Assessment
In the current 5-14 curriculum, each subject is split into six levels. Each level builds on the previous one and involves some new knowledge, understanding and skills to be learned. Children move through the levels at a pace which suits their learning.
What to expect
The 5-14 national guidelines state the level which children should be able to reach at each stage of education. There are six levels, starting at Level A early on in primary school and moving through Levels B, C, D, E and F. Some children will progress more slowly and others more quickly. Most pupils are expected to progress through a level in about 18 months to two years and should be able to reach:
- Level A in P2/P3
- Level B by the end of P4
- Level C in P4-P6
- Level D by the end of P7
- Level E by the end of S2
- Level F specifies attainment beyond Level E. A few children who make rapid progress may reach Level E well before the end of S2 and work towards Level F.
How assessment works
Most assessment is organised by the school. Teachers regularly assess, record and report children’s progress, so that any difficulties can be quickly addressed. Teachers should judge a child's progress through the levels over a period of time and on the basis of a range of evidence, such as coursework, homework assignments and local moderation.
When teachers believe pupils have a good grasp of a significant body of learning, they will confirm their judgement through summative activities, which may include National Assessments. National Assessments are available in reading, writing and mathematics and can be used at any time during a school session, whenever the teacher judges that a pupil is ready to move on to the next level.
Current assessment policy
Assessment is for Learning (AifL) is a programme that aims to improve classroom assessment and the way schools share assessment information with parents. As part of AifL, schools are developing personal learning planning for all children, as a basis for discussing their progress with them and with their parents.
In addition, some pupils in P3, P5, P7 and S2 will be involved in the Scottish Survey of Achievement (SSA). The SSA is an annual national survey which provides information about how well pupils’ learning is being developed in the current 5-14 curriculum. Individual schools and children will remain anonymous. The report of the 2008 SSA on mathematics and core skills will be published in 2009.
Pupil progress and reports
It is important that you know how your child is getting on at school. Just as importantly, teachers need to know your hopes for your child, as well as any concerns about their education.
The most common ways of sharing this information are pupil reports and meetings between parents and teachers.
Pupil reports help you and your child’s teachers concentrate on your child’s progress and needs. They can also help pupils sum up their progress and set out goals.
National guidelines say that pupil reports should:
- comment concisely to parents on the pupil’s strengths and development needs in each subject or area of the curriculum, and in aspects of personal and social development, including attendance
- provide an overall assessment of the pupil’s level of attainment in class work and, where appropriate, in national assessments.
- identify suitable next steps in pupil’s work
- contain a response sheet for parents to comment on their child's report and raise points for discussion
- specify a contact teacher for parents.
Primary school
The guidelines recommend that each primary school pupil should receive a brief update report some way into the first term of each school year and a full report towards the end of the school session.
The full report will link with, and form the basis of, the brief update report in the following session.
Secondary school
In secondary schools, you’ll get a report for each subject, along with a general comment from the guidance teacher. The guidelines recommend that each S1 and S2 pupil should receive a full report and a brief update report.
When your child moves on to new National Qualifications the report covers the elements of each subject and indicates the level at which they’re working. The report is usually issued to tie in with a meeting between you and your child’s teachers.