide relevant, meaningful and timely information to ensure students make sustained and substantial progress.
At KS3, all departments will now report a percentage attainment grade for knowledge-based assessments and summative assessments alongside an average percentage for students with a similar start point. Knowledge-based assessments test a students ability to retain the core knowledge required for the course they are studying, whereas summative-based assessments test a students ability to apply that knowledge. Feedback given from all these assessments aid each student to know their individual strengths and areas for development and enable all students to make progress across the key stage.
Each subject decides how many assessments they will conduct in order to fit into their curriculum; however, there will be at least one knowledge-based assessment and one summative-based assessment each term. We report this data home to parents at the end of Terms 2, 4 and 6.
Key Stage 4
For students in years 9 and 10, we issue a current attainment grade and a target grade for each student in all their subjects three times a year. In year 11 we issue twice a year a current attainment grade which students have been awarded based on a Mock Exam as well as a target and a professional prediction. This professional prediction is based on current attainment as well as attitude to learning. It indicates what a student is likely to achieve in each of their subjects in the summer examinations if they continue to work at their current level of effort and attainment.
Each subject designs their assessment points to fit with their curriculum; however, we report this data home to parents at the end of Terms 1, 3 and 6 for years 9 and 10 and report home for students in year 11 after the mock exam periods in November and March.
Attitude to Learning
In addition to the current attainment, at both key stages, we also grade each student’s attitude to learning in two categories: ‘Behaviour for Learning’ and ‘Preparation for Lessons’. Descriptors of the criteria used can be seen below. For each of these categories, teachers have graded each student using a scale where:
- ‘1’ indicates that your child is exceeding our high expectations and is ‘outstanding’ in that category.
- ‘2’ indicates that they are meeting our high expectations and are ‘good.’
- ‘3’ indicates that your child is not meeting our expectations, and therefore is a ‘cause for concern’.
Behaviour for Learning
| Grade | Descriptor |
|---|---|
| 1 - Outstanding |
Shows excellent concentration in class and is always actively engaged in their learning. Completes all work in class and is working towards furthering their knowledge and understanding of the subject in and out of class. Works exceptionally well independently and in groups. Work produced is presented clearly and in line with their teacher’s expectations. Always considerate and supportive of others in the class. Always demonstrates thoughtful behaviour, which has an outstanding impact on their learning and the learning of others. Always listens to others in the class and contributes frequently in lessons. |
| 2 - Good |
Shows good concentration in class and student is actively engaged in their learning. Completes all work in class including extension work activities where appropriate. Can work effectively independently and in groups. Work produced is presented clearly and in line with the teachers expectations Considerate and supportive of others in the class. Thoughtful behaviour has a positive impact on their learning and the learning of others. Listens to others in the class and contributes in lessons. |
| 3 - Cause for Concern |
Does not always concentrate fully in class and is not always engaged in their learning. Does not always complete all of the work in class. Does not always work effectively independently or in groups. Work produced is not always well presented and does not always meet the teachers expectations. Does not regularly act in a considerate and supportive way towards others in the class. Behaviour has a negative impact on their learning and the learning of others. Does not listen to others in the class and does not always contribute in lessons. |
Preparation for Lessons
| Grade | Descriptor |
|---|---|
| 1 - Outstanding |
Arrives to lessons on time without exception. Fully equipped for all lessons without exception. Homework deadlines are always met without exception. Quality of the work produced regularly exceeds the level expected. |
| 2 - Good |
Arrives to lessons on time. Fully equipped for all lessons. With the rare exception, all homework deadlines are met. Quality of the work produced as homework meets the level expected. |
| 3 - Cause for Concern |
Is frequently late to lessons without a valid reason. Is not fully equipped for lessons. Homework deadlines are frequently not met. Quality of the work produced as homework does not always meet the level expected which impacts upon student progress. |
Kingsdown School
Hyde Road, Stratton St Margaret, Swindon SN2 7SH
Tel: 01793 822284
Please note, all calls are recorded for monitoring and training purposes.
If you would like a hard copy of anything on the website please contact jcarter@kingsdownschool.co.uk
Part of the
Kingsdown School is an academy which is a part of the River Learning Trust which is an exempt charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales with registered company number 7966500 and its registered office is C/O Gosford Hill School, Oxford Road, Kidlington, Oxfordshire, OX5 2NT
