Assessment
Assessment is an integral part of teaching and learning. It includes observations by teachers, questioning and discussions, marking of work and more formal standardised testing.
We aim to encourage children to take responsibility for their learning by reviewing and reflecting upon what, and how, they have learned. Children assess their own learning and that of their peers informally and often through discussion. They are expected to respond to targets set by their teachers.
Assessment isn’t about testing to determine whether a pupil has met an expected standard, but to provide reliable information so each child’s achievements can be celebrated and next steps planned. Teaching and learning activities are planned to build upon their abilities, challenge them to meet their next steps for learning and to support them when they find something difficult.
How we Formally Assess Children
Reception
We use baseline assessments in the autumn term and the EYFS Profile is completed during the summer term.
In 2019, 96.8% of Copthill’s Reception children achieved a good level of development, compared to 71.8% at national level.
Years 1 – 6
Children sit standardised tests in reading (PIRA) and mathematics (PUMA). These assessment papers are linked to the National Curriculum and provide a standardised score which allows us to place each child’s score on a standard scale.
In 2020, the Year 6 children’s average standardised score in reading was 112.2. In mathematics it was 113, compared to the national average of 100.
Year 2, Year 4 and Year 6
Children complete CAT4 cognitive ability tests. These help us learn more about their developed abilities and likely academic potential.
Reporting
Parents receive brief interim reports at the end of the autumn and spring terms and a detailed written report at the end of the summer term.
Reception-Year 4.
Parents are invited to two Parents’ Evenings each academic year. Parents complete an online Teaching and Learning Questionnaire prior to the first meeting so that their child’s new teacher can learn more about the parents’ aims for their child during the academic year ahead. The second Parents’ Evening is held mid-way through the school year.
Years 5 and 6.
Parents are invited to four Parents’ Evenings over the two year period. The first is at the beginning of Year 5, the second mid-way through the year and the third at the end of the Summer term of Year 5. Another consultation evening takes place during the second half of the Autumn term when the child is in Year 6.
Use Nfer baseline assessments and the EYFS Profile is completed during the Summer term.
In 2019, 96.7% of Copthill’s 5 year old pupils achieved a good level of development, compared to 70.7% at national level.