Assessment
Assessment at St Mary’s
We recently undertook an extensive review of our assessment systems at St Mary’s [in 2023/24] with three main objectives. To establish a system of assessment that had:
We now operate an assessment model with consistency across the stages KS3 and KS4 based on our Strand Model. Specific details of how we assess and report are available in the sections related to each Key Stage.
Across all year groups, teachers use a range of summative and formative assessment strategies and systems to track, monitor and inform student progress and attainment. Across all years teachers provide specific, detailed and informative feedback using our marking and feedback policy: this is best summarised with the STAR and TARGET model used to supply feedback to students.We have two systems of reporting - one for KS3 where students are assessed relative to their capability and one in KS4 where students are assessed relative to nationally standardised materials (available from exam boards).
Strand Model
The Strand model reflects the key progress that students make in the curriculum and in their personal development. We support students to become knowledgeable and skilful in specialist areas but also prepare them for further academic study and the world of work with our high behaviour expectations.
- We assess and report three strands as PROGRESS – subject knowledge, skills and communication
- And we assess and report one strand as BEHAVIOUR – readiness to learn
We use a shared set of descriptors with students, parents and staff for teachers to report progress and behaviour three times annually.
At KS3 students receive a grade for progress and behaviour using the 3 strands for progress. At KS4 students receive a GCSE grade for progress and a behaviour grade the same as at KS3.
Reports are published three times throughout the year with date of publication depending on the stage and year of your son/daughter/ward. Parents will receive two interim reports that outline progress and behaviour to date and one full report with comprehensive detail on curriculum, teacher feedback and the same data supplied with interim reports.