Assessment Policy

Purpose

This policy makes explicit that Assessment is a key aspect of learning and teaching. Assessment is any activity which provides feedback information for learners identifying what is good about their work and what needs to be improved. Assessment is used to help plan next steps in learning and also helps to improve and achieve success.

The Assessment Policy:

• guides classroom practice in four key areas – sharing learning outcomes and success criteria, questioning, feedback and self and peer assessment
• personalises learning to fully reflect the range and diversity of learners
• requires the recording of personal targets as part of the Personal Learning Planning process.

Principles

Assessment procedures go beyond a summative statement, to match individual learners’ needs to strategies for personal development.

Assessment which is formative:

• helps learners understand criteria and goals
• provides measures of attainment and individualised improvement strategies
• develops a capacity for self-assessment
• fosters motivation and confidence
• delivers focused teaching
• develops a shared responsibility for individual learning where learners show independence and problem solving skills
• provides learning outcomes and shares learning intentions to support learning
• ensures that the teacher and learner work in partnership to achieve a successful and enjoyable learning experience

Changes to assessment will be based on well-considered rationale, involving consultation with stakeholders and monitored and evaluated for impact on learning.