Assessment

At Fairlawn, we believe that effective assessment provides vital information to improve teaching and learning and outcomes for all learners.  Through the use of regular feedback, learners understand what they have done well and what it is they need to improve further.  Staff are well equipped with detailed knowledge of each pupil as individuals. 

Staff and children at Fairlawn use assessment as an integral tool for day to day effective teaching and learning.  It is used by children to help them think and talk about what they have learned and their next steps.  Teachers use assessment to create purposeful learning experiences to build on prior learning, target teaching to the needs of all and to measure progress over time.  It is a continuous cycle which informs everything we do.  Assessment takes many forms and ranges from ‘formal’ strategies such as written work, tests or observations to more ‘informal’ strategies such as verbal or written feedback during lessons. 

Each year we hold two meetings between families and teachers and one written report which shares attainment and progress.  Fairlawn operates on open door policy and welcome all families to speak with staff if they have questions about their child’s learning.  Staff hold regular meetings to discuss achievement and progress in all aspects of the curriculum so are aware of ways in which families can support children’s learning at home. 

At the end of EYFS, Key Stage One and Key Stage Two, we assess the pupils and report this formally. 

In the Early Years, this is based upon observations of pupils’ achievements across the year and can be in the form of child led learning and adult led learning.  At the end of the academic year, pupils need to be secure in a range of areas to have achieved a ‘Good Level of Development’. 

In Year 2, statutory assessments inform teacher assessments in both reading and mathematics.  Writing is wholly assessed by the teachers and is moderated internally, across our trust schools and beyond to ensure that assessments are accurate.  The whole school approach of ‘writing challenges’ are an engaging and fun opportunity to further gather examples of independent writing; these happen 3 times per year. 

In Year 6, children undertake their End of Key Stage assessments. Reading, mathematics and GPS (Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling) are assessed by formal testing.  This is usually in the penultimate week of Term 5.  Pupils are prepared throughout the year for these tests and have lots of practice.  Access arrangements for pupils with additional needs are also available, which may include a scribe, a reader or additional time.  Writing is assessed through teacher assessment and is moderated internally, across out trust schools and beyond to ensure that assessments are accurate.