Assessment at Kirkstall Valley

 

At Kirkstall Valley Primary, we believe that assessment is not just about testing; it is about knowing our children.

Effective assessment allows us to see exactly what a child can do, identify any gaps in their knowledge, and plan the precise next steps they need to make progress. We use a combination of Statutory Assessments (required by the government) and School Assessments (our own internal tracking).

 

1. Statutory Assessments

 

Schools are required to undertake specific assessments at key points in a child's primary education. These allow us to benchmark our performance against schools nationally.

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

  • Reception Baseline Assessment (RBA): Taken within the first 6 weeks of starting Reception. This is a short, interactive activity with a teacher to measure early literacy and maths skills. It is not a "test" and there is no pass mark.

  • EYFS Profile: At the end of Reception, teachers assess whether children have reached a "Good Level of Development" (GLD) across the prime areas of learning.

Year 1

  • Phonics Screening Check: Taken in June. Children read 40 words (a mix of real words and 'alien' nonsense words) to check they can decode sounds using our Little Wandle phonics scheme.

Year 4

  • Multiplication Tables Check (MTC): Taken in June. An online check where children answer 25 times-table questions. They have 6 seconds per question. This ensures children have the rapid recall needed for Upper Key Stage 2 maths.

Year 6 (End of Key Stage 2)

  • SATs (Standard Assessment Tests): Taken in May. These are formal tests in Reading, Grammar, Punctuation & Spelling (GPS), and Mathematics. Writing is assessed by the teacher based on work produced throughout the year.

Note regarding Year 2 (KS1 SATs): The government has made Key Stage 1 SATs optional. We use our own rigorous internal assessment to track progress at the end of Year 2.

2. How We Assess in School (Formative & Summative)

 

While statutory tests happen once a year, learning happens every day. We use a robust cycle of assessment to ensure no child is left behind.

Formative Assessment: "Assessment for Learning" This happens in every lesson, every day. It helps teachers adapt their teaching in the moment.

  • Low-Stakes Quizzing: Starting lessons with a quick recap of previous learning to strengthen memory.

  • In-Class Feedback: Teachers checking work during the lesson to correct misconceptions immediately (e.g., "same-day keep up" support in Phonics or Maths).

  • Questioning: Using targeted questioning to check understanding before moving on.

  • Oracy: Listening to how children articulate their ideas in full sentences to assess their depth of understanding.

Summative Assessment: "Assessment of Learning" This happens at set points (usually termly) to check how much children have remembered over time.

  • Standardised Tests: We use standardised assessments in Maths and Reading to test exactly what has been taught in the curriculum. These provide us with a standardised score, helping us to track progress accurately against national averages.

  • Writing Assessment: Writing is assessed continuously throughout the year. Teachers use their professional judgement to assess a wide range of independent writing pieces against our school’s writing framework, ensuring a holistic view of a child’s ability.

  • Subject Enquiries: In subjects like History and Geography, we use "Enquiry Questions" (e.g., Why was the Nile important?) to assess whether children can apply the knowledge they have learned in a unit.

 

Reporting to Parents

 

We believe in transparency. You will receive updates on your child's attainment and progress through:

  • Parent Consultation Evenings (Autumn and Spring).

  • End of Year Reports (Summer), detailing achievement in all curriculum areas.

  • Statutory Results (for pupils in Y1, Y4, and Y6).

If you have any questions about how your child is being assessed, please speak to their class teacher.