Assessment

The Academy reports the assessment of student performance and progress to parents/carers four times a year in writing following formally moderated examinations/tests. In addition the one Academic Tutoring Days and annual Parents’ Subject Consultation Evenings for each year group are further opportunities for parents/carers to discuss their child's progress with teaching staff.

How are student targets set?

The Department for Education expects that all students make progress during their time in secondary education.  This progress is measured from individual student starting points which are the Key Stage 2 Primary SATs.  The progress is measured by the outcomes in GCSE or equivalent qualifications.  This means that when any student starts at Harris City Academy Crystal Palace, initial targets are based on Key Stage 2 SAT scores.  These are the minimum expectations for student progress.

If a student missed level 5 by a couple of marks, are expectations reduced?

Initial minimum targets are calculated by the marks scored on the SATs not just the level.  This ensures that targets are more precise and more likely to reflect each student’s potential.

What if the targets are too low?

As these initial targets represent a minimum expectation they are regularly reviewed to ensure that each student is challenged sufficiently.  When a student shows particular strengths in any subject the target is raised to reflect their individual needs.  This happens when any reporting to parents takes place.

How do the new GCSE points relate to old GCSE grades?

From 2017 for English and Maths GCSEs, and from 2018 for all other subjects, the A*-G GCSE grades will be replaced by a points scale of 1 to 9.  9 will be the highest grade and 1 the lowest.  The proportion of students nationally gaining at least a Grade 4 will be roughly the same as those who currently gain at least a C.  The proportion of students nationally gaining at least a Grade 7 will be roughly the same as those who currently gain at least an A.  The new Grade 9 will be awarded to the top 20% of students gaining at least a Grade 7.   The table below shows how the new number grades relate to the old GCSE grades.

 

Years 10 & 11

Students who started Year 7 in 2010 or 2011 will continue to be assessed in the traditional GCSE grades from A*-G.  There is no change in how we will report to parents for students in these year groups. 

Year 9

Students who started Year 7 in 2012 will continue to be assessed in GCSE grades in all of their subjects except English and Maths.  English and Maths will be assessed and reported on using the new 1-9 grade system.

Years 7 & 8

Students who started Year 7 in 2013 or 2014 will be assessed under the new 1-9 grade system.  Marked work and reports to parents will use the new number grades.

What grade should my son/daughter be achieving?

The minimum expected grade is complicated as it is based on the actual marks in the SATs rather than the levels.  The table below provides a guide to the minimum expectation and is based on Key Stage 2 SATs Levels.

 

The graph below shows how the minimum expectations are set for students.  This is based on a national formula provided by the Department for Education and is updated every December.  With the large number of changes occurring in schools, these figures may be subject to change.