Assessment
At Jessie Younghusband Primary School, we believe that effective assessment is an essential part of high-quality teaching and learning. Assessment helps us understand what children know, what they can do and what they need to learn next. It enables teachers to identify strengths, address misconceptions and ensure that all pupils make strong progress.
Assessment is an ongoing process that informs teaching on a daily basis whilst also providing a longer-term picture of attainment and progress. We use a combination of formative assessment (assessment for learning) and summative assessment (assessment of learning) to ensure that learning is carefully matched to pupils' needs and that all children receive the support and challenge they require.
Assessment for Learning
Assessment is embedded within everyday classroom practice and takes place throughout every lesson. Teachers continually gather information about pupils' understanding through:
- Questioning and discussion.
- Observation of learning.
- Review of pupils' work.
- Retrieval practice and low-stakes quizzing.
- Mini whiteboards and whole-class responses.
- Pupil conferencing and feedback.
- Self-assessment and peer assessment.
- Practical activities and demonstrations.
This ongoing assessment allows teachers to identify misconceptions quickly, adapt teaching, provide appropriate support and ensure that learning builds securely over time.
Formal Assessment
Alongside ongoing assessment, pupils take part in a range of formal assessments throughout their time at school.
- In Reception and Year 1, assessment is primarily based on teacher observations and professional judgement.
- Pupils in Years 2 to 6 complete termly assessments in reading, writing and mathematics.
- Statutory assessments include the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check, the Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check and the Year 6 SATs.
- Foundation subjects are assessed throughout the year to monitor curriculum coverage, knowledge acquisition and progression.
Assessment information is carefully analysed by teachers and leaders to ensure that pupils are making expected progress and to identify any additional support or challenge that may be required.
Why We Assess
Our assessment processes enable us to:
- Identify pupils' strengths and next steps in learning.
- Ensure teaching is responsive to pupils' needs.
- Support pupils to make strong progress and achieve their full potential.
- Provide timely intervention where required.
- Monitor the attainment and progress of individuals, groups and classes.
- Identify and address gaps in learning.
- Inform parents and carers about their child's progress.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of teaching and curriculum provision.
- Maintain high standards and promote continual school improvement.
- Ensure consistency of expectations and judgements across the school.
Working in Partnership with Parents
We recognise the important role that parents and carers play in supporting children's learning. We keep families informed through parent consultation meetings, annual reports and ongoing communication throughout the year. We believe that strong partnerships between home and school are key to helping every child achieve success.
Aspire • Respect • Enjoy
At Jessie Younghusband Primary School, assessment is not simply about measuring attainment. It is about understanding every child as a learner, identifying ways to help them succeed and ensuring that all pupils are supported to achieve their very best.
