Student Assessment and Reporting

Swindon Academy Secondary and United College Sixth Form

When teachers continually gauge the level of student understanding in the classroom, they can adapt learning to the needs of students and ensure they reach their full potential.

Assessing students’ progress takes place in every lesson of every day (formative assessment) as well as through formal end of unit or end of term exams (summative assessment).

Formative Assessment

Teachers continually collect information on the quality of student learning to ensure that knowledge is secure and that misconceptions are addressed quickly. Formative assessment at Swindon Academy includes:

  • Do Now
  • Cold Call Questioning
  • Mini Whiteboards
  • Low-stakes Quizzing
  • Exit Tickets
  • Deep Marking Feedback
  • Knowledge is Power Quizzing

Summative Assessment

Students have their progress regularly assessed in all subjects. In Years 7-10 students are assessed twice, and in Year 11 they are assessed three times, in the academic year. The majority of subjects will be assessed with written examinations during our termly assessment weeks. Students receive comprehensive revision materials prior to their assessments to support them in preparing for their exams.

For the current academic year, exams are held as follows:

Term 1

 Years 11 & 13: during October

Term 2:

 Years 11 - 13: during November

Term 3

 Years 7 - 10: during January

Term 4

Years 11 - 13 during March

End of Year

 Years 7 - 10 & 12: during June. Results determine pathways/ sets from September the following year.

Reporting to Parents and Guardians

Parents/Guardians are regularly informed of their child’s progress throughout the academic year.  

In Years 7-10 and 12, Parents/Guardians receive a report at the end of each of the six terms, indicating if their child is “on track” to make expected progress by the end of that academic year as well as their child’s learning behaviours. Parents/Guardians also receive a more detailed report at the end of Terms 2 and 6 with more detailed information on students’ progress in each of their curriculum subjects. 

In Years 11 and 13, Parents/Guardians receive a termly report indicating current GCSE Working at Grades as well as an up-to-date prediction of students’ likely performance in their GCSEs or A Level examinations. 

Following each formal exam, students’ progress is reviewed, and group changes are made to maximise their learning potential. Parents also receive a report through the post, as well as the opportunity to discuss their child’s progress at our two Progress Review Days (during January and July). However, if in the meantime you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us via Epraise.

English as an Additional Language

We are proud that there are more than twenty-five languages spoken at Swindon Academy and more than 20% of our students are EAL. We ensure that all students, regardless of social, ethnic and cultural background, have access to the curriculum and participate in all aspects of school life.   

All languages and cultures are valued equally. We recognise and value students’ home languages and backgrounds and promote bilingualism through our ethos, our curriculum, our education against racism and promoting language awareness.    

Provision for EAL learners 

On entry to Swindon Academy, we assess all new students whose home language isn’t English, to ensure they can access the right level of support. We have a designated EAL Coordinator who carries out initial assessments and monitors progress of EAL learners during their time at the Academy.    

EAL Intervention Sessions     

Where appropriate, EAL students will undertake further testing and will be provided with access to a range of EAL interventions, depending on their language proficiency. Students who are new to English receive intensive EAL interventions and are withdrawn from some mainstream lessons for additional English lessons. A number of EAL learners also have 1-2-1 reading sessions with the EAL coordinator to improve their English fluency. 

During these intervention sessions, EAL learners are exposed to a wide range of English grammar and vocabulary through a planned programme of support.  

EAL Students can also apply to be part of our Global Ambassador Programme who ensure new arrivals get support with settling into the Academy and building relationships with their peers.