Student Assessment and Reporting

Assessment in Early Years

When your child is in nursery and/or reception, assessments of their learning are by written observations, pieces of work and photos collected by the class teacher, TA or nursery nurse. These observations are collated in your child’s Learning Journey. This book is always available for you to look at. Parents are encouraged to add your contributions and observations of what your child is able to do and we valued this input from you.

Written reports of nursery and reception children’s progress and individual targets are sent home three times a year. In addition to this, in the reception classes there are two occasions when you will be invited in to discuss achievements and progress with your child’s teacher on Progress Review Days.

Assessment in Years 1 – 6

Every term, your child completes a formal assessment in reading, writing, spelling, grammar and maths. Class teachers track their progress against their personal targets. Children in year 1 are assessed by observation of class work, until they are able to complete more formal testing themselves. Written reports are sent home three times 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 Profile assessment (end of reception), Phonics Screening Check (end year1), 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 as well ensuring students reach their full potential. Assessing students’ progress takes place in every taught 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. However, if in the meantime you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us.