Key Stage 3 (Years 7 and 8) – End of Key Stage 2 results are used to indicate a student’s prior attainment. We also use baseline testing at the start of Year 7 to enhance the target setting process, and to provide a benchmark for those students who join us with no end of Key Stage 2 results. For the more creative and practical subjects e.g. Art and Physical Education, broad targets are set in the first instance but as we gain a better understanding of students strengths, these are revised throughout Key Stage 3. Students are set end of year targets using the new GCSE grading criteria 9 to 1 (see chart below). These end of year targets are set in line with students ultimately achieving top grades at the end of their GCSE studies in Year 11.

Key Stage 4 (Years 9 to 11) – As with Key Stage 3, end of Key Stage 2 outcomes are used to indicate a student’s prior attainment. Target grades are given in the form of an end of GCSE grade, or the grade a student should be working towards through their GCSE course. In a majority of cases targets are given using the new GCSE grading criteria 9 to 1 (see below), but for a few subjects which still follow the legacy GCSE courses, the old system is used A* to G.

Key Stage 5 (Years 12 and 13) – A students GCSE average point score is used to indicate prior attainment. Target grades are provided from the start of Year 12 in the form of an end of A Level grade, or the grade a student should be working towards through their A Level course.

Progress

Parents/carers are kept informed of student progress throughout the academic year in the following ways:

• Three progress reviews per year with approximately one produced per term
• One parents/carers evening
• One full set of written subject reports
• Parent Gateway

Dates for the assessment calendar are indicated on the school calendar on the website.

Progress reviews provide a general overview of a pupil’s progress. For each subject area the following information is provided:

• An indication of a student’s behavior for learning. Separate grades are given for both Attitude and Organisation using the following grades – O = Outstanding, G = Good, I = Inconsistent and P = Poor.
• Target grade (see above).
• Predicted grade which gives an indication of the end of year (KS3) or end of Key Stage (KS4 and 5) grade a student is likely to achieve if they continue making the same progress to date.
   

Parent/carer evenings are held once a year and provide an opportunity for parents/carers and students to meet formally with subject teachers to discuss student progress. Appointments are made by the students with each appointment lasting for 5 minutes. Parents/carers can arrange separate meetings with teachers at any point during the year by contacting the school office.

Parents/carers will receive one set of full subject reports each academic year. Parental/carer feedback is encouraged and can be done by completing and returning a parental slip provided.

Parents/carers can also track student progress via the school’s Learning Gateway which is accessed through the SIMS Learning Gateway link on the school website. Parents/carers of all students are provided with a unique username and password which gives access to the following information about their child:

• Timetable
• Attendance
• Merit marks
• Behaviour marks
• Progress reviews and reports
• General student information i.e. home address and contact telephone numbers

If parents/carers have not received login details or have any problems logging on then please contact the school office for assistance.