At Andoversford we are a GOOD School! Like all good schools, we are constantly evaluating our progress and looking for ways to improve. Throughout the year we follow a rigorous monitoring cycle to check the standard of education being offered to our pupils. This cycle includes lessons observations, evaluating work in our pupils' books, talking to teachers, pupils and parents and analysing test data.
Using this information, we can set priorities for development to make sure that the school is continually improving. We are currently working on:
Standards at Andoversford
At the end of each year, we report the standards achieved by our pupils. You can also see how well we do in the school performance tables: School Performance Service
Take a look at our most recent results here:
National Testing
In primary schools across the country all pupils are assessed at the end of key phases in their education.
At the end of the Reception Year, children are assessed against the Early Learning Goals for their EYFSP (Early Years Foundation Stage Profile). This contains 17 development areas, which are assessed through observations, practical tasks and looking at the work that pupils achieve.
In Year 1, pupils undertake a phonics screening check to ensure that they are confidently able to blend sounds in their reading. It is not a formal test, but a way for teachers to monitor the progress of pupils. The phonics screening check is taken individually by all children in Year 1 in England. It is designed to give teachers and parents information on how your child is progressing in phonics. It will help to identify whether your child needs additional support at this stage so that they do not fall behind in this vital early reading skill.
At the end of year 2, children are assessed against the end of Key Stage 1 criteria. These are often called the Year 2 SATs. Children take tests in the classroom to check how well they are doing in reading, writing and maths skills. Tests are not strictly timed and children will be given breaks between the papers. The results of the tests are used in combination with the work that pupils complete over the year to give an overall teacher judgement. Teacher assessments and practical activities are also used to give a judgement in science.
At the end year 6, children come to the end of Key Stage 2 and the end of the primary phase of their education. Again, a judgement is made to see how well your child is progressing in the core skills. Tests are more formal at this stage and the papers are sent off to be marked externally. The National Curriculum tests or SATs can seem like a daunting part of your child’s education, but if you know what to expect, they don’t need to be scary for you or your child!
Tests are taken to monitor progress in Reading, Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar and Maths. In addition to this, teacher assessment is used to give a judgement for writing.
Oxford Owl has a wealth of helpful information for parents. Check out their website to find out more information about testing in Primary Schools: