Pupils complete a range of national tests at various milestones in their primary school career. In Early Years and Key Stage 1, assessments are carried out in a low key manner and children very much enjoy working individually and in small groups alongside their class teacher.
Reception Baseline Assessment
The Reception Baseline Assessment (RBA) is an age-appropriate assessment of early mathematics and literacy, communication and language. Your child will undertake the RBA within the first six weeks of starting reception. The assessment is completed 1:1 with your child’s teacher. Outcomes will be used to show the progress pupils in a school make from Reception until the end of Key Stage 2.
Year 1 phonics screening check
The check will take place in June when your child will read 40 words out loud to a teacher. You’ll find out how your child did, and their teacher will assess whether he or she needs extra help with reading. If your child does not reach the expected standard in the check, they will retake it in Year 2.
Key Stage 1 – National Curriculum Tests
Key Stage 1 tests cover:
- reading
- maths (arithmetic and reasoning)
The tasks and tests are taken during May. Your child’s teacher will use the child’s work (including spoken work and homework) to work out whether they are working at age related expectation (ARE). Their test results form part of an overall teacher assessment grade. These are recorded on your child’s school report at the end of Year 2.
Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check
The purpose of the MTC is to determine whether pupils can recall their times tables fluently, which is essential for future success in mathematics. Your child will carry out their check in June. It is completed on the computer. The check will help to identify pupils who have not yet mastered their times tables, so that additional support can be provided.
Key Stage 2 – National Curriculum Tests
The check will take place in June when your child will read 40 words out loud to a teacher. You’ll find out how your child did, and their teacher will assess whether he or she needs extra help with reading. If your child does not reach the expected standard in the check, they will retake it in Year 2.
Pupils are tested formally at the end of Key Stage 2 (Year 6).
Key Stage 2 tests cover:
- English reading
- English grammar, punctuation and spelling
- Maths (including mental arithmetic and reasoning)
The tests are taken in mid-May and last under 5.5 hours in total. You’ll get the results in July.
Your child’s test results will be recorded in their final annual report along with teacher assessments. Teacher assessments are based on your child’s work throughout the years. Your child will receive a teacher assessment for their writing and science attainment also.