Student Assessment and Reporting

Assessment in Early Years

We believe that assessment in early years, is about noticing what each child can do and where they need to go. We are clear about what we want our children to know and be able to do. Every child is unique and we understand they develop in different ways and at different rates and times. Each child will have their own starting points depending on the opportunities and experiences they have had.

Accurate assessment will help individual needs to be highlighted. Assessment does not take us away from being with the children nor require excessive paperwork. We record what is necessary in a way that works for us and the child. Assessment helps us to identify a child’s progress, understand their needs and support their ongoing learning and development together. We continually use our professional knowledge about each child to support and extend their learning and development.

Across EYFS, we assess children three times a year across the seven areas of learning.

• Communication and Language
• Physical Development
• Personal, Social and Emotional
• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding the World
• Expressive Art and Design

In Reception, parents and carers are invited in twice a year to discuss your child’s progress.

Assessment in Years 1 – 6

Three times a year, your child completes a formal assessment in reading, writing, and maths. Class teachers track their progress against their personal targets. Written reports are sent home twice a year and there is also an opportunity to discuss your child’s progress at two Progress Review Days.

In addition to our on-going assessments, we have some statutory assessment which we must undertake and publish results to parents. These are the Early Years Baseline Assessment (first 5 weeks of Reception),  Phonics Screening Check (end Year 1), Key Stage 1 assessments (end of year 2) and Key Stage 2 assessments at the end of Year 6. Results of all these assessments are reported to parents at the end of the Summer Term.

Secondary and 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:

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 (Thur 12 January and Wed 19 July, 2023). However, if in the meantime you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us via Epraise.