Assessing Pupils Progress

Solihull is one of ten Local Authorities taking part in a national pilot exploring new approaches and materials in assessing pupils' progress in English and mathematics. Forty three schools are taking part. The pilot involves working with pupils from Year 3 to Year 9 trying out some small scale work such as individual tutoring and larger scale projects such as testing pupils when they are ready to move up a level rather than waiting to the end of Year 6 or Year 9.

The information gained from the pilot will be used to inform the future development of tracking pupils’ progress in English and mathematics.

Further information can be found on the Teacher.net website at http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/teachingandlearning/schoolstandards/mgppilot/

Frequently Asked Questions

• When will tuition take place?
  
  It will usually be after school, maybe on a Saturday morning. In some cases it could be during a holiday period or summer school. Each eligible pupil will be entitled to 10 hours, per individual, per subject area, but may not need it for all areas. A pupil may, if appropriate, receive tuition in more than one year, e.g. a pupil could receive tuition in Years 5 and 6 or Years 8 and 9.
  
  Tutors will need to apply to the LA, even if they already teach in the school and will need to have enhanced CRB checks. Applications are welcome at any point during the two years and can be found on the website. Applicants must be qualified teachers.
  
  Tutors and pupils may work in local libraries. Solihull Library Service is working in partnership with families throughout this pilot. Further details will be available at tutors’ briefing sessions.

• Will the work of tutors be quality assured?
  
  Yes. Local Authority personnel will sample a number of tutoring sessions to undertake quality assurance checks. Teachers, pupils and parents will also be invited to comment on the quality and effectiveness of individual tutoring.

• What happens if a Year 6 pupil for example, sits the “single level” test in June and achieves Level 4 but fails to get Level 4 in the end of key stage test?
  
  The higher level of the two will count if a pupil has a different result in the end of key stage test.

• Will tests have the same security arrangements as SATS?
  
  Yes. The local authority will be asked to sample these security arrangements in a selection of schools.

• How will the tests be organised?
  
  There will be three kinds of tests: reading, writing, maths, max of 50 minutes each. Each paper tests a “single level” and will not be specific to any year group or key stage – i.e. any pupil working at level 5 would sit the same test whether primary or secondary, Year 4 or Year 9. The tests will be available at two points during the year – December and June.

• Will Teacher Assessment (TA) and test levels be reported to Parents? Children?When? How?
  
  Children will get a certificate on passing the “single level” test. This can be given, in the way schools feel most appropriate i.e. in assembly, at parents’ evening, individually etc. Parents should be informed of their child’s ongoing progress and achievement throughout each key stage in the normal way.