Whole School Approach

Whole School Approach

Whole School Approach 

We believe that assessment should not be seen as a bolt on to curriculum planning, but instead as an integral part to reviewing the taught curriculum and lesson by lesson interactions with students.  Students will regularly participate in low stakes testing within their lessons and opportunities will be provided for them to demonstrate their learning in a variety of ways.  This ongoing use of assessment supports teachers when addressing any misconceptions and planning subsequent learning. 

Students will sit a formal assessment mid way through the year and then a more formal examination at the end of the academic year.  This structure supports the development of good study skills amongst our students and allows for learning to be consolidated at key points throughout the year, gradually securing learning in the long term memory.  

We know that students will sit linear examinations at the end of Key Stage 4 / 5 in a large number of subjects.  Our assessment structure allows students to apply the principle of ‘remembering more for longer’ as the content throughout the academic year covered in each assessment increases. 

Dates of formal assessment are planned for each academic year and shared with students and their families. You will also find these in our school calendar. We very much value the support of families in helping students to prepare effectively for these assessments and encourage them to utilise knowledge organisers as a go to strategy for revision at home.

Preparing for Assessments and Examinations

In the lead up to each major assessment period, starting with Year 7 and progressing through to Year 13, our pupils embark upon a 6 week programme of preparation known as a Raising Achievement Plan.

During this 6 week programme, pupils will be supported to develop their skills and approach to assessment preparation. They will be supported through

• Focused assemblies
• Bespoke revision materials / work packs
• Support with revision & time planning
• Regular check ins with their tutor & teachers
• Have opportunities to celebrate their progress

As pupils progress into Key Stage 4, the ‘Raising Achievement Plan’ provides additional support in the build up to external examinations, offering a range of:

• Bespoke subject support
• Subject revision sessions
• Master Classes
• Walking Talking Mocks
• Bespoke support from Progress Leaders

Parental involvement is crucial, particularly when students are preparing for formal, external examinations. There are some key ways in which you can offer support:

• Encourage and praise your child 
• Agree the balance between work and social life

• A revision timetable on display will ensure continuity, and make everyone in the house aware of key times and days 
• Attendance to all lessons is vital 
• Ensure your child is prepared for the exam – and on the day of the exam check they have all their equipment with them.  

We also hold information evenings for parents to provide further information and guidance on how to support your child. These are in our school calendar, but further details will be published to parents at the relevant times.  

Examinations:  Key Dates & Information 

All internal assessments and examinations are on the school calendar.

For Key Stage 4 and 5 external examinations please see the examination timetable tab.  It is important to note that this is update once dates are published by examination boards 

For students preparing for their Key Stage 4 examinations, using a high quality revision guide linked to their specifications can support their preparation. Details of specifications & recommended revision guides are linked below:

Link to KS4 Revision Guides: Revision Guides for Key Stage 4

Year 10 Revision Guides: Year 10 (25-27) Revision guide for key Stage 4