Assessment in the Development Stage
A key principle underlying this change is that all times assessment, tracking and data systems should be kept as simple and easy to use as possible and most importantly, inform learning. Our aim is to create data and tracking systems which provide teachers with useful information that can inform their planning and interventions. The data itself is just a means to an end; it is how the data is used in the classroom to support teaching, and at a school level to support accountability, which is key. Therefore, at all times we prioritise clear communication with parents and carers as we believe, when this happens students are likely to achieve better outcomes.
Target Setting in the Development Stage (Years 7 and 8)
When setting students targets at Erasmus Darwin Academy (EDA) we use a range of information. One of the key pieces of data we use to formulate these targets are the students SATS results achieved at the end of KS2 (Year 6). As of 2016, these results are expressed as a scaled score. A scaled score of a 100 means that students have achieved the expected standard at the end of year 6. A scaled score less than 100 means that students have not achieved the expected standard at the end of year 6. Key Stage 2 SATS are of paramount importance because they are the ‘baseline’ against which our students GCSE results will be measured.
Students in the Development Stage will have a ‘minimum percentage’ as their target in each subject. This is the target percentage they must achieve in their assessments. These targets are set using our professional judgement and information we currently have about the newly reformed GCSEs. Based on our rigorous and robust approach to assessment at EDA, if a student achieves their minimum target percentage they will be ‘on track’ to achieve their year 11 target grade. When setting targets, subject leaders are consulted and they will report their baseline assessment findings, this information will also be used when finalising minimum percentage targets. Some subjects, for example practical and language subjects, may set a different minimum percentage target. This is because these students have limited experience of these subjects and the KS2 SAT scaled scores do not take these subjects into consideration.
In years 9 and 10, known as the qualification stage, subject leaders are responsible for setting end of year targets. These targets will be in the form of the newly reformed numerical GCSE grades (9-1). Further information will be shared with parents as your child approaches this stage of their education. The table below outlines the key information of the scaled scores and our trajectory to year 11.
