Key Stage 3 Assessment
Introducing the New Key Stage 3 Assessment Model
This model is designed to provide you and your child with much clearer, more consistent, and more meaningful feedback on their progress across all subjects.
Stages
We have moved away from our previous system of “Working at/below/above” in favour of a Stage-based system, which directly links to the specific knowledge, understanding, and skills outlined in each subject’s curriculum pathway.
Each subject has a detailed pathway document () that breaks down the Key Stage 3 curriculum into seven levels of attainment, from Stage One to Stage Seven. These Stages clearly describe the progression of learning in that subject.
Targets
Every student is set a clear progression target to ensure they are challenged and supported appropriately. Based on a combination of their KS2 Scaled Scores, Reading Ages, and Spelling Ages, your child will be assigned one of three starting points in Year 7:
- Group 1: Emerging (Working towards KS2 expected standards)
- Group 2: Secure (Working at KS2 expected standards)
- Group 3: Proficient (Working above KS2 expected standards)
Due to the assessment model being implemented mid way through KS3 for children in Years 8 and 9 the starting point has been calculated based on their attainment and progress in the previous year.
Each child will be given an End of Year Target and an End of KS3 Target and we expect all students to make a minimum of one Stage of progress each academic year. Some students will not progress at this rate and will be identified by teachers as additional intervention to support their progress. Many students, especially those starting at a higher baseline, will progress faster than this and may achieve Stage Six or Seven by the end of KS3, placing them in the best position for the highest GCSE grades.
Each child will be given an End of Year Target and an End of KS3 Target and we expect all students to make a minimum of one Stage of progress each academic year. Some students will not progress at this rate and will be identified by teachers as additional intervention to support their progress. Many students, especially those starting at a higher baseline, will progress faster than this and may achieve Stage Six or Seven by the end of KS3, placing them in the best position for the highest GCSE grades.
Reports to Parents
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Term
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Key Report Information
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Autumn Term
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Your child’s Baseline Starting Point, their Expected End-of-Year Target, and their End-of-KS3 Target.
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Spring Term
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A predicted end-of-year Stage for every subject, based on teacher professional judgement and in-class assessment evidence.
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Summer Term
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The Stage achieved for every subject, alongside a summary: Exceptional, Exceeds, Expected, Working Towards, or Underperforming based on their personal target.
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Behaviour for Learning (BFL): In every report, you will also receive a Behaviour for Learning Grade and a summary of positive and negative behaviours, attendance, and punctuality.
Parents Evening
Our KS3 Parents' Evening will take place in the Spring Term, following the publication of the mid-year Progress Reports. This is your opportunity to speak with teachers, who will use the subject Pathway documents to clearly explain:
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The Stage your child is currently working at.
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The specific knowledge and skills they need to demonstrate to reach the next Stage.