Assessment
The Podium:
Aspirational Target Grades All of our students are set aspirational target grades that represent a podium.
We initially set the targets at the start of year 7, by using the Key Stage 2 SATs or CAT scores if SAT data is missing. These target grades are reviewed annually with Curriculum Leaders to ensure that they remain aspirational for our students.
Targets are indicated at a fine grade level. This being that a student on track for grade 7 could be indicated that they are on track for high attainment within the grade through a 7+, or attainment of a weak grade, indicated as a 7-. A target indicated as a fixed number (i.e. just the number 7) would be considered a secure grade in that subject.
A student’s bronze, silver and gold aspirational target grade represents the following:
- Bronze – indicates average attainment for this student (within the 50th percentile for progress)
- Silver – indicates high attainment for this student (within the 20th percentile for progress)
- Gold – indicates very high attainment for this student (within the 5 th percentile for progress
| Gold | Strong progress assessed, you have reached your aspirational ‘Gold’ Target Grade on your Podium. You are currently working above expectations and are showing great aspiration which is brilliant, well done. Work with your teacher to understand what you have learnt that demonstrates this assessment. Well done for reaching the top of your Podium. |
| Silver | Good progress assessed, you have reached your ‘Silver’ Target Grade on your Podium. This means that you are currently on track to meet your potential, well done. Work with your teacher as they will share with you what you’ve learnt to ensure that you are on track and what you can target next to help you achieve Gold on your Podium. |
| Bronze | The progress assessed means that you have made it to your ‘Bronze’ Target Grade on your Podium, well done. Work with your teacher as they will share with you why you have been assessed to this point on your Podium and the steps you need to put in place to help you move further up the Podium. |
| Below Bronze | You haven’t quite made it to your podium this time around. You are currently performing below your potential and your target is still possible. You need to find out what you need to do to improve this, consider your attitude level and work with your teacher on your next steps. This will help you get onto your Podium. |
The Podium will report the GCSE grade that the teacher believes your son/daughter will attain at the end of Year 11, at their present rate of progress. This is based on a range of data including attitude to learning and internal assessments. The podium position might change and should become increasingly accurate as your son/daughter goes through the school. In the rare instance of a student likely to fail GCSE a U will be reported.
Some pupils are studying non-GCSE applied subjects.
The success criteria in these subjects are as follows:
- Level 2 (Equivalent to GCSE Grades 4-9)
- Level 1 (Equivalent to GCSE Grades 1-3)
- L2D* = Level 2 Distinction *, (Grade 8.5)
- L2D = Level 2 Distinction, (Grade 7)
- L1D = Level 1 Distinction, (Grade 3) L2M = Level 2 Merit, (Grade 5.5)
- L1M = Level 1 Merit, (Grade 2) L2P = Level 2 Pass, (Grade 4)
- L1P = Level 1 Pass (Grade 1)
