Orchard Primary SchoolLife without Levels

Presentation to ParentsJuly 2015

New National Curriculum came into force from September 2014.

Expectations are much higher than previously.

Children at the end of Year 4 are now expected to be working at a similar standard to the end of Year 5 under the previous curriculum.

Revised National Curriculum Expectations

Levels are no longer to be reported with the exception of Year 2 and Year 6 in July 2015.

However Year 2 will also receive notification of their children’s attainment under the new curriculum expectations.

Assessment

Children are assessed formally and informally through the course of their lessons and activities each day.

Assessment is used to inform the next stage of learning.

This is called ‘Teacher Assessment’ and tracks the attainment of the children throughout the school year.

Teacher Assessment

From next year, there are new SATS tests for both Year 2 and Year 6 which are significantly higher in their expectation of the children.

We will be using rigorous end of year testing in the non-SATS year groups as well.

Test Assessment

We are reporting your child’s attainment according to ‘Year Group Related Expectations’. Attainment in each of the subjects will be indicated as shown below.

YEAR GROUP EXPECTATIONS

N Working below expectations for the year group.B Beginning to work at the expectations for the year group.D Developing within the expectations for the year group.S Secure in the expectations for the year group.E Exceeding the expectations for the year group.

New Expectations

There is no direct correlation between the old system of levels and the new curriculum.

However in approximate terms children in Year 6 who previously would be expected to be level 4b to be deemed average/secure, will now be expected to perform at an equivalent of an old level 5.

Expectations are higher in every year group.

Old Levels v New Expectations

Identifying the audience for and purpose of the writing, selecting the appropriate form and using other similar writing as models for their own

Selecting appropriate grammar and vocabulary, understanding how such choices can change and enhance meaning

In narratives, describing settings, characters and atmosphere and integrating dialogue to convey character and advance the action

Assessing the effectiveness of their own and others’ writing

Proposing changes to vocabulary, grammar and punctuation to enhance effects and clarify meaning

Example of higher expectations- Year 6 Writing

Maintain positive attitudes to reading and understanding of what they read

Discuss and evaluate how authors use language, including figurative language, considering the impact on the reader

Distinguish between statements of fact and opinion Retrieve, record and present information from non-fiction Participate in discussions about books that are read to them

and those they can read for themselves, building on their own and others’ ideas and challenging views courteously

Explain and discuss their understanding of what they have read, including through formal presentations and debates, maintaining a focus on the topic and using notes where necessary

Provide reasoned justifications for their views.

Example of higher expectations- Year 6 Reading

Read, write, order and compare numbers up to 10 000 000 and determine the value of each digit

Multiply multi-digit numbers up to 4 digits by a two-digit whole number using the formal written method of long multiplication

Divide numbers up to 4 digits by a two-digit whole number using the formal written method of long division, and interpret remainders as whole number remainders, fractions, or by rounding, as appropriate for the context

Compare and order fractions, including fractions > 1 Add and subtract fractions with different denominators and mixed

numbers, using the concept of equivalent fractions Multiply simple pairs of proper fractions, writing the answer in its simplest

form Solve problems involving the calculation of percentages [for example, of

measures, and such as 15% of 360] and the use of percentages for comparison

Solve problems involving similar shapes where the scale factor is known or can be found

Example of higher expectations- Year 6 Maths

Some children are not able to access the curriculum for their year group in one or more subjects.

These are reported as N. Class teachers will be able to inform you as to the curriculum expectations that your child is working at.

N- Working Below

One major change with the disappearance of levels is that when challenging the more able learners, there is an emphasis on breadth of learning and deepening learning by using and applying their knowledge and skills.

The expectation is that these children will develop a deeper and fuller understanding of the curriculum Year Group Expectations.

Exceeding

Thank you for

listening.