Assessment is the cornerstone of good learning and teaching. It can make a vital contribution to improving educational outcomes for all pupils. It’s about collecting, interpreting and using the information to give a deeper appreciation of what pupils know and understand, their skills and capabilities, and what their learning experiences enable them to do.

Pupils will be assessed in a number of ways and at different stages during the year. These include periodic tests, coursework, oral work, projects, practical tests and two main examinations which are held in December and late May/early June. Tracking takes place three times per academic year in Winter, Spring and Summer.

In Years 8 to 10, teachers assess pupil progress in the statutory curriculum (the Cross-Curricular Skills, the Areas of Learning and the Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities) and report this progress to parents. At the end of Key Stage 3 (Year 10), there are additional end of key stage requirements for assessment and reporting. At the end of Key Stage 4 most pupils are entered for GCSE examinations. Some pupils will study Applied GCSEs and Occupational Studies courses. The school will aim to ensure that every pupil studies for a maximum of 9 and a minimum of 5 GCSE subjects or equivalent. Mock GCSE examinations will be held during Winter examination week of Year 12.

All pupils will receive a written annual report, but parents are welcome to ask for a progress report from the Head of Year at any time during the year.
At the end of 12th Year all pupils receive a Progress File which can be presented to prospective employers or added to if the student proceeds to further education.

At Post 16 Level students will have the opportunity to study up to 3 ‘A’ Levels provided through the collaborative Learning Community in the Roe Valley. Pupils are assessed by their subject teachers and this information is collated by the Head of sixth form.