Expectations


National Curriculum Teacher Assessments
Key Stage Tests


The British government has set out targets to identify what most children should be able to do when they reach certain ages. For 3-5 year olds these targets are known as the Early Learning Goals of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

5-16 year olds are assessed using the Attainment Targets of the National Curriculum. The National Curriculum also lays out what most children will study and learn at each stage of their education. Remember, all children progress at different rates and learn in different ways. Teachers are expected to plan carefully so that their lessons, classroom, books and materials suit the range of children in their classes and help them to learn in different ways. This is known as 'differentiation'.

This table shows the expected level an average child should reach at the end of each Key Stage.

Key Stage 1 is for children in years 1 and 2.
Key Stage 2 is for the year groups 3 to 6.
Key Stage 3 is for the year groups 7 to 9.

Formal tests are taken at the end of Key Stage 2 although optional tests and teacher assessment are on going.

 

Age

Key Stage

End of Year Group

Level

7

1

2

2

11

2

6

4

14

3

9

5/6



These levels may be subdivided into A, B, or C. A being at the higher end of the level and C being at the lower end.

Teacher Assessments


At the end of each key stage, your child's teacher will formally assess their performance to measure your child's progress.

Of course, your child's teacher will be informally assessing their learning at other times to help them plan future teaching. They may, for example, listen to your child read or look at their maths work. Some schools will also use optional tests to assess children's progress.

National Curriculum Levels


During Key Stages 1-3, progress in most National Curriculum subjects is assessed against eight levels. At the end of Key Stages 1, 2 and 3 the school will send you a report telling you what level your child is working at.

At Key Stage 1 the level will be based on the teacher's assessment, taking into account your child’s performance in several tasks and tests.

At Key Stage 2 the level will reflect the teacher’s assessment and your child’s national test results.

At Key Stage 3 the level will be based on the teacher's assessment.

'End of Key Stage' Tests


Your child will take national tests at the end of Key Stage 2. The tests are intended to show if your child is working at, above or below the target level for their age.

This helps the school to make plans for their future learning. It also allows schools to see whether they are teaching effectively by comparing their pupils' performance to national results.

Key Stage 1 Teacher Assessments, Tasks And Tests


Teacher assessment for seven year olds covers:


These assessments take account of how your child performed in Key Stage 1 tasks and tests for seven year olds. The tasks and tests cover:

  • Reading
  • Writing (including handwriting and spelling)
  • Maths

The tasks and tests can be taken at a time the school chooses. They last for less than three hours altogether. The results are not reported separately but are used to help the teacher assess your child's work. By the age of seven, most children are expected to achieve level 2.

Key Stage 2 Tests And Teacher Assessments


Key Stage 2 tests for 11 year olds cover:

  • English - reading, writing (including handwriting) and spelling
  • Maths - including mental arithmetic
  • Science (optional)

These tests are taken on set days in mid-May, and last less than five-and-a-half hours altogether.

The teacher assessment covers:

  • English
  • Maths
  • Science

By the age of 11, most children are expected to achieve level 4.

Key Stage 3 teacher assessments


The Key Stage 3 teacher assessment for 14 year olds covers:

  • English
  • Maths
  • Science
  • History
  • Geography
  • Modern Foreign Languages
  • Design and Technology
  • Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
  • Art and Design
  • Music
  • Physical Education
  • Citizenship
  • Religious Education

By the age of 14, most children are expected to achieve level 5.


National Curriculum References:

National Curriculum (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
Curriculum for Excellence (Scotland)
National Curriculum (Australia)
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