How do we assess learning at Orchard Infant School?
Assessment is an essential and integral part of effective teaching and learning. At Orchard Infant School, we implement a wide range of assessment strategies in order that all children achieve their academic, personal and social potential and are ready for the next stage of their learning journey!
We use formative assessment throughout all lessons, including high quality teacher questioning that quickly identifies any gaps or misunderstanding in children’s learning , ongoing feedback and high quality marking to ensure children understand in detail how they can improve their work. Diagnostic assessments are used, when necessary, for the specific identification of children’s strengths and areas of need within any subject.
In addition, summative assessments are made throughout the year to assess children’s understanding and learning at the end of a project or unit of work. Statutory assessments are carried out at the end of the year in the form of the Year 1 Phonics Screening Test and End of Key Stage 1 Tests.
Rigorous half termly tracking of children’s attainment and progress in all the core subjects ensures children are on track to reach end of year expectations and regular Pupil Progress meetings with Senior Leaders and teaching staff identifies children throughout the year who may need further support or challenge.
Assessment of Core Subjects: (Reading Writing and Maths)
Children’s knowledge skills and understanding in core subjects will be assessed against current national age related expectations. Using a range of assessment tools including Key Performance Indicators, children’s progress is tracked to ensure they meet or exceed year group expectations.
Assessment in the Foundation subjects: (All other subjects)
Our Integrated Curriculum projects provide the opportunity to assess children’s learning in the Foundation subjects. Expected knowledge, skills and understanding of key concepts is mapped out in each project and children are assessed as working towards, meeting or exceeding expectations.
Details of expectations can be found in each subject in our curriculum section by following the link below.