- As in all subjects, good assessment procedures start with quality formative assessment and the evidence is gathered over time in books, display, photos etc. Marking is in line with school policy and focused on moving on or deepening learning.
- Books should show how all children are supported to meet the ARE.
- A really good resource with exemplification is https://pstt.org.uk/application/files/6314/5761/9877/taps-pyramid-final.pdf
- The Association of Science Education is developing exemplifications: https://www.ase.org.uk/resources/primary/plan/
Knowledge v Working Scientifically
- Good practice is that assessments and tracking takes place for both knowledge and skills. There is some argument for saying that working scientifically should only be assessed at the end of a year when children have been given the opportunity to demonstrate the skills in a variety of ways and through a range of activities.
- Working scientifically coverage can be tracked across the year using a grid such as the attached with this document – this will ensure that teachers are planning for all five types of enquiry.
-
A source of quality investigative assessments is being created and put on the Primary Science Teaching Trust website for each year group – click on link then – ‘Focused assessment data base’.
https://pstt.org.uk/resources/curriculum-materials/assessment