KS3 Mathematics Assessment
Based directly on the sample medium term plans, this photocopiable set of assessments can be used for individuals, targeted groups or whole year groups across Key Stage 3. Each test is designed to take approximately 50 minutes, with the intention that each student is provided with a photocopy on which to record their answers and on which marks can also be recorded. The questions are SATs style without trying to replicate the look of a SATs paper.
For Year 7 and Year 8, there are six assessments based on the core programme for each year, equating to one for each half term (or one for each term for 6 term-ers amongst you).
For Year 9, there is one set of four assessments covering the core programme and a further set of four tests covering Year 9 extension material.
Each assessment comes with a mark scheme and a very useful ‘Pupil Self-Assessment Sheet’. This sheet allows each student to record their achievement on each question through a traffic light system, the Level achieved on the test and two targets for their next period of study. This provides an excellent contribution towards Assessment for Learning activities, through promoting self- or peer-assessment and discussion, as well as encouraging regular target setting within the class situation. This resource could be used to support both formative and summative assessments.
There is also a Mark-to-Level conversion table, which allows approximate National Curriculum Levels to be identified for score boundaries specific to each test.
As a maths department in a medium sized secondary school, we have used the Year 7 and Year 8 material as end of term assessments for the whole year group over the past nine months. The assessments were very easy to use and staff felt that the Level indicators were very useful. Much of the assessment material was too difficult for our lower achieving students and had to be significantly tailored. Similarly, we used extracts from the following year’s assessments for our higher achieving students.
The overall feedback from my colleagues was very positive, particularly the ease of access to Level information. However, any department deviating significantly from the medium term sample plans would have to consider the content of each assessment very carefully.
Pete Lane
2 i/c maths and e-learning manager, Swinton Community School Maths and Computing College
KS3 Mathematics Assessments (ISBN 1 84419 0498) Cost : £40.00
Letts Framework Focus series
Fiona C Mapp
Published by:
Letts Educational
The Chiswick Centre
414 Chiswick High Road
Chiswick
W4 5TF
