[senco-forum] Maths end of year exams

Hi Chris

  We don't do optional SATs.  For Year 9 SATs, though, we have done this for years.

  Pupils get readers and/or scribes as needed.
  If below Level 3 (for maths and science) and below Level 4 (for English) they do the SATs but with far more help than would let us send them away.  In English, for instance, the passages are read to them in the reading papers.  Pupils then produce answers, collectively if appropriate.  
  Now, I'm not saying it is the right thing to do - but it does mean that they feel part of the exam process (very important if you don't want to be 'different') and I do get a very clear idea of whether they can access the ideas in the tests.  Plus we have an activity for them to do while their mates graft in the exam room.

  Amanda
  Secondary SENCO
  Cornwall

chris white <chris19251 at blueyonder.co.uk> wrote:

It's exam week again!
Our Maths and English Departments use the optional NCT papers for years 7
and 8. 
These are apparently only available in one version- levels 4-7.
Consequently anyone working below level 4 is being asked to complete a paper
which is not appropriate to the level at which they are working. 
Like most secondary schools we have a considerable number of pupils working
at level 3 and below.
How are these pupils assessed in other schools?
Does anyone know of any suitable maths or English assessments which we could
use for these pupils and which would still provide an accurate level? (If
there is such a thing!!!)
We could use the Progress Tests for English but these are only aimed at
pupils who are working at level 3, not those who are working below that
level.
I am especially concerned for the few pupils we have who are working at
levels one and 2.
Any suggestions gratefully received.
Chris
Secondary SENCO
West Mids.

Amanda
Secondary SENCO
Cornwall