Assessment - Key stage 3

Assessment for learning, or formative assessment, is an on-going process. Teachers should:

make the learning objectives and success criteria clear to pupils
review whether the objectives have been achieved
give pupils guidance on how to improve in order to achieve the objectives
give pupils opportunities to develop skills of self and peer assessment
use assessment outcomes to inform lesson planning

Assessment of learning, or summative assessment, takes place at the end of a unit of work, a term, or school year.
The science gap analysis spreadsheet is produced yearly. The questions are summarised and typed onto the spreadsheet in order, ready for the school to go through the papers and note the gaps.

You can download the gap analysis spreadsheets since 2002:

Key stage 3 gap analysis spreadsheet 2004 (excel)

Key stage 3 gap analysis spreadsheet 2003 (excel)

Key stage 3 gap analysis spreadsheet 2002 (excel)

A learning wall is one way to communicate clear success criteria to pupils. It covers the learning objectives for a few weeks of work, with easier ones at the base of the wall and more difficult ones near the top. Pupils should be encouraged to use it for self-assessment by colouring in the 'bricks' they think they have achieved.
Download an example of a learning wall - energy sources (word) or a template (word) for making your own walls.