Assessment
At Abbey Manor College effective assessment and feedback are key to student success. Our approach ensures students understand their progress, know their next steps, and are supported in achieving their goals.
We use a combination of formative (ongoing) and summative (formal) assessments to track progress. Teachers provide regular, timely, and meaningful feedback, helping students develop independence and confidence in their learning. Time is built into lessons, to allow students to reflect on and act upon feedback to improve their work.
Our commitment to high standards means students are encouraged to take pride in their work, engage with feedback, and strive for excellence. Through clear targets, structured assessments, and ongoing support, we ensure every student succeeds.
Assessment Upon Entry
Upon entry to Abbey Manor College, whether in Key Stage 3 or Key Stage 4, students are set aspirational targets based on data supplied by Fisher Family Trust (FFT). FFT compares students' scaled scores and outcomes nationally and using historical and contextual data provides target grades for students. The aspirational targets that we set students are based on FFT5 which sets a challenging yet achievable target for each student.
Where students do not have FFT data, we use the targets obtained from the CATS test that students complete as part of their induction, and set a challenging target based on these. All students complete the CATS assessment (even if they have FFT data) as this assessment shows a student’s strengths and potential in key thinking skills including verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, non-verbal reasoning and spatial ability. It helps teachers understand how a student thinks, learns and solves problems so that they can tailor support and set realistic targets.
KS3 Assessments
At Abbey Manor College, we utilise an assessment strategy designed to support and challenge every student. During their induction day, students complete the CATS test and York Assessment for Reading Comprehension (YARC). Along with FFT data, this allows us to set aspirational targets for students to work towards. As well as a GCSE target, students will also be set an aspirational end of year target.
Alongside ongoing teacher assessment throughout the year, we also conduct three formal assessment windows each academic year, providing valuable insights into student progress. Assessment windows take place in the Autumn Term, Spring Term and Summer Term.
KS4 Assessments
Students who join Abbey Manor College in KS4 also complete CATs and YARC assessments to support with target setting and understanding possible barriers to learning. Like at KS3, in conjunction with ongoing teacher assessment throughout the academic year, three formal assessment windows are conducted. This enables us to monitor students’ progress towards their targets, and put appropriate support in place for them as needed. The formal assessment windows are in the Autumn, Spring and Summer Term. For students in Year 11, the Summer Term assessments will be their GCSE examinations.
These assessments are invigilated like the real exams. Exams are conducted in this way to adequately prepare students for their GCSEs. Students who have access arrangements agreed will have these implemented for their assessments.
KS3 and KS4 Assessment Grading
Assessment Grading at Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4
Most subjects from Year 7 to 11 at Abbey Manor College will be graded on assessments using the 9-1 grading scale for GCSEs. This replaces the old A*-G system with Grade 9 being the highest grade and Grade 1 being the lowest. A Grade 4 is considered to be a standard pass and in line with the old C Grade. The image below shows how the 9-1 grades correspond to the old A*-G system:
When students progress to post-16, they must continue to study English and Maths if they do not achieve a Grade 4 or higher, or equivalent Level 2 qualification. To provide students with an additional opportunity to achieve these qualifications, we also offer Level 2 Functional Skills in English and Maths to all students.
Vocational subjects at Key Stage 4
Subjects in BTEC Tech Awards, OCR Cambrridge National and NCFE Technical awards are awarded slightly differently. Subjects are either awarded at Level 1 (which is equivalent to Grades 1-3) or Level 2 (which is equivalent to Grades 4-9). Within each level, students can either achieve a pass, merit or distinction. The approximate equivalent grades are:
- Level 2 Distinction* - Grade 8.5
- Level 2 Distinction – Grade 7
- Level 2 Merit – Grade 5.5
- Level 2 Pass – Grade 4
- Level 1 Distinction – Grade 3
- Level 1 Merit – Grade 2
- Level 1 Pass – Grade 1.25
KS3 and KS4 Reports
Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 Reports
Each half term, progress reports are sent home to parents which show the progress that students are making towards their target. The report is added to each half term so that student progress over time can be tracked. As well as the attainment grade, the report will be colour coded to show whether the student is on track to achieve their aspirational target. In addition, students are given a behaviour and attitude to learning grade to show their commitment to their studies in each subjects.
The image below shows an example of an end of term report:
On the reverse side of the reports, there is an explanation of the target setting process and colour coding. This can also be seen below:
In the final report of the year, the child’s tutor also provides a written summary of their child’s progress throughout the year along with targets for the next academic year.
Parents are invited to discuss their child’s reports with their tutor at Academic Review Days held throughout the year. In addition, tutors liaise regularly with parents to discuss progress
Artificial Intelligence and Assessments
AI tools are applications, such as ChatGPT, Snapchat My AI, Google and Google translate. There are many more!
AI misuse is
- When you use an AI tool in an exam or assessment where you are not allowed to,
- Where you use an AI tool to create work and then say it’s your own.
Students must
- Know The Rules,
- Check With Teachers,
- Declare and Acknowledge
AI and Assessments A quick guide for studentsJCQ AI Tool Information
Our Assessment and Feedback Policy
Abbey Manor College is committed to delivering high quality teaching and learning, for all students.
Staff must be clear about:
What they plan for students to learn (Intent);
How they are going to ensure that students learn the planned material (Implementation) and
How they will measure students’ successes (Impact).
Guidance For Parents
Teachers continually assess their students throughout the year, and students and an attainment grade is awarded at the end of each half term.
In addition to this continuous assessment, there are also three formal assessment windows throughout the academic year – one in the Autumn Term, one in the Spring Term and one in the Summer Term.
For students in Year 11, the Summer Term assessment will be their final GCSE examinations.