Year 6 Standard Assessment Tests (FOI)

Request

A

Of the Standard Assessment Tests that were introduced in all primary schools (year 6) last year, how many students parents chose to withdraw their children from these tests?

B

Are these standard tests mandatory or do parents have the right to withdraw their children from sitting these tests?

C

Are the results submitted to the child's secondary school along with a teacher assessment?

D

Why did the education department not make all parents aware their children were being subjected to standardised testing in year 6, given it was introduced last year?

Response

A

Jersey schools piloted the use of some Standard Assessment tests at Key Stage 2 to support the validation and moderation of Teachers’ assessments of their Year 6 pupils in 2017. Different assessment tests were used Island-wide in 2016. No parent withdrew their child.

B

Testing is one component of assessment activity in our schools that is essential to measure progress and attainment of our children in the Jersey Curriculum. Assessment is integral to the teaching and learning of the Jersey Curriculum in all Jersey schools. The conduct and management of these tests, as with all assessment tools, is part of normal classroom practice. Should a parent have a particular concern about testing or any other aspect of school life, they should discuss this with their child’s school.

C

Jersey Primary Schools share all academic assessment data with the child’s school at secondary transfer. Core to this is the teacher’s assessment of the individual pupil. This is informed by the outcomes of tests. The main assessment provided to Secondary schools is Teacher Assessment.

D

Primary schools communicated to parents in a way they felt appropriate given that many tests are carried out in year 6, as they are in other year groups. The introduction of a consistently delivered standardised test is not intended to place undue pressure on pupils or their parents but merely to provide an additional opportunity to moderate and concrete teacher judgements.