STA Assessment Update...

We were extremely pleased that the DfE has released some encouraging moves toward adopting a more flexible approach when it comes to assessing pupil's writing. Two particular statements were very positive to read:

A more flexible approach - teachers can now use their discretion to ensure that, on occasion, a particular weakness does not prevent an accurate judgement of a pupil's attainment overall being made. The overall standard of attainment, as set by the 'pupil can' statements, is the same.

'Pupil can' statements - these have a slightly greater emphasis on composition, while statements relating to the more 'technical' aspects of writing (grammar, punctuation and spelling) have been made less prescriptive. All changes have been made in line with the attainment targets of the relevant programmes of study.

We look forward to a system that places the emphasis on what the children can do rather than what they can't!