Planning and Assessment
How we plan and assess learning
At Roby Park Primary School, teachers plan learning yearly, termly/half‑termly, weekly and daily, adapting lessons to pupils’ needs and interests. In every lesson, teachers check understanding through questioning, discussion and reviewing work in progress, so pupils receive immediate feedback and clear next steps. We also use more formal assessments at key points in the year to check progress and inform teaching.
Statutory and national assessments
Reception: Baseline Assessment (RBA)
All children complete the Reception Baseline Assessment within the first six weeks of starting school. It’s a short, practical assessment of early literacy, communication, language and maths that provides a starting point for measuring progress through to Year 6. It is not a test that children can pass or fail.
Year 1: Phonics Screening Check
In June, children take the Phonics Screening Check, reading a series of real and pseudo‑words with their teacher. Pupils who don’t meet the expected standard will be supported and will re‑take the check in Year 2.
End of Key Stage 1 (Year 2): Optional tests
From 2023/24, KS1 national curriculum tests are optional. Schools may choose to use DfE materials in reading, grammar/punctuation/spelling and maths to support in‑school assessment; there is no statutory requirement to administer or report KS1 test outcomes.
Year 4: Multiplication Tables Check (MTC)
In June, Year 4 pupils complete the online Multiplication Tables Check (25 questions; six seconds per question). The purpose is to confirm quick recall of facts up to 12×12 and to identify pupils who may need further support. There is no pass mark, and results are used to inform teaching.
End of Key Stage 2 (Year 6): SATs
In May, Year 6 pupils sit tests in English reading, grammar/punctuation/spelling (GPS) and mathematics on national dates set by the Standards and Testing Agency. Writing and science are teacher‑assessed (there are no KS2 tests in these subjects).
Sharing progress with families
- You’ll be invited to meet your child’s class teacher twice a year to discuss progress and next steps.
- You’re welcome to request a meeting at any time – please contact the school office or speak to your child’s teacher at drop‑off/pick‑up.