How do we assess your child’s progress in KS3?
What is the aim of assessment in KS3?
At Wilmslow High School our aim is that our students learn their curriculum well so that they know more and can do more. This knowledge and capability will prepare students well for success in Key Stage 4 and beyond. It is also important that any gaps are identified in key stage 3 so that these can be effectively addressed.
To do this we use both:
- Formative assessment– as an ongoing element of our teaching to check for student understanding
- Summative assessment– to assess how well students are learning and remembering the curriculum
What do we assess in Key Stage 3?
In Key Stage 3 we assess students’ knowledge in two ways. The depth of their:
- Declarative knowledge – how well a student knows the core facts and ideas he or she has been taught in each subject
- Procedural knowledge – how well a student is able to apply these facts and ideas. This may be through practical skills, solving problems or composing an argument
The blend of these two aspects of knowledge allows a student to know both ‘what’ and ‘how to’.
What does formative assessment look like?
Checking for student understanding might take the form of:
- Questioning in lessons
- Live marking of students’ work
- Quizzes and tests in lessons or set as homework
- Other forms of retrieval practice for students
- Practice examination style questions or essays in class or set as homework
Teachers will use this formative assessment to help them plan lessons and provide feedback to students about what they need to do next. Such feedback will concentrate on students’ learning gaps and how to close these.
What does summative assessment look like?
Assessing how well students are learning and remembering the curriculum might take the form of:
- A test, exam or assessment
- An exam style question taken in timed or ‘closed’ conditions
- An extended piece of work
When do we report on student progress in KS3?
In Key Stage 3 we report student performance twice a year:
- Mid year: How effectively students are learning the curriculum at this point (informed by ongoing formative and summative classroom assessment.)
- End of year: How well students remember what they have learned this year and in their previous learning
We also provide an additional report for Year 7 at the end of half term 1 to support their transition to secondary study.
How do we report on student progress in KS3?
An explanation for of the Key Stage 3 assessment certificate can be found at this link.
How do we use assessment on entry to Year 7 to know our students’ learning better?
At Wilmslow High School we are keen to know our students’ learning well.For this reason, as well as working closely with our primary schools through the transition process, we undertake our own baseline assessments in the September of Year 7.These low stakes assessments allow us to gain a richer picture of our students’ performance, potential, areas of strength and areas where learning gaps may need to be closed.We also use them to identify where students may require additional support within the Formal Curriculum.
What baseline assessments do students take?
- Cognitive Ability Tests (CATs)
How do we share this information with parents/ carers?
We share this information in the Year 7 Expectations Evening at the end of Half Term 1.
FAQs
Information about student learning can be assessed through both direct and indirect measures. Direct measures may include homework, quizzes, exams, reports, essays, research projects, case study analysis, and rubrics for oral and other performances.
How do you assess high school students? ›
Information about student learning can be assessed through both direct and indirect measures. Direct measures may include homework, quizzes, exams, reports, essays, research projects, case study analysis, and rubrics for oral and other performances.
How can children be assessed? ›
Methods of child assessment can be informal (conducting natural observations, collecting data and children's work for portfolios, using educator and teacher ratings) and formal (using assessment tools such as questionnaires and standardized testing).
How do you assess your students? ›
How to Assess Students' Learning and Performance
- Alternative Grading Methods.
- Creating assignments.
- Creating exams.
- Using classroom assessment techniques.
- Using concept maps.
- Using concept tests.
- Assessing group work.
- Creating and using rubrics.
What is a common assessment in high school? ›
Common assessments are tests that at least two teachers give to their students in their respective classrooms. The purpose of common assessments is to provide data so teachers can compare and analyze the results to improve student learning and teacher instruction.
What are the three main methods of assessment? ›
There are three types of assessment: diagnostic, formative, and summative. Although are three are generally referred to simply as assessment, there are distinct differences between the three. There are three types of assessment: diagnostic, formative, and summative.
What is the most common type of assessment in schools? ›
The most common types of assessments to measure students' academic achievement and progress are summative, interim, and formative.
How do I get my child assessed? ›
If you would like your child's needs to be formally assessed, it can be helpful to put your request in writing. You can send it to the person responsible for additional support for learning in your child's school (often a deputy head or principal teacher).
What is a good child assessment? ›
A good assessment will monitor and record the impact of any services delivered to the child and family and review the help being delivered. Whilst services may be delivered to a parent or carer, the assessment should be focused on the needs of the child and on the impact any services are having on the child.
What is the basic assessment system for children? ›
The Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC) is an instrument that can be used to measure the intrapersonal competencies of children or adolescents for the purpose of monitoring their behavior and/or emotional status. 2 Overall Score Reports: Overall Behavioral Symptoms Index (TRS and PRS)
6 assessment for learning strategies
- Direct observation. With direct observation, the teacher observes small groups or pairs of children working on a specific question posed deliberately to assess what the children know. ...
- Questioning. ...
- Feedback. ...
- Self-assessment. ...
- Peer-assessment. ...
- The formative use of summative assessment.
What is an example of an educational assessment? ›
There are many educational assessment examples that can be applied in different stages of education, such as final exams, presentations, observations, exit tickets, quizzes, student portfolios, and so on.
How do you assess students by observation? ›
When assessing through observation, keep these things in mind:
- Describe what is happening without judgment or analysis (this will come later). ...
- Record the date, student name, and context of the learning experience. ...
- Have a copy of your learning targets on hand, including criteria for proficiency.
What are the most important test in high school? ›
Many colleges require applicants to take either the SAT or the ACT. These tests measure reading, writing, and math skills that students have learned throughout their education as a means of predicting how well they will do in college.
What does good assessment look like in schools? ›
Fair: is non-discriminatory and matches expectations. Transparent: processes and documentation, including assessment briefing and marking criteria, are clear. Reliable: assessment is accurate, consistent and repeatable. Feasible: assessment is practicable in terms of time, resources and student numbers.
What is authentic assessment in high school? ›
One fundamental aspect of such assessments is that they are authentic. An authentic assignment is one that requires application of what students have learned to a new situation, and that demands judgment to determine what information and skills are relevant and how they should be used.
What are the best assessments for students? ›
Formative Assessment is the most powerful type of assessment for improving student understanding and performance. Examples: a very interactive class discussion; a warm-up, closure, or exit slip; a on-the-spot performance; a quiz.
How do you assess students in a fun way? ›
25 Formative Assessment Options Your Students Will Actually Enjoy
- Doodle Notes. Have students doodle/draw a pic of their understanding instead of writing it. ...
- Same Idea, New Situation. ...
- Tripwire. ...
- Two Truths and a Lie. ...
- Popsicle Sticks. ...
- Explain it to a Famous Person. ...
- Traffic Light. ...
- 30-Second Share.
What are the four major types of assessment? ›
A Guide to Types of Assessment: Diagnostic, Formative, Interim, and Summative. Assessments come in many shapes and sizes. For those who are new to assessment or just starting out, the terms can be hard to sort out or simply unfamiliar.