Assessment of Learning

At our school, assessment for learning is an integral part of our approach to teaching, ensuring every child is supported to reach their full potential. We use a variety of strategies and tools to assess understanding, address misconceptions, and guide next steps in learning.

The Importance of Assessment for Learning

Assessment is essential in shaping effective teaching and learning. It helps:

Identify what students know and where gaps exist.
Guide lesson planning and tailor teaching to meet individual needs.
Provide students with clear next steps, empowering them to take ownership of their learning.
Monitor progress and celebrate successes.
Support collaboration among teachers, ensuring a consistent and targeted approach to improvement.

Daily Classroom Assessment

Assessment happens every day in the classroom through:

Questioning: Teachers use targeted questions to gauge understanding and extend learning.
Verbal Feedback: Immediate, constructive feedback helps children refine their thinking and work.
Peer and Self-Assessment: Children assess their own and each other’s work against success criteria, fostering reflection and independence.
Feedback in Line with Policy: Feedback is structured and consistent, following our school’s feedback policy to ensure clarity and effectiveness. Please see our policy page for more information.
Exit Tickets: Quick, fortnightly checks at the end of lessons to assess whether children have acquired the appropriate knowledge.
Misconception Tickets: Identifying and addressing misunderstandings promptly ensures all children stay on track.
Green Pen Editing: Children use green pens to edit and improve their work, encouraging active engagement in their learning.

Pre-Assessments and Prior Learning

To ensure teaching meets the needs of all learners, we:

Conduct pre-assessments for non-core subjects to identify gaps in learning. Teachers analyse these mini quizzes in order that they can start teaching at the right point.
Refer to prior assessments of previously taught content to build on existing knowledge and skills.

Regular and Formal Assessments

To monitor progress and inform next steps, we use a variety of formal assessments throughout the year:

PiXL Testing: Administered three times a year (more frequently in Year 6), these tests are analyzed during data conferences to identify strengths, address areas for improvement, and plan targeted interventions.
Phonic Screens: Regular checks ensure children are making progress in their phonics knowledge and skills so we can address any gaps they may have.
Salford Reading Test and Fluency Test: These assessments measure reading ability and fluency to ensure children develop strong literacy skills.

At our school, assessment for learning is not just about measuring progress—it’s about helping every child grow, succeed, and feel confident in their abilities.