Getting to grips with assessment: primary

A series of leaflets for teachers and others interested in assessment

Many people assume that ‘assessment’ means taking a test, but assessment is broader than that. There are two main types: summative and formative (also referred to as assessment for learning). It is likely that both happen at some level in most classrooms. The key to good assessment practice is for teachers to understand what each method contributes and to build their practice to maximise the effectiveness of each. Good assessment practice allows teachers and schools to use assessment data to best effect, to move teaching and learning forward, and to maximise student achievement.

This series of leaflets provides information about this high-profile area of teaching and learning, and gives advice from practitioners. Among other things, the leaflets address formative and summative assessment methods, how to handle performance data and teacher assessment of performance, and how to make best use of test and other data. Wider issues such as how to put together and implement an assessment policy for a school and how to communicate assessment information are also covered.

To download a copy of any leaflet in the series, select the leaflet from the list below and click on the download button.