How Do We Assess?

At Castletown Primary School, we place the achievement and progress of all pupils at the heart of our work. Our assessment approach is designed to support high-quality teaching and learning and to ensure every child is prepared for the next stage of their education, including transition to secondary school at the end of Year 6. We do not assess everything taught, but instead focus on key knowledge and skills that are essential for children to secure as they move through each year group.

Formal Assessment and Reporting

Pupils are regularly assessed throughout the school year so we can carefully track their progress against national expectations. We share updates with parents each term so you are kept informed about how your child is doing and how you can support them at home. Assessment information is also reviewed by school leaders and Governors, who work with the Headteacher to ensure standards remain high and to identify where further improvements can be made to support all pupils.

Our approach to assessment is designed to:

• Ensure pupils reach or exceed end of key stage expectations
• Help teachers identify whether pupils are on track
• Highlight areas where pupils may need additional support or challenge
• Support effective planning and teaching for all learners
• Provide clear information to parents and receiving schools about each child’s progress, strengths and areas for development

Assessment Judgements

Pupils’ attainment is measured against end of term/year expectations and reported using the following categories:

• Working Below Expected – Working below year group expectations
• Working towards Expected – Working within expectations but not yet secure
• Working at Expected – Meeting end of year expectations (expected standard)
• Working at Higher Standard/Greater Depth – Exceeding expectations with strong application of knowledge and skills

What type of Assessment do we use?

Formative assessment: this is an important part of everyday teaching at our school and helps us understand how well children are learning in each lesson. Teachers regularly check what pupils know, what they are finding tricky and what support they need next. To help children remember more over time, lessons include short quizzes, recaps and opportunities to revisit previous learning, strengthening their understanding before moving on.

Teachers give immediate feedback during lessons so that any misunderstandings can be quickly addressed and children are supported or challenged appropriately. They also use effective questioning and partner discussions to check pupils’ understanding as learning happens. When needed, written feedback is provided in books and teachers may also use whole-class feedback to share strengths and next steps. This approach ensures that teaching is responsive, supports good progress and helps every child succeed.

Summative assessment: In addition, pupils complete termly summative assessments, including NFER tests in:

• Maths
• Reading
• Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation

At the end of Year 6, pupils also complete statutory KS2 National Curriculum Tests (SATs). These results are used alongside teacher assessments to evaluate attainment and progress locally and nationally.

Statutory Assessments

Throughout their time in primary school, our pupils will take part in a number of statutory assessments: