Respecting the unique characteristics of different subjects

Hello Colleague

One of the challenges of trying to get an overall picture of standards across subjects and year groups is to treat them as though they are all the same.

We know that they aren’t the same of course, yet there’s a tendency to expect to have information about standards on a regular basis.

This isn’t unreasonable, yet we have to be mindful that a subject like drama will be unlikely to have had the same curriculum time as one of the core subjects, for example.

All subjects claim that they need more time, so this isn’t to imply that the core have enough time.

It’s just that the expectations for reporting are distorted when the systems expect to have data reported on a regular basis.

The impetus for aligned systems on the one hand and the unique characteristics on the other can mean that the information generated is not an accurate picture of what pupils know, understand and are able to do.

I’ll be talking through some options in the second part of KS3 Assessment; Challenges and Opportunities today Wednesday 12th February 4pm 

To access the live webinar and recording you will need an annual subscription.

If you or your school don’t already have an annual subscription, it’s easy to subscribe and you get access to the popular subject networks and ongoing professional development. £150/free trial.

Until next time

Mary