Assessment

Pupil Progression 

Types of Assessment 

Formative:   

This is the ongoing assessment carried out by teachers both formally and informally during a teaching session.  Results and observations are kept by teachers, the children’s own books/ files or on Seesaw.  

Formative assessments may lead to assessing targets as part of the IDP. The data recorded is used to decide on the best strategies for each pupil and to draw up an IDP to help them to make progress. Progress, against the targets set in the plan, is closely monitored and teaching/learning is adapted accordingly to best cater for pupils individual needs. Each pupil has a one page profile 

Summative:   

These occur at defined periods of the academic year such as Connecting Steps, P scale assessment or Steps4 Life assessment.  Summative tests help teachers in determining the overall level for pupils. Connecting steps and Steps4Life are platforms which teachers are encouraged to add to formatively when a child has achieved a next step.  In addition, Salford Reading tests and comprehension tests are completed throughout the year for those pupils who which it is appropriate. 

Progress logs are written three times a year and collate information regarding learning over a period of time. Progress logs are on Seesaw and help form part of the end of year report. 

Connecting Steps Package.  

  It consists of Routes to progression (Pre Progression1-3) and Pre Progression steps 4 through to Progression step 3. The majority of our learners are within Pre progression step 4-6  Progression step 1  and a minority of learners at Progression step  2. It assesses Literacy, Numeracy and Health and Wellbeing  in accordance with the New Curriculum for Wales. 

“Assessment should focus on identifying each individual learner’s strengths, achievements, areas for improvement and, if relevant, any barriers to learning. This understanding should be used by the practitioner, in discussion with the learner, to ascertain the next steps required to move learning forward, including any additional challenge and support required. 

This should be achieved by embedding assessment into day-to-day practice in a way that engages the learner and makes it indistinguishable from learning. This allows the practitioner to respond to the individual needs of the full range of learners within their classroom on an ongoing basis.” Supporting Learner Progression: Assessment Guidance 

Important points of assessment: 

•   where learners are in their learning 

•  where they need to go in their learning 

•   what needs to be done for them to get there, taking account of any barriers to their learning. 

Assessment in Post 16 is from the Steps4Life package, this builds on the assessment from previously  as it "pulls through" assessment data  from Connecting Steps on literacy, numeracy, health and wellbeing which is applicable to KS5. In addition, pupils are assessed on  PSE, digital skills, life skills including food, travel,self care and independence skills. In addition to this, pupils achieve accredited modules as recognition of the work completed during their course. Pupils also take the Salford reading  and comprehension test.