Our Assessment Framework
Know. Show. Grow. Glow.
At New Moston Primary School, assessment is an integral part of teaching and learning.
Our Assessment Framework helps us understand pupils’ starting points, gather evidence of what they are learning, respond to what that evidence tells us and recognise the progress they make.
It is built around four key pillars: Know, Show, Grow and Glow.
Together, these ensure that assessment is purposeful, proportionate and focused on improving outcomes for pupils.
Our Four Assessment Pillars
Know
“We know what children need to learn and where they are starting from.”
Effective assessment begins with a clear understanding of the intended learning and the pupils in front of us.
Teachers consider what children should know and be able to do, alongside their prior learning, starting points, strengths and needs.
This includes:
- understanding the intended learning;
- considering prior knowledge and experience;
- identifying starting points;
- recognising individual strengths and areas of need; and
- using existing information to plan appropriately.
Show
“Children demonstrate what they have learned.”
Assessment gives pupils opportunities to show what they know, understand and can do.
Evidence of learning is gathered in different ways and is not dependent on a single test or activity.
This may include:
- pupils’ work;
- discussion and pupil voice;
- questioning and classroom responses;
- practical application of learning;
- teacher assessment; and
- appropriate formal assessment.
Together, this evidence helps teachers build an accurate picture of pupils’ learning.
Grow
“Assessment helps learning move forward.”
Assessment should lead to action.
Teachers use what pupils show them to adapt teaching, address misconceptions, strengthen understanding and identify appropriate next steps.
This includes:
- responding to gaps in knowledge;
- providing appropriate feedback;
- adapting future teaching;
- revisiting and strengthening important learning;
- providing additional support or challenge where needed; and
- helping pupils understand how they can improve.
Assessment therefore supports both individual progress and wider school improvement.
Glow
“We recognise progress and celebrate success.”
Assessment is also about recognising what pupils have achieved.
We want children to understand their strengths, see how their learning has developed and feel proud of the progress they make.
This includes:
- recognising achievement;
- celebrating progress;
- identifying strengths;
- building confidence;
- acknowledging effort and improvement; and
- helping pupils take pride in their learning.
How We Assess
Teachers use a range of assessment approaches to build an accurate picture of learning.
This includes both ongoing assessment within lessons and more formal assessment at appropriate points throughout the year.
No single piece of evidence tells us everything about a child’s learning. Teachers consider a range of information when making judgements, including pupils’ work, responses in lessons, discussion and assessment outcomes.
Assessment is used to inform teaching, identify next steps and support improvement rather than simply generate data.
How Assessment Supports Teaching and Learning
Our Assessment Framework connects directly with our wider approach to curriculum, teaching and learning.
Curriculum establishes what pupils should learn and experience.
Teaching determines how learning is introduced, explained and developed.
Learning describes how pupils build knowledge, skills and understanding.
Assessment helps us understand the impact of this work and decide what needs to happen next.
Together, these frameworks form a coherent approach to improving outcomes for every child.
Assessment Policy
Our Assessment Policy sets out the school’s approach to assessment in more detail, including how assessment is used, recorded, moderated and reported across the school.
It provides further information about:
- formative and summative assessment;
- assessment expectations across subjects and year groups;
- statutory assessment;
- moderation and standardisation;
- use of assessment information; and
- reporting to parents and carers.
[Read our Assessment Policy]
Our Assessment Ambition
We want assessment to be meaningful, accurate and useful.
Through Know, Show, Grow and Glow, we aim to ensure that assessment helps teachers make better decisions, helps pupils understand their learning and supports every child to make strong progress.