Woodley School and College
Our Approach to Assessment
At Woodley School & College, we use assessment to understand how well our pupils are learning, to celebrate their achievements, and to identify where they need additional support. Our assessment approach is designed to ensure every pupil makes the best possible progress from their individual starting points.
We use multiple assessment tools, depending on the individual age and needs of our pupils. Pupils access either:
- Progression Steps
- Steps for Life
Pupils in Explore use our bespoke Explore Assessment Framework.
All pupils access Autism Progress.
Pupils are also assessed against their EHCP targets.
What We Assess
The areas that are assessed against are dependent on the assessment tool used by an individual pupil.
Pupils accessing Progression Steps are assessed against English, Maths.
Pupil accessing Steps for Life in the Main School are assessed against English, Maths, Digital Skills, Personal and Social Development, Independence, Preparing Food, Self-Care, Travel and Employability.
Pupil accessing Steps for Life in the College are assessed against English, Maths, Preparing Food, Employability and Personal and Social Development.
Pupils using the Explore framework are assessed against Fine Motor Skills, Physical, Personal Care, Social Dining, Managing Behaviour, Routines and Instruction, Exploration of Materials, Food Exploration, Play, Mark, Crafts, Technology, Sensory Regulation, Communication, Intensive Interaction, Phonics, Reading and Community Visits.
Pupils using Autism Progress are assessed against Communication, Emotional Regulation, Flexibility of Thought and Social Interaction.
We use a range of assessment methods to build a comprehensive picture of each pupil's learning:
Formative assessment (ongoing assessment for learning)
- Daily observations of pupils' learning in lessons
- Regular questioning and feedback from teachers
- Self and peer assessment opportunities where appropriate
- Review of pupils' work and practical activities
- Observations using Evisense software
- Marking strips for written work
Summative assessment (assessment of learning)
- Termly Pupil Progress reviews
- Annual reviews for pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
- B Squared
Understanding Progress and Attainment
Attainment is a snapshot of pupils' achievement at a point in time recorded as a percentage of the level completed. Progress is pupils' achievement over time, showing the difference between pupils' previous and current attainment and taking pupils' starting points into account.
At Woodley School & College, we recognise that progress looks different for every pupil. We celebrate all achievements, whether these are small steps or significant milestones, and we measure progress against each pupil's individual targets and starting points.
How We Use Assessment Information
Assessment information helps us to:
- Plan teaching that meets the needs of all pupils
- Set appropriate and ambitious targets for each pupil
- Identify pupils who need additional support or challenge
- Report to parents/carers on their child's progress
- Evaluate the effectiveness of our curriculum
- Inform our school improvement priorities
Reporting to Parents and Carers
We share assessment information with parents and carers through:
- Annual reviews
- Parents' evenings
- Mid and End of Year Reports
- Regular communication via ClassDojo
Assessment and Workload
We are committed to ensuring our assessment practices are manageable and meaningful. We regularly review our assessment processes to ensure they provide valuable information without creating unnecessary workload for staff.
Performance Data
The exam and assessment results for 2019/20 or 2020/21 weren’t published as performance measures due to Covid-19. It is a requirement that we continue to publish the 2018/19 measures for Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 4 until new ones are published but these aren’t current. The school performance measures in these tables compare the progress of pupils at Woodley School & College against the expected progress for all pupils of that age. This information can be accessed on the following link:
Woodley School and College - Compare school and college performance data in England - GOV.UK
End of Key Stage Assessments
Our Year 2 and Year 6 pupils were assessed using the Engagement Model or Pre-Key Stage Standards.
Multiplication Tables Check
Our Year 4 pupils are not working at the level to access the MTC.
Phonics Screening
Our Year 1 & 2 pupils are not working at the level to access the PS.